

The Genius Life
Max Lugavere
Science-first wellness podcast that is equal parts rigorous, rebellious, and ridiculously useful. Hosted by Max Lugavere, health and science journalist, New York Times bestselling author, and one of the most trusted voices in nutrition and longevity.
Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice.
Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jan 12, 2026 • 1h 6min
541: Can a Pill Help You Live Longer? The Science Behind NAD and Longevity | Robert Fried
In this discussion, Robert Fried, CEO of Tru Niagen and a longevity entrepreneur with a diverse background, dives into the fascinating world of NAD and its role in cellular energy and aging. He explains how boosting NAD supports DNA repair and mitochondrial health, linking it to conditions like Parkinson's. Fried offers insights on the effectiveness of nicotinamide riboside (NR) as a supplement, discusses environmental toxins' impact on mitochondrial function, and shares his journey from Hollywood to the forefront of longevity science.

17 snips
Jan 7, 2026 • 1h 8min
540: What Keeps Chronic Inflammation Turned On, and How to Turn It Off | Josh Redd, NMD
Dr. Josh Redd, a naturopathic physician and author of The Inflammatory Reset, dives into the nuances of chronic inflammation and its role in various diseases. He discusses how inflammation manifests through common symptoms like joint pain and brain fog. Redd highlights diet as a critical factor, pinpointing gluten, dairy, and sugar as major triggers. He also shares innovative vagus nerve stimulation techniques to enhance digestion. Additionally, Redd emphasizes the importance of stabilizing blood sugar and explores the potential of stem cell therapies in treating injuries.

56 snips
Jan 5, 2026 • 1h 16min
539: The One Gut Mistake Fueling Inflammation and Wrecking Your Digestion | Will Bulsiewicz, MD
Dr. Will Bulsiewicz, known as 'Dr. Will,' is a gastroenterologist and gut-health expert, author of 'Plant Powered Plus.' In this conversation, he delves into chronic inflammation's roots in gut health, linking it to over 130 health conditions. Dr. Will explains why the modern diet and lifestyle undermine gut integrity and emphasizes fiber's vital role in promoting longevity. He also reveals practical steps for gut healing, highlights the perils of ultra-processed foods, and even shares insights on proper pooping positions for better digestion.

34 snips
Dec 31, 2025 • 1h 19min
538: Ultra-Processed Foods, Inflammation and the Hidden Risk to Your Brain | Max Lugavere and Tim Gray
Max Lugavere, a health journalist and brain health advocate, dives into the impacts of ultra-processed foods on cognitive function. He shares his personal journey driven by his mother's dementia diagnosis, highlighting how diet and lifestyle modifications can significantly influence brain health. Discussing the dangers of chronic inflammation and the benefits of nutrients such as creatine, he emphasizes the importance of prevention. Max also insists on balancing meat with plant-based foods for overall cognitive longevity, while advocating for fermented foods to boost gut health.

55 snips
Dec 29, 2025 • 1h 12min
537: How to Reset Your Nervous System, Heal Chronic Inflammation, and Tame Autoimmunity | Kevin Tracey, MD
Dr. Kevin Tracey, a renowned neurosurgeon and vagus nerve researcher, shares insights on how the nervous system oversees inflammation and its implications for autoimmune diseases. He emphasizes the significance of understanding the vagus nerve beyond popular wellness trends. Tracey discusses several fascinating topics, including the complex interplay between breathing and heart rate, potential therapies for conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, and the body's neural network's role in mental health. His groundbreaking work could reshape future treatments for autoimmune and neuropsychiatric disorders.

47 snips
Dec 24, 2025 • 1h 20min
536: The One Mental Shift to Make Pressure, Criticism, and Stress Easier in 2026 | Michael Gervais, PhD
Michael Gervais, a performance psychologist known for coaching elite athletes, shares insights on mastering the mind for high performance. He tackles imposter syndrome and the fear of others' opinions (FOPO), emphasizing the importance of purpose in resilience. Gervais highlights mental training techniques, like converting pressure into presence and practical daily practices for wellness. He also discusses the value of acknowledging emotions and the role of community in overcoming low moods. This is a treasure trove of strategies for thriving under stress!

8 snips
Dec 22, 2025 • 1h 3min
AMA 3: Fasting for Fat Loss, Optimal Protein Intake for Health and Muscle, Creatine With Coffee, and More
Discover the art of fasting for effective fat loss and how optimal protein intake can boost your health and muscle gains. Learn why coffee doesn't interfere with creatine benefits, and get the scoop on affordable supplements that work. Unpack the myths surrounding soy and understand its moderate role in men's diets. Explore collagen's role in aging, and why timing meals strategically can ease social eating dilemmas. Plus, hear insights on protein's relationship with cancer and practical supplement advice for seniors.

9 snips
Dec 17, 2025 • 1h 11min
535: The Surprising Link Between Foot Health, Longevity, and Brain Health | Courtney Conley, DC
Dr. Courtney Connolly, a foot and gait specialist, discusses the surprising connection between foot health and overall wellness. She highlights how weak feet can lead to various pains and even impact longevity and brain health. Courtney delves into the importance of proper footwear, advocating for wide toe boxes and minimal cushioning. She emphasizes the significance of daily stepping and walking, recommending tailored walking programs to improve health. Plus, she shares practical foot care tips, making a strong case for healthy feet as the foundation of a healthy life.

15 snips
Dec 15, 2025 • 1h 20min
534: How Women Can Age With More Energy, Clarity, and Confidence | Mindy Pelz, DC
Mindy Pelz, DC, a bestselling author and expert in women's health, discusses the transformative journey of menopause. She explains how menopause rewires the brain, enhancing clarity and confidence, and presents the grandmother hypothesis, illustrating the vital role of post-reproductive women in society. Mindy shares insights on how fasting and a primal diet can empower menopausal women, advocating for strategic fasting practices and lifestyle changes to optimize metabolic health. Her nuanced view on hormone replacement therapy emphasizes personalized approaches alongside lifestyle adjustments.

46 snips
Dec 10, 2025 • 1h 20min
533: How to Ease Inflammation and Support Your Brain, Heart, and Joints Naturally | Dave Watumull
Dave Watumull, co-founder and CEO of AX3, dives into the incredible benefits of astaxanthin, a potent nutrient found in wild salmon. He explains how this ‘longevity vitamin’ can reduce inflammation, support heart and brain health, and even improve skin elasticity. With insights from nearly 4,000 research papers, Dave discusses its mechanisms in combating oxidative stress and its role in clinical studies for conditions like rheumatoid arthritis. He also shares practical dosing tips and how astaxanthin can benefit not just humans but pets too!


