

Longevity by Design
Gil Blander PhD
Longevity by Design is your go-to podcast for unlocking the secrets to a longer, healthier life. Hosted by Dr. Gil Blander, a renowned scientist and entrepreneur in the fields of aging, nutrition, and personalized health, this show dives into cutting-edge research and practical strategies for optimizing your healthspan and lifespan.In each episode, Dr. Blander sits down with leading longevity and health scientists to explore how we can live better, longer lives. From unpacking complex scientific concepts to sharing the latest advancements in aging research, Longevity by Design offers science-backed insights and actionable advice to help you add years to your life—and life to your years.Dr. Blander is the founder and Chief Scientific Officer of InsideTracker, a healthspan company that leverages blood tests, DNA analysis, fitness tracker data, and other biomarkers to deliver personalized health recommendations. With a Ph.D. in biology from the Weizmann Institute of Science and postdoctoral research at MIT, Dr. Blander brings decades of expertise and passion to every conversation.Tune in to Longevity by Design and discover how to live a longer, healthier, and more vibrant life.
Episodes
Mentioned books

10 snips
Aug 23, 2023 • 55min
Insulin Resistance, Weight Management, and Eating Optimally with Dr. Mitch Roslin
Dr. Mitch Roslin, an expert in insulin resistance and weight management, discusses the causes and prevention of insulin resistance through diet and lifestyle. He shares insights on managing weight and eating optimally for metabolic health, including the ketogenic diet and intermittent fasting. Topics include the role of insulin in the body, preventing insulin resistance, the ideal diet for preventing obesity, and the benefits of walking after meals.

Aug 9, 2023 • 1h 3min
How Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy improves cognition with Dr. Shai Efrati
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is a medical treatment in which patients breathe pure oxygen at higher than normal atmospheric pressure. This increases the amount of oxygen dissolved in body tissues, enabling tissue rejuvenation and accelerated recovery. Historically, HBOT has been used for chronic wounds like diabetic foot ulcers, radiation injuries, and non-healing surgical wounds. However, the research on HBOT is evolving and has recently suggested its use can have regenerative effects on the brain. At the forefront of this research is the Sagol Center in Israel, where scientists have shown that HBOT can also induce brain tissue regeneration and neuroplasticity, even years after brain injuries. These findings are expanding HBOT’s potential therapeutic uses for conditions like cognitive decline, traumatic brain injuries, stroke recovery, chronic pain, and other medical conditions. This episode of Longevity by Design features an exclusive interview with the founder and director of the Sagol Center, Dr. Shai Efrati. Dr. Efrati explains the science behind HBOT and how this treatment improves cognition. He details how oxygen fluctuations trigger the body's regenerative processes within the brain. He also underscores the importance of precision and exactness in using medical-grade equipment for this treatment, cautioning against the use of at-home hyperbaric oxygen therapies.TimestampsDr. Shai’s background (00:00-15:28)How exercise promotes angiogenesis (15:30-18:40)Commercialization of Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) (18:40–24:40) Health benefits of HBOT (24:40–31:31)Optimal HBOT protocol for improved cognition (31:32–37:22)Is HBOT beneficial for younger populations? (37:22–45:00)Can HBOT benefit individuals with impaired brain function? (45:01–50:40)Alzheimer's disease: Phenotypes and treatment (50:41–58:10)Top tip for brain health (58:10–end)Stay up to date at https://info.insidetracker.com/longevitybydesign

Jul 26, 2023 • 1h 1min
Using Synthetic Biology To Extend Lifespan With Dr. Nan Hao
In 2023, a study was published in the journal Science sharing a breakthrough within the longevity field. This study used synthetic biology to alter the gene networks of yeast cells, and what they found was incredible. They were able to increase the lifespan of yeast cells by 82% compared to control cells. Various media outlets have covered the study with the study’s findings sparking transformative advancements in the longevity field. This episode is an in-depth discussion with the lead scientist who worked on this 2023 study—Dr. Nan Hao. Dr. Hao provides a behind-the-scenes look into the motivation and the science behind this study. During the discussion with Dr. Hao, details this novel paper. He describes the gene network he created, why he picked the genes he did, and how what he discovered can transform longevity science going forward. Longevity by Design is produced by InsideTracker, your data-driven wellness guide for optimizing your healthspan. For a limited time, visit insidetracker.com/podcast for 20% off any InsideTracker plan.

32 snips
Jul 12, 2023 • 1h 21min
How To Prevent And Reverse Insulin Resistance with Dr. Jennifer Lovejoy
When you hear the word “insulin” what comes to mind first? If your first thought was diabetes, you are not alone. Insulin is most often associated with diabetes, but it plays a key role in many aspects of our health. Did you know that insulin is associated with brain health and cognition? Or that managing insulin levels can aid in weight management?In this episode, Dr. Lovejoy discusses insulin resistance, blood glucose control, and weight management. She shares several strategies to prevent and reverse insulin resistance through lifestyle habits to empower others to live healthier longer.Timestamps- Introduction to glucose, insulin, and insulin resistance: (1:45–5:30)- Glucose spikes and the use of continuous glucose monitors: (5:31–10:55)- Prevalence of diabetes and prediabetes: (10:55–18:27)- Insulin's impact on brain health and cognition: (18:28–21:20)- Insulin studies in model organisms: (21:21–24:50)- Dietary fat and insulin resistance: (24:50–30:00) - Glycemic index and glycemic load: (30:01–34:20)- The ketogenic diet and insulin resistance: (34:20–42:20)- Postmenopausal women and insulin resistance: (42:20–49:00)- The future of GLP-1 agonists: (49:00–57:30)- AMA: Insulin resistance: (57:31–1:17:50)- Top tip for optimal fasting insulin levels (1:17:51–end)

9 snips
Jun 21, 2023 • 1h 9min
Dr. Jennifer Lovejoy—How Hormone Balance and Optimal Metabolism Promote Healthy Aging
Dr. Jennifer Lovejoy, a seasoned translational scientist specializing in nutrition and behavioral change, shares eye-opening insights on hormone balance and metabolism. She discusses how factors beyond diet can drive insulin resistance and weight gain. Dr. Lovejoy highlights the importance of specific foods for managing menopausal symptoms, often misrepresented in media. The conversation also covers the critical relationship between exercise, hormonal changes, and their impact on aging. Tune in for a fresh perspective on optimizing health through informed choices!

Jun 7, 2023 • 1h 3min
Dr. John Oliffe—Overlooking Men’s Mental Health: A Threat To Longevity
In this episode of Longevity By Design, Dr. Gil Blander welcomes guest Dr. John Oliffe, a renowned expert on men’s mental health. Dr. Blander and Dr. Oliffe discuss the intricacies and challenges regarding mental health faced by men in today’s world, and how when left unaddressed, can threaten men’s longevity. They delve into the complexities of modern masculinity and how traditional expectations impact men’s emotional well-being. Throughout the conversation, Dr. Oliffe shares insight into health disparities faced by men and the challenges stigmas men face. Dr. Oliffe shares actionable prevention strategies for men and offers valuable advice like establishing daily routines, gaining awareness of emotional health, and prioritizing meaningful relationships and connections. And while this episode discusses men’s mental health—people of all sexes can benefit from learning more about how men’s mental health impacts longevity.This episode of Longevity by Design discusses men’s physical and mental health. The following topics are discussed: depression, anxiety, suicide, substance abuse, risk-taking, divorce, domestic violence, and more. The subject matter may be distressing or triggering for some individuals. Please proceed with caution if you continue to read this article. Longevity by Design is produced by InsideTracker, your data-driven wellness guide for optimizing your healthspan. Longevity by Design is produced by InsideTracker, your data-driven wellness guide for optimizing your healthspan. For a limited time, visit insidetracker.com/podcast for 20% off any InsideTracker plan.

May 24, 2023 • 1h 8min
Dr. Emma Teeling—DNA Repair Mechanisms and Aging: Lessons From Bats
In this episode of Longevity By Design, Dr. Gil Blander interviews Dr. Emma Teeling, a leading bat researcher from the University of Dublin. They delve into the extraordinary world of bats, discussing how these mammals hold the key to understanding disease resistance, immunity, and longevity. Dr. Teeling explains the unique immune system of bats and their ability to suppress inflammation—which is considered one of the primary drivers of aging. Many lessons from bats can be applied to humans, including how bats manage the immune response to viruses. In this conversation, Dr. Teeling also explores the impressive DNA repair mechanisms bats possess and its contribution to bats’ healthspan. Dr. Teeling shares insights into her groundbreaking research, which has the potential to uncover innovative treatments for aging and various health conditions. Listen to the full episode to discover how understanding bats can help improve human health and longevity.Longevity by Design is produced by InsideTracker, your data-driven wellness guide for optimizing your healthspan. For a limited time, visit insidetracker.com/podcast for 20% off any InsideTracker plan.

May 10, 2023 • 1h 30min
Dr. Renee Deehan—Why Everyone Should Care About Women’s Health
In this episode of Longevity by Design, Dr. Renee Deehan discusses pertinent topics of women's health—and why women's health should matter to all. Hormone levels shift throughout a woman's lifespan, and the symptoms and risks associated with suboptimal hormone levels have an economic burden worth addressing. Tune in to learn how Dr. Deehan integrates blood biomarker testing, genomics, and fitness tracker data to steer conversations regarding health outcomes.To learn more about critical hormone markers to measure during a woman’s reproductive and menopausal years, visit insidetracker.com/womenshealthLongevity by Design is produced by InsideTracker, your data-driven wellness guide for optimizing your healthspan. For a limited time, visit insidetracker.com/podcast for 20% off any InsideTracker plan.

Apr 26, 2023 • 1h 25min
Dr. Leroy Hood + Dr. Nathan Price—How Assessing Biological Age Improves Wellness
In this episode of Longevity By Design, Dr. Leroy Hood and Dr. Nathan Price discuss their approach to scientific wellness—distilling data into a simple, actionable measurement: biological age. Their goal is to leverage technology to compile data from the brain, body, gut microbiome, and more to create a model for scientific wellness. Dr. Leroy Hood and Dr. Nathan Price aim to integrate scientific wellness into the healthcare system—shifting the focus from disease-care to preventative lifestyle habits that promote wellness. Tune in to hear from the leading experts in the field of Longevity. For science-backed ways to live a healthier longer life, download InsideTracker's Top 5 biomarkers for longevity eBook at insidetracker.com/podcast

Apr 12, 2023 • 56min
Dr. Rachele Pojednic—How Exercise Improves Healthspan
In this episode of Longevity By Design, Dr. Rachele Pojednic describes the mechanism behind how exercise improves healthspan—discussing different modes of exercise and how each caters to a key health metric. Muscle integrity declines as we age, and Dr. Pojednic shares why preserving this tissue is critical for healthspan. She encourages listeners to choose the best physical activity type for themselves and quantifies how much exercise they should get per week. Finally, Dr. Pojednic discusses a passion of hers—how the scientific community can improve communication with the general public and vice versa.For science-backed ways to live a healthier longer life, download InsideTracker's Top 5 biomarkers for longevity eBook at insidetracker.com/podcast