Death Clock

This week's guest is Dr. Craig Heller, a Stanford biology professor who has spent decades studying thermoregulation, circadian rhythms, and human performance. Dr. Heller explains his groundbreaking discovery that cooling specific hairless surfaces of the body (the palms, soles, and face) can dramatically extend endurance, strength, and recovery. From enabling athletes to push past muscle failure to offering practical solutions for both heat exhaustion and hypothermia, his research has profound implications for training, competition, and even medical recovery. It’s a fascinating conversation about how the body manages heat, why performance often fails when it does, and how simple interventions might redefine human limits. Hope you enjoy.

In this episode, Brent speaks with Dr. Matthew Johnson about the use of psychedelic therapy for enhancing mental health. Dr. Johnson is a Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Johns Hopkins University and most recently a Senior Investigator in Psychedelics at Sheppard Pratt further. The discussion spans the fundamental aspects of these substances, their application in therapy, and what one can expect from a psychedelic experience. This conversation sheds light on the preparation required prior to embarking on such a journey, offers detailed insights on dosage and the experience itself, and emphasizes the importance of integration post-experience. Hope you enjoy. NOTE: this episode was recorded on March 12, 2024. The episode is NOT an endorsement of psychedelics. Please consult a licensed physician if it is something you are interested in trying.

In this episode, Brent sits down with Dr. B. Brett Finlay, a microbiologist at the University of British Columbia, to talk about the human microbiome. They explore how the trillions of microbes living in and on us affect everything from immunity to aging, why diversity is key to long-term health, and how diet, environment, and everyday habits can shape our microbial communities. Dr. Finlay also discusses the risks of over-sanitization, the promise of microbiome therapies, and what we can do now to better support our “second genome.” It’s a great conversation, hope you enjoy.

In this episode of Death Clock, Brent speaks with Dr. Diana Hill, psychologist, author, and host of the Wise Effort podcast. They explore the intersection of movement and psychological flexibility, drawing from Dr. Hill’s book, I Know I Should Exercise, But…. She explains how Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) can help people overcome mental barriers to exercise, shifting the focus from rigid workout routines to a broader view of movement as a way to align with personal values. Dr. Hill shares her personal journey with eating disorders and perfectionism, illustrating how movement, when approached with self-compassion and intention, can be a tool for healing rather than punishment. Whether you’re struggling to start a fitness routine or looking to redefine your relationship with movement, this episode offers a fresh, empowering perspective. Hope you enjoy.

This week, Brent sits down with Nikki Mark, author of Tommy’s Field: A Story of Love, Loss, and Transformation. Nikki shares the heartbreaking story of losing her 12-year-old son, Tommy, who went to sleep one night and did not wake up. She reflects on life before this tragedy, her close bond with Tommy, and how this unimaginable loss reshaped her world. As Nikki recounts her path forward, she describes the journey of creating Tommy’s Field, a community soccer field in Los Angeles, as a tribute to her son’s spirit. Through this project, Nikki found a way to honor Tommy’s love for play while offering a place for other children to enjoy and celebrate life.    If you would like to donate to or learn more about the Tommy’s Field initiative, you can visit tm23foundation.org. Thank you for listening.

In this episode, Brent sits down with Dr. Richard Maurer, a naturopathic doctor and author of The Blood Code, a book about metabolic health. They discuss markers like A1C, LDL, HDL, triglycerides, and how these impact risks for conditions such as diabetes and heart disease. Dr. Maurer shares his personal journey of reversing prediabetes and provides actionable insights on diet, exercise, and maintaining a balance between endurance and weight training to optimize health. The conversation then shifts to Dr. Maurer’s approach to his Parkinson’s diagnosis. With a focus on information, community, and proactive measures, he details how he has adapted his lifestyle to slow the progression of this neurodegenerative disease. 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.

Join Dr. Diane Reidy-Lagunes, a leading clinical oncologist at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, as she shares her insights on cancer prevention and early detection. They explore groundbreaking topics like full-body scans and blood tests for early diagnosis. Dr. Reidy-Lagunes highlights the crucial role of lifestyle factors in combating cancer, including diet and exercise, while discussing the alarming rise in colon cancer rates. The conversation emphasizes empowering health choices over relying solely on technology for cancer prevention.

In this episode of Death Clock, Brent talks with Dr. Thomas Seyfried, an impassioned biologist and leading voice in the metabolic theory of cancer. Seyfried argues that the origins of cancer lie not in mutations, but in dysfunctional mitochondria, and that treating cancer as a metabolic disease opens the door to radically different therapies. They explore the promise and pitfalls of ketogenic diets, fasting, and metabolic interventions, and challenge conventional thinking on everything from chemo to cancer screening. Hope you enjoy.

After a routine heart scan reveals a potentially life-threatening anomaly, host Brent Franson speaks with return guest Dr. Todd Dorfman and his cardiologist Dr. Jamie Doucet to unpack what it means and what to do next. Their conversation broadens to the topics of anomalous coronary arteries, the role of advanced heart scans in preventative care and the gray areas of modern cardiology. They unpack the promise and pitfalls of early detection, the tradeoffs between lifestyle and surgery and how to navigate scary data with humility, evidence and expert guidance. It’s a fascinating episode, hope you enjoy.