Death Clock

In this episode of Death Clock, host Brent Franson welcomes back Dr. Frank Lipman, a pioneer in functional and longevity medicine. With decades of experience, Dr. Lipman shares his insights on the fundamentals of longevity, emphasizing the critical role of diet, exercise, sleep, and stress management as the foundation for a longer, healthier life. The conversation explores the latest advancements in longevity science, from biomarker testing and supplements to cutting-edge therapies like peptides, hormone optimization, and hyperbaric oxygen treatment.  Their discussion also covers controversial topics, including full-body scans, the accuracy of various health screenings, and the efficacy of specific vaccines. Dr. Lipman shares his candid thoughts on the benefits and limitations of emerging trends, offering practical advice on how to approach health optimization without getting lost in hype. Whether you’re curious about the latest in anti-aging research or looking for practical steps to improve your long-term health, this episode provides an insightful perspective from one of the field’s leading voices. Hope you enjoy.

In this episode of Death Clock, host Brant Franson speaks with Dr. Anne Marie McCarthy, a cancer epidemiologist from the University of Pennsylvania, to unravel the complexities of breast cancer prevention and screening. They explore the role of genetics, particularly BRCA mutations, and how family history can influence screening strategies. Dr. McCarthy shares insights into the nuanced decisions around genetic counseling, the limitations of over-the-counter tests, and why population-wide genetic screening is still a topic of ongoing debate. They also discuss broader issues like the psychological and economic costs of false positives, overdiagnosis, and overtreatment. From lifestyle factors to systemic constraints in healthcare access, this episode offers a comprehensive look at what it means to be proactive when it comes to breast cancer risk. Hope you enjoy.

In this episode of Death Clock, Brent is joined by epidemiologist David Rehkopf to unpack the science behind “Blue Zones”—regions of the world where people live significantly longer than average. They dive into what these places have in common, how public policy and inequality impact life expectancy, and whether it’s possible to build healthier communities by design. It’s a conversation about environment, economics, and the invisible factors shaping how—and how long—we live. He’s a wonderful guest, hope you enjoy. 

In this episode, we welcome Dr. Norman Farb and Dr. Zindel Segal, two leading researchers in mindfulness and mental health, to explore the science behind mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) and the emerging concept of sense foraging. They discuss how the brain actively seeks and processes sensory experiences, shaping our perception of reality and emotional well-being. By understanding sense foraging, we gain insight into how attention and curiosity influence mental health, resilience, and the ability to navigate stress. Dr. Farb and Dr. Segal dive into the neurological and psychological mechanisms that underpin mindfulness, shedding light on how meditation can rewire the brain and enhance emotional regulation. They also discuss how cultivating awareness of our sensory environment can create new pathways for healing and self-discovery. It’s a fascinating episode, hope you enjoy.

Today, Brent sits down with Dr. Otis Brawley, a professor of oncology and epidemiology at Johns Hopkins University and former Chief Medical and Scientific Officer of the American Cancer Society. Dr. Brawley shares his expertise on cancer screening, shedding light on the often-overlooked risks of over-screening and unnecessary medical interventions. He challenges conventional wisdom, exploring how screenings can sometimes cause more harm than good and emphasizing the importance of evidence-based approaches to prevention and early detection. This conversation with Dr. Brawley highlights the need for prioritizing lifestyle changes, such as diet and exercise, over reliance on medical screenings alone. Hope you enjoy.

This week on Death Clock, Brant speaks with Dr. Anna Pavlick, a leading oncologist at Weill Cornell, to break down everything you need to know about skin cancer — from prevention to treatment. They cover the three most common types of skin cancer (basal cell, squamous cell, and melanoma), why early detection is critical, and what to actually look for when checking your skin. Dr. Pavlick shares actionable advice on how simple habits like wearing sunscreen, avoiding tanning beds, and regular dermatologist visits can make a life-saving difference. They also explore the latest advancements in skin cancer treatment, including the rise of immunotherapy and promising new research using AI and cellular therapies. This episode is a must-listen for people of all demographics. Hope you enjoy.

In this episode of Death Clock, host Brent Franson interviews Dr. Scott Forbes, a leading expert on creatine supplementation and its benefits for health, fitness, and longevity. Dr. Forbes explains the science behind creatine, debunking common myths and highlighting its benefits beyond muscle building. From improving strength and endurance to potential cognitive and metabolic advantages, creatine emerges as a powerful and underappreciated tool for enhancing overall health. Dr. Forbes also provides practical advice on how to supplement effectively and safely, emphasizing its broad appeal for people across various ages and activity levels. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete, an older adult looking to maintain muscle mass, or simply someone curious about optimizing health, this episode offers a comprehensive guide to one of the most researched and effective supplements available today. Hope you enjoy.

This week on Death Clock, host Brent Franson sits down with Dr. Ulka Vaishampayan, a leading oncologist and prostate cancer researcher at the University of Michigan, for a comprehensive conversation on one of the most common cancers affecting men. Dr. Vaishampayan breaks down the basics of prostate health—what the prostate does, how it changes with age, and what symptoms may indicate a problem. They also explore who should be screened and when, how PSA testing works, and so much more. It’s an important episode, hope you enjoy.   

In this episode of Death Clock, host Brent Franson sits down with Dr. Antonio Abbate, a cardiologist and expert in inflammation, to explore the hidden dangers of chronic low-grade inflammation. While you may associate inflammation with visible symptoms like swelling or redness, Dr. Abbate explains how internal inflammation, often unnoticed, plays a critical role in increasing the risk of heart disease, diabetes, dementia, and other chronic illnesses. He breaks down the science behind inflammation, its connection to immune system overactivity, and why modern lifestyles contribute to a persistent inflammatory state that can silently harm long-term health. Whether you’re looking to optimize your longevity or better understand the silent effects of chronic inflammation, this episode provides critical insights into a growing health concern. Hope you enjoy.

This week on Death Clock, Brent speaks with journalist and author Nicole Karlis about the connection between altruism and longevity. Nicole, author of Your Brain on Altruism, shares research-backed insights into how acts of kindness, generosity, and volunteering can positively impact both mental and physical health. They discuss how altruism isn’t just about helping others – it also fosters a sense of purpose, strengthens community ties, and can even contribute to a longer, healthier life. Brent and Nicole explore the science behind these benefits, including studies showing that people who regularly give back experience lower stress levels, improved well-being, and even reduced risk of chronic diseases. Whether you’re looking for a new perspective on well-being or simply interested in the science of giving, this episode offers compelling reasons to integrate more acts of kindness into daily life. Hope you enjoy.