What Is NRF2 and How It Works

Is aging a disease… or just part of being human?

In this episode, David Roberts and Dr. John Gildea dig into that big question. They talk about how our modern habits may be speeding up aging, why inflammation sits at the center of so many health problems, and what science is uncovering about slowing things down.

From stem cells and cellular therapies to diet, supplements, and the power of sulforaphane, you’ll hear how everyday choices and cutting-edge research are coming together to help us live longer, healthier lives.

🚨 For the next week, Align loyal listeners can get an exclusive 25% off all Mara Labs products when you go to www.mara-labs.com and use code ALIGN at checkout. After October 5th, the code will return to the standard 15% off.

OUR GUESTS

David Roberts is the co-founder and managing partner of Mara Labs, a company developing science-backed dietary supplements focused on sustainability and integrity. Driven by a passion for health optimization, David launched Mara Labs to bridge clinical research with accessible wellness solutions. Under his leadership, Mara Labs created BrocElite® Plus—the first naturally stabilized sulforaphane supplement—and BerbElite®, a highly bioavailable berberine for metabolic support. The brand is known for transparency, clean formulations, and evidence-based innovation. When he's not developing supplements or diving into research, David enjoys outdoor adventures with his sons, exploring sustainable agriculture, and advocating for toxin-free living.

Dr. John Gildea is the Chief Science Officer and co-founder of Mara Labs, where he leads research on cellular resilience, detoxification, and aging biology. With a Ph.D. in molecular biology and decades of biomedical research experience, he brings deep scientific rigor to product development. For over 20 years, Dr. Gildea has studied redox biology, gene expression, and the body’s antioxidant systems—especially the NRF2 pathway, which protects against oxidative stress. His research laid the foundation for BrocElite®, the first shelf-stable, clinically relevant sulforaphane supplement. Author of over 60 peer-reviewed publications, Dr. Gildea frequently partners with institutions exploring how natural compounds influence inflammation, gene expression, and longevity. At Mara Labs, Dr. Gildea’s role ensures that every product is rooted in evidence, optimized for bioavailability, and designed with systems biology in mind.

DAVID AND DR. JOHN'S SOCIALS

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🌐 WEB ▶ https://mara-labs.com/

AARON ALEXANDER

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🎵 TT ▶ https://www.tiktok.com/@alignpodcast

🌍 WEB ▶ https://www.alignpodcast.com

ABOUT

Aaron Alexander is a pioneering manual therapist and movement coach with over 5 years experience. He is the founder and creator of The Align Method, author of The Align Method book, and host of The Align Podcast which has ranked #1 in Nutrition on Apple Podcasts.

Aaron has worked with some of the world’s greatest professional athletes, performers, and celebrities to help relieve pain, improve strength, better flexibility, and ease the mind and body.

On this channel, Aaron interviews renowned experts in a range of fields focused on improving the mind and body. This mind and body podcast will teach you all that you need to know to become the healthiest version of yourself by integrating simplified ancient techniques and the foundational principles of The Align Method to strengthen your body, balance the mind, and activate healing systems in daily life.

TOPICS

1. Longevity Tips

2. Anti-aging Science

3. NRF2 activation

4. Sulforaphane science

5. Longevity supplements

6. Inflammation and aging

SPONSORS

Head over to www.organifi.com/align and use code ALIGN for 20% off your purchase.