The Optispan Podcast with Matt Kaeberlein

Related Episode(s):Biological Age & what it REALLY means | 9 - Longevity Science #3: https://youtu.be/DcxgEwQKx8Q?si=y1iF4RviJc0n__gW

In this deep dive, Matt examines the growing trend of direct-to-consumer biological (epigenetic) age testing kits, exploring their purpose, popularity, and limitations. He outlines his experimental design to evaluate the accuracy and precision of these tests, addressing important questions about what they truly measure and how reliable they are. Matt unpacks the difference between biological and chronological age, discusses the co-marketing strategies employed by these companies, and reflects on his own results to provide a critical perspective on the value of these kits.

0:00 Introduction

2:17 Experimental Design

3:03 Key Questions

5:15 Marketing Strategies of Bio-Age Companies

6:15 Biological Age vs. Chronological Age

6:49 Measuring Biological Age

8:32 Limitations of Epigenetic Clocks

13:23 Accuracy and Precision

15:49 Data Analysis

19:22 Matt’s Biological Age Results

22:53 Key Takeaways

24:50 Sanity Checks

31:58 Conclusions

Producers: Tara Mei, Nicholas Arapis

Video Editor: Jacob Keliikoa

DISCLAIMER: The information provided on the Optispan podcast is intended solely for general educational purposes and is not meant to be, nor should it be construed as, personalized medical advice. No doctor-patient relationship is established by your use of this channel. The information and materials presented are for informational purposes only and are not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We strongly advise that you consult with a licensed healthcare professional for all matters concerning your health, especially before undertaking any changes based on content provided by this channel. The hosts and guests on this channel are not liable for any direct, indirect, or other damages or adverse effects that may arise from the application of the information discussed. Medical knowledge is constantly evolving; therefore, the information provided should be verified against current medical standards and practices.

More places to find us:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/optispanpodcast

Twitter: https://twitter.com/optispan

Twitter: https://twitter.com/mkaeberlein

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/optispan

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/optispanpodcast/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@optispan

https://www.optispan.life/

Hi, I'm Matt Kaeberlein. I spent the first few decades of my career doing scientific research into the biology of aging, trying to understand the finer details of how humans age in order to facilitate translational interventions that promote healthspan and improve quality of life. Now I want to take some of that knowledge out of the lab and into the hands of people who can really use it.

On this podcast I talk about all things aging and healthspan, from supplements and nutrition to the latest discoveries in longevity research. My goal is to lift the veil on the geroscience and longevity world and help you apply what we know to your own personal health trajectory. I care about quality science and will always be honest about what I don't know. I hope you'll find these episodes helpful!

In this episode, Matt sits down with Thomas Seager, an associate professor at Arizona State University (ASU), to explore the challenges and future directions of healthcare. Drawing from his background in environmental engineering and public health, Thomas discusses the pressing health issues affecting longevity in Americans and a potential shift from a reactive healthcare model to one that emphasizes proactive health management. Together, Matt and Thomas examine the complexities of early disease detection, the promise and limitations of AI in analyzing biomarkers, and the difficulties of separating reliable information from misinformation in today’s digital landscape. Thomas shares his personal experiences with biomarkers and resilience practices, such as cold exposure therapy, while he and Matt discuss the biases in medical research and differing approaches to health.

Thomas is an Associate Professor at ASU in the School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment. His research focuses on sustainable engineering and resilience, addressing topics such as infrastructure resilience, sustainable energy systems, and environmental ethics. He is also the co-founder of Morozko Forge, a company that promotes cold immersion therapy as a means of supporting metabolic resilience.

0:00 Introduction

2:34 Environmental engineering and public health

6:29 Major health crises affecting longevity

10:30 Public’s evolving views on modern healthcare

11:45 “Repair Shop” mentality in medicine

12:59 Two key questions: Advancing proactive medicine and filtering out misinformation

16:00 Understanding biomarkers

18:35 Weighing the risks and rewards of early detection

25:10 Japan’s 1991 Cold Stimulation Study

31:10 Bias and skepticism in medical research—different perspectives

39:12 The positivist approach to hypothesis-driven work

Producers: Tara Mei, Nicholas Arapis

Video Editor: Jacob Keliikoa

DISCLAIMER: The information provided on the Optispan podcast is intended solely for general educational purposes and is not meant to be, nor should it be construed as, personalized medical advice. No doctor-patient relationship is established by your use of this channel. The information and materials presented are for informational purposes only and are not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We strongly advise that you consult with a licensed healthcare professional for all matters concerning your health, especially before undertaking any changes based on content provided by this channel. The hosts and guests on this channel are not liable for any direct, indirect, or other damages or adverse effects that may arise from the application of the information discussed. Medical knowledge is constantly evolving; therefore, the information provided should be verified against current medical standards and practices.

More places to find us:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/optispanpodcast

Twitter: https://twitter.com/optispan

Twitter: https://twitter.com/mkaeberlein

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/optispan

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/optispanpodcast/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@optispan

https://www.optispan.life/

Subscribe to our channel: https://www.youtube.com/@optispan

Grief: one of the most profound emotions humanity shares; a universal experience that transcends time, culture, and place; a phenomenon as ancient as human existence. Grief is as intrinsic to the human experience as joy or hope, and no one escapes it—to grieve is to be human.

In this episode, Matt and Nick discuss their recent personal experiences with grief and loss. Matt lost his German Shepherd Dobby to degenerative myelopathy, while Nick's father succumbed to health issues precipitated by heavy alcohol use. Together they explore how grief affects mental and physical health, including how it affects the four Pillars of Healthspan—Eat, Sleep, Move, and Connect—as well as the hallmarks of aging. They also discuss the tricky emotions that can accompany grief, the different ways people react to change, and the unanticipated positives of negative experiences.

Producers: Tara Mei, Nicholas Arapis

Video Editor: Jacob Keliikoa

DISCLAIMER: The information provided on the Optispan podcast is intended solely for general educational purposes and is not meant to be, nor should it be construed as, personalized medical advice. No doctor-patient relationship is established by your use of this channel. The information and materials presented are for informational purposes only and are not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We strongly advise that you consult with a licensed healthcare professional for all matters concerning your health, especially before undertaking any changes based on content provided by this channel. The hosts and guests on this channel are not liable for any direct, indirect, or other damages or adverse effects that may arise from the application of the information discussed. Medical knowledge is constantly evolving; therefore, the information provided should be verified against current medical standards and practices.

More places to find us:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/optispanpodcast

Twitter: https://twitter.com/optispan

Twitter: https://twitter.com/mkaeberlein

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/optispan

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/optispanpodcast/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@optispan

https://www.optispan.life/

Hi, I'm Matt Kaeberlein. I spent the first few decades of my career doing scientific research into the biology of aging, trying to understand the finer details of how humans age in order to facilitate translational interventions that promote healthspan and improve quality of life. Now I want to take some of that knowledge out of the lab and into the hands of people who can really use it.

On this podcast I talk about all things aging and healthspan, from supplements and nutrition to the latest discoveries in longevity research. My goal is to lift the veil on the geroscience and longevity world and help you apply what we know to your own personal health trajectory. I care about quality science and will always be honest about what I don't know. I hope you'll find these episodes helpful!

Subscribe to our channel: https://www.youtube.com/@optispan

Related episode:

People are GETTING THIS WRONG about Supplements & My Supplement List: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_UXk_ynCNUs

In this episode, Matt sits down with naturopathic doctor and primary care provider Kim Celmer to discuss the distinct approach naturopathic doctors (NDs) bring to patient care, addressing common misconceptions about complementary and alternative treatment modalities and explaining how NDs treat prevalent issues like digestive problems, food sensitivities, and nutrient deficiencies. They dive into the distinctions between food allergies and sensitivities and how NDs manage these through a holistic lens. Celmer provides practical advice on managing heartburn and other digestive concerns, along with insights on nutritional insufficiencies and the impact of common medications on gut health. This episode is a practical guide for anyone interested in a holistic approach to health.

Kim Celmer, ND, is a naturopathic doctor specializing in primary care. After earning her doctorate from Bastyr University, she completed a residency in naturopathic medicine at the Institute of Complementary Medicine in Seattle, focusing on integrative approaches to hormone health, digestive wellness, and chronic disease management.

Producers: Tara Mei, Nicholas Arapis

Video Editor: Jacob Keliikoa

DISCLAIMER: The information provided on the Optispan podcast is intended solely for general educational purposes and is not meant to be, nor should it be construed as, personalized medical advice. No doctor-patient relationship is established by your use of this channel. The information and materials presented are for informational purposes only and are not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We strongly advise that you consult with a licensed healthcare professional for all matters concerning your health, especially before undertaking any changes based on content provided by this channel. The hosts and guests on this channel are not liable for any direct, indirect, or other damages or adverse effects that may arise from the application of the information discussed. Medical knowledge is constantly evolving; therefore, the information provided should be verified against current medical standards and practices.

More places to find us:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/optispanpodcast

Twitter: https://twitter.com/optispan

Twitter: https://twitter.com/mkaeberlein

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/optispan

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/optispanpodcast/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@optispan

https://www.optispan.life/

Hi, I'm Matt Kaeberlein. I spent the first few decades of my career doing scientific research into the biology of aging, trying to understand the finer details of how humans age in order to facilitate translational interventions that promote healthspan and improve quality of life. Now I want to take some of that knowledge out of the lab and into the hands of people who can really use it.

On this podcast I talk about all things aging and healthspan, from supplements and nutrition to the latest discoveries in longevity research. My goal is to lift the veil on the geroscience and longevity world and help you apply what we know to your own personal health trajectory. I care about quality science and will always be honest about what I don't know. I hope you'll find these episodes helpful!

Subscribe to our channel: https://www.youtube.com/@optispan

Related episode:

Defining "Healthspan" & its role in LIVING LONGER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cI6CNFeBl88

Author and physician Peter Attia popularized the concept of "Medicine 3.0", the third in a series of distinct phases—Medicine 1.0 and Medicine 2.0 included—that describe the evolution of medicine as we know it.

In this episode, Matt takes us through these phases and proposes a "Medicine 4.0" as the best next step beyond Peter's Medicine 3.0. He discusses the reactive disease care approach of Medicine 2.0, noting that while it has done a stellar of job of increasing life expectancy through developments such as widespread antibiotic use, sanitation improvements, and childhood mortality reductions, it has not been quite as useful at improving healthspan. People may stay alive for longer than they used to, but many of them spend this extra time alive suffering from at least one significant chronic disease or disability that significantly impedes their vitality and quality of life. Matt suggests several approaches we should take to kick off Medicine 4.0 and also presents an even longer-range version of the future: Medicine 5.0.

Producers: Tara Mei, Nicholas Arapis

Video Editor: Jacob Keliikoa

DISCLAIMER: The information provided on the Optispan podcast is intended solely for general educational purposes and is not meant to be, nor should it be construed as, personalized medical advice. No doctor-patient relationship is established by your use of this channel. The information and materials presented are for informational purposes only and are not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We strongly advise that you consult with a licensed healthcare professional for all matters concerning your health, especially before undertaking any changes based on content provided by this channel. The hosts and guests on this channel are not liable for any direct, indirect, or other damages or adverse effects that may arise from the application of the information discussed. Medical knowledge is constantly evolving; therefore, the information provided should be verified against current medical standards and practices.

More places to find us:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/optispanpodcast

Twitter: https://twitter.com/optispan

Twitter: https://twitter.com/mkaeberlein

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/optispan

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/optispanpodcast/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@optispan

https://www.optispan.life/

Hi, I'm Matt Kaeberlein. I spent the first few decades of my career doing scientific research into the biology of aging, trying to understand the finer details of how humans age in order to facilitate translational interventions that promote healthspan and improve quality of life. Now I want to take some of that knowledge out of the lab and into the hands of people who can really use it.

On this podcast I talk about all things aging and healthspan, from supplements and nutrition to the latest discoveries in longevity research. My goal is to lift the veil on the geroscience and longevity world and help you apply what we know to your own personal health trajectory. I care about quality science and will always be honest about what I don't know. I hope you'll find these episodes helpful!

Subscribe to our channel: https://www.youtube.com/@optispan

How much longer might humans live?

This question has fascinated scientists, philosophers, and dreamers for centuries. The average human lifespan has already increased dramatically over the past hundred years thanks to advances in medicine, public health, and technology, and the prospect of radically extending human life remains one of humanity’s most compelling frontiers.

A recent paper published in the scientific journal Nature Aging argues that radical life extension is unlikely to happen in the 21st century. The paper has sparked fascinating conversation in the longevity industry around topics such as realistic deliverables for the field, the predictive value of past technological trajectories, the reasons behind lifespan decreases in the western world, incremental versus bold research goals, and where we should go from here. Matt and Nick discuss the paper and provide their own take on the prospect of radical life extension and what we can realistically expect to see in the coming decades.

Producers: Tara Mei, Nicholas Arapis

Video Editor: Jacob Keliikoa

DISCLAIMER: The information provided on the Optispan podcast is intended solely for general educational purposes and is not meant to be, nor should it be construed as, personalized medical advice. No doctor-patient relationship is established by your use of this channel. The information and materials presented are for informational purposes only and are not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We strongly advise that you consult with a licensed healthcare professional for all matters concerning your health, especially before undertaking any changes based on content provided by this channel. The hosts and guests on this channel are not liable for any direct, indirect, or other damages or adverse effects that may arise from the application of the information discussed. Medical knowledge is constantly evolving; therefore, the information provided should be verified against current medical standards and practices.

More places to find us:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/optispanpodcast

Twitter: https://twitter.com/optispan

Twitter: https://twitter.com/mkaeberlein

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/optispan

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/optispanpodcast/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@optispan

https://www.optispan.life/

Hi, I'm Matt Kaeberlein. I spent the first few decades of my career doing scientific research into the biology of aging, trying to understand the finer details of how humans age in order to facilitate translational interventions that promote healthspan and improve quality of life. Now I want to take some of that knowledge out of the lab and into the hands of people who can really use it.

On this podcast I talk about all things aging and healthspan, from supplements and nutrition to the latest discoveries in longevity research. My goal is to lift the veil on the geroscience and longevity world and help you apply what we know to your own personal health trajectory. I care about quality science and will always be honest about what I don't know. I hope you'll find these episodes helpful!

Subscribe to our channel: https://www.youtube.com/@optispan

Here's another Ask Matt Anything episode, with questions from Nick for Matt about topics ranging from the nitty-gritty of bloodwork and workout schedules to bigger-picture questions about upper limits to human lifespan, issues with the US healthcare system, and incentives for food companies to prioritize healthy options.

Producers: Tara Mei, Nicholas Arapis

Video Editor: Jacob Keliikoa

DISCLAIMER: The information provided on the Optispan podcast is intended solely for general educational purposes and is not meant to be, nor should it be construed as, personalized medical advice. No doctor-patient relationship is established by your use of this channel. The information and materials presented are for informational purposes only and are not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We strongly advise that you consult with a licensed healthcare professional for all matters concerning your health, especially before undertaking any changes based on content provided by this channel. The hosts and guests on this channel are not liable for any direct, indirect, or other damages or adverse effects that may arise from the application of the information discussed. Medical knowledge is constantly evolving; therefore, the information provided should be verified against current medical standards and practices.

More places to find us:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/optispanpodcast

Twitter: https://twitter.com/optispan

Twitter: https://twitter.com/mkaeberlein

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/optispan

https://www.optispan.life/

Hi, I'm Matt Kaeberlein. I spent the first few decades of my career doing scientific research into the biology of aging, trying to understand the finer details of how humans age in order to facilitate translational interventions that promote healthspan and improve quality of life. Now I want to take some of that knowledge out of the lab and into the hands of people who can really use it.

On this podcast I talk about all things aging and healthspan, from supplements and nutrition to the latest discoveries in longevity research. My goal is to lift the veil on the geroscience and longevity world and help you apply what we know to your own personal health trajectory. I care about quality science and will always be honest about what I don't know. I hope you'll find these episodes helpful!

Subscribe to our channel: https://www.youtube.com/@optispan

Related episodes:

Brain Disorder Expert: Tackling Alzheimer's & Other Brain Disorders with LITHIUM: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebj-3MuAKRs

Check out Woodinville Psychiatric: https://www.woodinvillepsychiatric.com/

Matt and psychiatrist Jon Berner discussed the potential of rapamycin and ketamine for treating severe depression and chronic pain, focusing on their impact on microglia and brain inflammation. They touch on how microglia, a type of immune cell found in the central nervous system that help protect the brain against infections, clear debris, and respond to injuries, shifts from an inflammatory to a reparative state in response to rapamycin and ketamine treatment. They also dive into clinical case studies of ketamine and rapamycin combinations and the complicated topic of how regulatory reform and AI collaboration might advance medical innovation.

Jon has been in solo psychiatric practice at Woodinville Psychiatric in Washington since 1997. He spent several years working at the Monroe Correctional Complex, a Washington State Department of Corrections prison. His specialties include brain disorders, particularly bipolar and psychotic illnesses, complex pain, addiction, and "undiagnosed" neuropsychiatric syndromes, and other general psychiatric disorders such as anxiety and depression. Jon has published multiple scientific papers about various topics in the realm of mood disorders and treatments for them. He holds an M.D and a PhD in neuroscience from the University of California, Los Angeles and a B.A. in psychology from Harvard University.

Producers: Tara Mei, Nicholas Arapis

Video Editor: Jacob Keliikoa

DISCLAIMER: The information provided on the Optispan podcast is intended solely for general educational purposes and is not meant to be, nor should it be construed as, personalized medical advice. No doctor-patient relationship is established by your use of this channel. The information and materials presented are for informational purposes only and are not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We strongly advise that you consult with a licensed healthcare professional for all matters concerning your health, especially before undertaking any changes based on content provided by this channel. The hosts and guests on this channel are not liable for any direct, indirect, or other damages or adverse effects that may arise from the application of the information discussed. Medical knowledge is constantly evolving; therefore, the information provided should be verified against current medical standards and practices.

More places to find us:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/optispanpodcast

Twitter: https://twitter.com/optispan

Twitter: https://twitter.com/mkaeberlein

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/optispan

https://www.optispan.life/

Hi, I'm Matt Kaeberlein. I spent the first few decades of my career doing scientific research into the biology of aging, trying to understand the finer details of how humans age in order to facilitate translational interventions that promote healthspan and improve quality of life. Now I want to take some of that knowledge out of the lab and into the hands of people who can really use it.

On this podcast I talk about all things aging and healthspan, from supplements and nutrition to the latest discoveries in longevity research. My goal is to lift the veil on the geroscience and longevity world and help you apply what we know to your own personal health trajectory. I care about quality science and will always be honest about what I don't know. I hope you'll find these episodes helpful!

Subscribe to our channel: https://www.youtube.com/@optispan

Check out the New York Times article: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/09/24/well/live/rapamycin-aging-longevity-benefits-risks.html

Related episodes:

“Zombie” Senescent cells may play HUGE role in LIVING LONGER, Here's How: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-H6cDIl6pgo

NEW PEARL Trial Results: Your Questions Answered on Aging with Rapamycin for Longevity: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JUAXqSSnXzo

Matt and Nick discuss a recent New York Times article about rapamycin and its potential as a life-extending and/or anti-aging drug (the article quotes Matt). Matt answers various questions from Nick related to the article about topics including whether one should "feel something" when taking rapamycin, precautions to take when using the drug off-label, and what we know about rapamycin and fertility, cholesterol levels, and neurodegenerative disease. Matt also discusses likely reasons behind the mixed results observed thus far in human clinical trials of rapamycin, and emphasizes the need for well-powered, randomized clinical trials to better profile and understand the true efficacy of rapamycin in humans.

Producers: Tara Mei, Nicholas Arapis

Video Editor: Jacob Keliikoa

DISCLAIMER: The information provided on the Optispan podcast is intended solely for general educational purposes and is not meant to be, nor should it be construed as, personalized medical advice. No doctor-patient relationship is established by your use of this channel. The information and materials presented are for informational purposes only and are not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We strongly advise that you consult with a licensed healthcare professional for all matters concerning your health, especially before undertaking any changes based on content provided by this channel. The hosts and guests on this channel are not liable for any direct, indirect, or other damages or adverse effects that may arise from the application of the information discussed. Medical knowledge is constantly evolving; therefore, the information provided should be verified against current medical standards and practices.

More places to find us:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/optispanpodcast

Twitter: https://twitter.com/optispan

Twitter: https://twitter.com/mkaeberlein

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/optispan

https://www.optispan.life/

Hi, I'm Matt Kaeberlein. I spent the first few decades of my career doing scientific research into the biology of aging, trying to understand the finer details of how humans age in order to facilitate translational interventions that promote healthspan and improve quality of life. Now I want to take some of that knowledge out of the lab and into the hands of people who can really use it.

On this podcast I talk about all things aging and healthspan, from supplements and nutrition to the latest discoveries in longevity research. My goal is to lift the veil on the geroscience and longevity world and help you apply what we know to your own personal health trajectory. I care about quality science and will always be honest about what I don't know. I hope you'll find these episodes helpful!