Death Clock

In this episode of Death Clock, Brent speaks with Dr. Nazish Sayed, a Stanford cardiologist and vascular biologist, to cut through the confusion about cholesterol, heart disease, and statins. Dr. Sayed breaks down what LDL, HDL, and ApoB really mean, why high cholesterol is more about your biology than your breakfast, and how inflammation and genetics drive plaque buildup long before symptoms appear. He explains how statins work and why their benefits far outweigh the risks for most people. It's an evidence-based exploration of one of medicine's most misunderstood topics. Hope you enjoy.

Brent chats with Dr. John Buse, a leading endocrinologist at UNC, known for his expertise in diabetes and GLP-1s. They explore the science behind GLP-1 agonists like Ozempic, highlighting their effectiveness in weight loss, diabetes management, and cardiovascular health. Dr. Buse shares his personal weight-loss journey with these drugs and stresses the importance of protein intake to preserve muscle. The conversation also dives into the ethics of pharma, the risks of stopping GLP-1s, and the need for better preventive care in medicine.

In this episode of Death Clock, Brent speaks with Dr. Matthew Taylor, the director of the Brain Nutrition Lab at the University of Kansas Medical Center, to break down everything you need to know about the ketogenic diet. They talk about what it is, how it works, and what science actually says about its benefits. Dr. Taylor explains how shifting the body's fuel source from glucose to ketones can improve metabolic health, sharpen cognitive function, and even show promise in slowing diseases like Alzheimer's. They cover the basics of entering ketosis, the truth about "keto flu," the role of fasting, and why the diet's effects on cholesterol and heart health are more nuanced than most headlines suggest. Hope you enjoy.

In this episode, Brent speaks with Dr. Arthur Agatston, world-renowned cardiologist, creator of the South Beach Diet, and the pioneer behind the Agatston Score, better known as the calcium score. Dr. Agatston explains how this simple, low-cost CT scan can reveal hidden plaque in the arteries long before symptoms arise, offering a far more accurate predictor of heart attack risk than cholesterol numbers alone. They dig into why most heart attacks happen in people with "normal" cholesterol, how genetics and lifestyle play into risk, when to start screening, and the promise and pitfalls of more advanced imaging. He's a phenomenal guest, hope you enjoy.

This week's guest is Dr. Yaakov Stern, Florence Irving Professor of Neuropsychology at Columbia University Medical Center. Dr. Stern and Brent discuss the science and lived reality of Alzheimer's disease and dementia. They talk about what distinguishes normal cognitive aging from dementia, how biomarkers like amyloid and tau shape diagnosis, and why new drugs may slow the disease. Dr. Stern shares insights from decades of research on cognitive reserve, prevention, and lifestyle factors such as sleep, exercise, and social engagement that can delay onset or lessen severity. Hope you enjoy.

This week on Death Clock, Brent speaks with Dr. Gina Woods, an endocrinologist and osteoporosis specialist at UC San Diego, to demystify DXA scans and explain why bone density and body-composition testing matter for longevity. Dr. Woods walks through what a DXA actually measures, why visceral fat and low muscle mass can be invisible but metabolically dangerous, and how simple, practical steps can prevent decline. She also addresses barriers to wider screening, the difference between clinical DXA and walk-in body-composition scans, and why early testing can reveal silent bone loss that routine labs won't catch.If you want concrete, evidence-based ways to protect your bones and body composition as you age, then this episode is for you. Hope you enjoy.

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.