Death Clock

In this episode, Brant converses with Dr. Todd Dorfman, a Boulder-based concierge physician, to explore the future of preventative health care. They discuss the differences between concierge and traditional primary care, including why structural and economic constraints prevent most doctors from practicing truly individualized medicine. Dr. Dorfman breaks down powerful diagnostic tools like CT coronary angiography and full-body MRI, explaining the benefits and limitations of early screening for heart disease and cancer. They also cover emerging longevity treatments like metformin and GLP-1 agonists, and how Dr. Dorfman tailors these for patients long before they’re in crisis. It’s a compelling look at what personalized medicine can really do when it’s practiced on your own terms. Hope you enjoy.

In this episode of Death Clock, Brent speaks with Dr. Steve Messier, a leading expert on osteoarthritis and biomechanics, about the myths and realities of joint health. They explore how weight, injury, gender, and exercise all factor into knee pain and degradation, and why “wear and tear” is an oversimplified diagnosis. Dr. Messier shares practical, research-backed advice on how to care for your joints. He also highlights surprising findings about the benefits of strength training, the limits of supplements, and how lifestyle may be the most powerful intervention of all. Hope you enjoy.

In this episode of Death Clock, Brent speaks with Dr. Connie Weaver, a leading nutrition and bone health researcher, to explore how our bones grow, weaken, and can be protected throughout life. From calcium-rich diets and weight-bearing exercise in childhood to the overlooked risks of osteoporosis in men, Dr. Weaver shares scientific findings and public health insights that challenge the way we think about aging, hormones, and prevention. She’s a great guest, hope you enjoy.

On today’s episode of Death Clock, host Brent Franson speaks with Dr. Aric Prather, a professor at UCSF, clinical psychologist, and author of The Sleep Prescription: Seven Days to Unlocking Your Best Rest. Dr. Prather unpacks the critical relationship between sleep and stress, explaining how poor sleep increases stress sensitivity and creates a vicious cycle that can degrade long-term health. They also discuss the latest in sleep research, including wearables like the Oura Ring and Eight Sleep, and how these tools can help—or hinder—our understanding of rest. They also explore the role of diet, nighttime routines, and the often-overlooked psychological aspect of sleep perception. Whether you struggle with insomnia, want to optimize your rest, or are simply curious about the science of sleep and longevity, this episode provides helpful insights from one of the leading experts in the field. Hope you enjoy.

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.