The Dan Buettner Podcast The Happiness Lab: Eat Like the People Who Live Happily to 100
Nov 27, 2025
Dan Buettner, a National Geographic explorer and bestselling author renowned for his Blue Zones research, joins Dr. Laurie Santos to discuss the secrets of living happily and healthily into old age. They explore the concept of Blue Zones—areas known for longevity—and share insights on diet, community, and the importance of social ties. Buettner emphasizes practical advice, from cooking nutritious meals to creating supportive environments, illustrating how small changes can enhance both lifespan and happiness.
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What A Blue Zone Actually Is
- Blue Zones are demographically confirmed places where people live the longest due to environmental and cultural factors.
- Dan Buettner reverse-engineered longevity by finding common denominators across those hotspots.
Plants And Beans Drive Longevity
- Blue Zone diets are 90–95% plant-based, focused on whole grains, greens, tubers, nuts and especially beans.
- Eating a cup of beans daily predicts about four extra years of life expectancy.
Movement Is Built Into Life
- Blue Zones embed physical activity into daily life through walkable environments and manual work.
- Their unconscious movement equals about 9,000–11,000 steps a day versus ~4,000 for Americans.
