In this episode of Up One, host Sawyer Stone and molecular biologist Dr. Bill Andrews return to the fascinating subject of aging, moving beyond the myths to focus on the tangible science of telomeres. Dr. Andrews shares the personal story that ignited his career and explains his "ride tickets" and "tug-of-war" analogies for telomere shortening and lengthening. He reveals how his lifestyle, from ultramarathon running to a plant-based diet, is a conscious effort to slow down this process and discusses the crucial difference between products that lengthen telomeres and those that only appear to do so. This episode offers a deep dive into the practical actions, from diet and exercise to specific supplements, that can genuinely impact your longevity, while also exploring the future of age reversal.

Resources:

• Inflammation Nation: The First Clinically Proven Eating Plan to End Our Nation's Secret Epidemic by Floyd H. Chilton, Ph.D.
  With Laura Tucker
• Prevent and Reverse Heart Disease: The Revolutionary, Scientifically Proven, Nutrition-Based Cure by Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn

Dr. Bill Andrews (he/him) is a molecular biologist and a pioneer in aging research, best known for discovering the human telomerase gene while at Geron Corporation. Now the CEO of Sierra Sciences, he is dedicated to finding therapies that activate telomerase to extend human lifespan. A passionate ultramarathoner, Dr. Andrews combines science and endurance in his mission to slow aging at the cellular level.

Sawyer Stone (they/she) is the Director of Administrative Services at Touchstone Essentials, a wellness company rooted in clean, plant-based supplements. With a sharp eye for strategy and a deep commitment to operational excellence, Sawyer helps keep the company moving smoothly behind the scenes. Off the clock, Sawyer is a dedicated soccer player and is passionate about building community on and off the field.

Many of us think blood sugar is only a concern for diabetics, but as Dr. Bill Andrews explains, glucose regulation plays a pivotal role in everyone's overall health. In this episode of Up One, Dr. Bill and co-host Sawyer Stone dive deep into the science of blood glucose, exploring how everything from the foods we eat to our daily habits can impact energy, cognitive function, and even the aging process. We'll debunk common myths, discover surprising facts about sugar substitutes, and learn practical strategies for managing your glucose levels to boost your longevity and disease prevention.

Dr. Bill Andrews (he/him) is a molecular biologist and a pioneer in aging research, best known for discovering the human telomerase gene while at Geron Corporation. Now the CEO of Sierra Sciences, he is dedicated to finding therapies that activate telomerase to extend human lifespan. A passionate ultramarathoner, Dr. Andrews combines science and endurance in his mission to slow aging at the cellular level.

Sawyer Stone (they/she) is the Director of Administrative Services at Touchstone Essentials, a wellness company rooted in clean, plant-based supplements. With a sharp eye for strategy and a deep commitment to operational excellence, Sawyer helps keep the company moving smoothly behind the scenes. Off the clock, Sawyer is a dedicated soccer player and is passionate about building community on and off the field.

Why, despite decades of research and billions in funding, do diseases like cancer, Alzheimer’s, and heart disease remain uncured? In this episode, Sawyer Stone and Dr. Bill Andrews explore the scientific, economic, and institutional barriers that stand in the way of true medical breakthroughs. From the politics of research funding to the myths about superfoods and supplements, this conversation separates fact from fiction—and reveals why science isn’t the obstacle, funding is.

Resources:

• Inflammation Nation: The First Clinically Proven Eating Plan to End Our Nation's Secret Epidemic by Floyd H. Chilton, Ph.D.
  With Laura Tucker
• The Kaufmann Protocol: Why we Age and How to Stop it by Dr Sandra Charlotte Kaufmann

Dr. Bill Andrews (he/him) is a molecular biologist and a pioneer in aging research, best known for discovering the human telomerase gene while at Geron Corporation. Now the CEO of Sierra Sciences, he is dedicated to finding therapies that activate telomerase to extend human lifespan. A passionate ultramarathoner, Dr. Andrews combines science and endurance in his mission to slow aging at the cellular level.

Sawyer Stone (they/she) is the Director of Administrative Services at Touchstone Essentials, a wellness company rooted in clean, plant-based supplements. With a sharp eye for strategy and a deep commitment to operational excellence, Sawyer helps keep the company moving smoothly behind the scenes. Off the clock, Sawyer is a dedicated soccer player and is passionate about building community on and off the field.

What if aging isn’t just inevitable, but a solvable biological puzzle? In this inaugural episode of Up One, hosts Sawyer Stone and Dr. Bill Andrews take a deep dive into the science of aging—from the cellular wear and tear that kicks off the process to the role of telomeres, telomerase, and lifestyle choices in determining how long (and how well) we live.

Dr. Bill breaks down the hard science behind why we age, challenges common misconceptions about anti-aging supplements and therapies, and reveals which interventions, like reducing inflammation and consistent, low-stress exercise, are actually worth your time. They also dig into controversial topics like senolytics, gene therapy, and whether humans could (or should) evolve beyond aging.

If you're curious about whether we can extend healthspan, reverse cellular aging, or even outsmart our own biology, this episode separates science from hype with a critical meta-analysis of the latest research.

Tune in to find out:

• Why telomeres are the “ride tickets” of cellular life
• The evolutionary reason we age—and why that might be changing
• How inflammation, lifestyle, and genetics shape your biological clock
• What’s legit (and what’s not) in the booming anti-aging industry
• Why Dr. Bill says the key to longevity might be… keeping exercise fun

References:

• Inflammation Nation by Floyd Chilton
• Healthy Heart, Healthy Brain by Bradley Bale, MD and Amy Doneen, DNP with Lisa Collier Cool
• Prevent and Reverse Heart Disease: The Revolutionary, Scientifically Proven, Nutrition-Based Cure by Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn
• The Telomere Effect: A Revolutionary Approach to Living Younger, Healthier, Longer by Dr. Elizabeth Blackburn and Dr. Elissa Epel

Dr. Bill Andrews (he/him) is a molecular biologist and a pioneer in aging research, best known for discovering the human telomerase gene while at Geron Corporation. Now the CEO of Sierra Sciences, he is dedicated to finding therapies that activate telomerase to extend human lifespan. A passionate ultramarathoner, Dr. Andrews combines science and endurance in his mission to slow aging at the cellular level.

Sawyer Stone (they/she) is the Director of Administrative Services at Touchstone Essentials, a wellness company rooted in clean, plant-based supplements. With a sharp eye for strategy and a deep commitment to operational excellence, Sawyer helps keep the company moving smoothly behind the scenes. Off the clock, Sawyer is a dedicated soccer player and is passionate about building community on and off the field.

Welcome to Up One, the podcast that cuts through the noise in health and wellness. Join host Sawyer Stone and longevity scientist Dr. Bill Andrews as they dive into the real science behind today’s most talked-about supplements, therapies, and diagnostics. In this trailer, we break down what Critical Meta-Analysis means, what makes our approach different, and why Up One is your trusted source for evidence-based insights into aging and human performance. If you're tired of hype and ready for facts, hit play—and take it Up One.