

Extend Podcast with Darshan Shah, MD
Darshan Shah, MD
Extend with Darshan Shah, MD is a podcast dedicated to cutting-edge science, research, tools, and protocols designed to help you extend your healthspan.
Starting my medical journey at 16 and becoming one of the youngest doctors in the country, studying and training at the Mayo Clinic, Harvard Business School, Singularity University and other prestigious institutions, becoming a board certified surgeon and accumulating over two decades of practice, I have discovered that a mere 20% of health knowledge yields 80% of the results.
That's why this podcast is all about cutting through the noise on how to turn back the aging clock.
I interview world-renowned medical practitioners, doctors, experts, and thought leaders, offering you a step-by-step guide and actionable advice to proactively avoid disease and optimize your health.
Plus, I share weekly solo episodes giving you quick, digestible protocols for successfully extending your healthspan.
Starting my medical journey at 16 and becoming one of the youngest doctors in the country, studying and training at the Mayo Clinic, Harvard Business School, Singularity University and other prestigious institutions, becoming a board certified surgeon and accumulating over two decades of practice, I have discovered that a mere 20% of health knowledge yields 80% of the results.
That's why this podcast is all about cutting through the noise on how to turn back the aging clock.
I interview world-renowned medical practitioners, doctors, experts, and thought leaders, offering you a step-by-step guide and actionable advice to proactively avoid disease and optimize your health.
Plus, I share weekly solo episodes giving you quick, digestible protocols for successfully extending your healthspan.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jan 7, 2025 • 1h 30min
21. Dr. Jay Shah: The Deadly Effects of Hypertension You’re Not Aware Of
Dr. Jay Shah, a seasoned cardiologist and Chief Medical Officer at Aktiia, dives deep into the hidden dangers of hypertension, often called the 'silent killer.' He highlights how half the population is unaware of their condition, leading to grave health consequences. Jay shares insights on innovative continuous blood pressure monitoring technology, the link between stress and hypertension, and the impact of lifestyle changes. He emphasizes the importance of proactive management and the potential of new diagnostic tools to transform heart health.

Dec 31, 2024 • 2h 35min
20. Dr. Rangan Chatterjee: Burnout Is Rewiring Your Brain—Here’s How to Take Back Control
Dr. Rangan Chatterjee, a leading figure in functional medicine and best-selling author, discusses the unseen toll of burnout. He explains how modern life's stressors, from emails to social media, can rewire our brains and lead to chronic fatigue. Listeners learn about the power of micro-habits like quick workouts and tea rituals in combating burnout. Dr. Chatterjee emphasizes aligning daily actions with personal values and introduces the 'three M’s' framework: mindfulness, movement, and mindset, to foster intentional living and overall well-being.

5 snips
Dec 26, 2024 • 11min
19. The Supplement Myths You Need to Stop Believing
Dive into the confusion of dietary supplements as myths are debunked and personalization is highlighted. Discover why modern diets often lack essential nutrients and which foundational supplements are crucial. Learn about the role of advanced supplements for cognitive and metabolic health. Get insights on ensuring quality and safety in your supplement choices and how blood work and genetic testing can guide your health journey. This discussion is a goldmine for anyone looking to optimize their health with smart supplementation.

Dec 24, 2024 • 1h 20min
18. Dr. Dale Bredesen: This Hidden Risk is Damaging Your Brain, Can Alzheimer’s Be Reversed + The New Breakthroughs Everyone Needs to Know
Dr. Dale Bredesen, a brain health pioneer and author of 'The End of Alzheimer’s', shares groundbreaking insights on reversing cognitive decline. He explains the importance of early detection and personalized medicine, emphasizing how inflammation and toxins can impact brain health. Dr. Bredesen introduces innovative protocols like Recode and Precode, highlighting patient success stories. The discussion also covers the role of chronic infections and the ApoE4 gene, offering hope and actionable strategies for maintaining cognitive vitality as we age.

Dec 19, 2024 • 12min
17. Why Your Diet Isn’t Working (And What Actually Does)
Are you trapped in the cycle of endless dieting and calorie counting? For years, we've been told that weight loss is as simple as “calories in, calories out,” but if that’s true, why do so many of us still struggle? What if the problem isn’t just the numbers, but how we think about them? In this episode of theExtend podcast, I take a closer look at why the traditional approach to calorie control fails—and what you can do instead. From the science behind metabolic rate to the surprising impact of ultra-processed foods on your hunger and hormones, I’m going to break down the three key levers for weight management: calorie restriction, dietary restriction, and time-restricted eating. I also reveal why most diets are destined to fail and how small, sustainable changes can transform not just your weight, but your overall health and energy levels. If you’re ready to break free from ineffective methods and embrace a smarter approach, this episode is packed with insights you don’t want to miss. Tune in to discover how you can not just lose weight but feel better in your own skin. We Also Discuss: (01:51-02:58) Not All Calories Are Created Equal (03:31-04:20) The Japanese Secret to Mindful Eating (06:50-07:28) Where Your Calories Go: Total Energy Expenditure (08:58-09:38) Why Diets Fail 90% of the Time (10:22-11:37) Time-Restricted Eating: Is Fasting for You? Thank You to Our Sponsors: TruNiagen: Whether you are looking to stay sharp, feel more energized or simple age better, go to https://www.truniagen.com/ Learn more about Dr. Shah: Website: https://www.drshah.com/ Clinic: https://www.next-health.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/darshanshahmd/

Dec 17, 2024 • 1h 45min
16. JJ Virgin: The Real Reason You’re Not Building Muscle (+ What to Do Instead)
Join JJ Virgin, a four-time New York Times best-selling author and a leader in fitness and nutrition, as she shares her insights on muscle health and longevity. Discover why muscle maintenance is vital for metabolism and strength. JJ emphasizes the power of high-intensity interval training for achieving fitness goals and offers practical advice on protein intake. She reveals how to customize workouts for any lifestyle, while discussing the importance of supplements like creatine for women. Tune in to uncover strategies for optimized health and better workouts!

Dec 12, 2024 • 16min
15. How to Reverse Metabolic Syndrome
Discover the crucial link between metabolic health and chronic diseases affecting millions. Learn how mitochondria power your metabolism and why tracking key biomarkers is essential. Uncover the transformative role of continuous glucose monitors in managing your health. Get practical tips to stabilize energy levels, flatten glucose spikes, and embrace healthy lifestyle changes. With actionable strategies for diet, exercise, and stress management, this discussion empowers you to take control of your metabolic health and enhance your vitality.

Dec 10, 2024 • 1h 53min
14. Darin Olien: The Deceptive Nature of Ultra-Processed Foods, Toxins in our Products, Top Tips on Nutrition, Daily Stress Busters + More
Darin Olien, a wellness pioneer and co-host of Netflix's 'Down to Earth,' dives into the world of ultra-processed foods and their hidden toxins. He emphasizes the transformative power of cutting out these foods and opting for whole ingredients. The conversation touches on practical lifestyle changes, like staying hydrated and practicing nose breathing, that boost mental clarity and resilience. Olien also examines the impact of food subsidies on health and the importance of mindful eating, all while advocating for reconnecting with nature for improved well-being.

Dec 5, 2024 • 15min
13. Are You Fueling or Failing Your Body?
Are you overwhelmed by all the conflicting diet advice out there? In this episode of Extend, I simplify it all with a framework that works: the good, the bad, and the ugly of food. We’ll dive deep into how to structure your meals around nutrient-dense choices that nourish your body, help you maintain energy, and support long-term health. I’ll walk you through the truth about carbs, proteins, and fats—what you should embrace, what you should avoid, and what’s downright harmful. You’ll learn why certain carbs can fuel your energy while others spike your blood sugar, why not all fats are created equal, and how to make smarter protein choices. This isn’t about restrictions—it’s about eating smarter. Tune in to learn how to build a sustainable diet using the 80/20 rule and tips to enjoy your meals while avoiding harmful foods. We Also Discuss: (00:01) Optimizing Health and Longevity Through Nutrition (08:36) Flipping the Food Pyramid: A New Approach to Eating (12:02) The Ugly Truth About Highly Processed Foods (17:07) Navigating Good, Bad, and Ugly Fats (19:58) How to Apply the 80/20 Rule to Your Diet Thank You to Our Sponsor: IFIT: If you are looking to elevate your home gym fitness experience with the best in fitness tech, choose IFIT. Go to https://www.ifit.com/ Learn more about Dr. Shah: Website: https://www.drshah.com/ Clinic: https://www.next-health.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/darshanshahmd/

Dec 3, 2024 • 1h 38min
12. Kayla Barnes-Lentz: Female-Specific Health Approach, Reducing Toxins from Daily Products, Aligning Routines with Menstrual Cycles, Understanding Your Genetics + More!
What if you could get the full potential of your health by tailoring it to your unique genetic blueprint? Ever wondered how personalized wellness could transform your approach to health and well-being? In this episode of Extend with Dr. Shah, we dive into this fascinating concept with biohacking expert Kayla Barnes Lentz, a pioneer in personalized female health. Kayla shares her insights on the unique challenges women face, from PCOS and autoimmune conditions to endometriosis and menstrual issues, and explains why a female-specific approach is crucial. She emphasizes that foundational health practices—nutrition, stress management, sleep, and movement—are accessible to everyone and are the building blocks of long-term well-being + her best tips on how to optimize each. Kayla is the Co-Owner of LYV The Wellness Space, one of the country’s most innovative precision medicine and biology upgrading clinics. Kayla is also the creator and host of the Longevity Optimization Podcast and co-founder of the Health Optimization Fund. We also discuss: (03:55) Optimal Health Through Free Actions (06:13) Toxic Burden from Daily Personal Care Products (08:56) Toxicity Levels in Therapeutic Treatment (12:24) Switching to Healthier, Affordable Products (19:11) TV Red Light Feature Illuminate Home (30:20) Carnivore Diet - Pros and Cons (34:30) Importance of Sleep Monitoring (49:03) Aligning Routines with Menstrual Cycles (48:26) Female-Specific Health Approach (56:20) Nutrition and Supplements for Women (01:04:43) Optimizing Nutrition With Technology (01:26:34) Exploring Health Gadgets and Free Alternatives (01:31:38) Maximizing Routine for Youthful Health Thank you to our sponsors: Timeline: https://www.timeline.com/ TruNiagen: https://www.truniagen.com/ IFit: https://www.ifit.com/ To learn more about Dr. Darshan Shah: Website: https://www.drshah.com/ Clinic: https://www.next-health.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/darshanshahmd/ To learn more about Kayla Barnes-Lentz: Website: https://www.kaylabarnes.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kaylabarnes/?hl=en