
The Peter Attia Drive
Expert insight on health, performance, longevity, critical thinking, and pursuing excellence. Dr. Peter Attia (Stanford/Hopkins/NIH-trained MD) talks with leaders in their fields.
Latest episodes

65 snips
May 19, 2025 • 11min
#349 - AMA #71: Building strength and muscle mass: how to optimize training, nutrition, and more for longevity
Explore the vital role of muscle mass and strength in boosting longevity and health. Discover essential training strategies like progressive overload and safe practices tailored for every fitness level. Learn why muscle matters for metabolic health and injury prevention. Delve into key nutrition tips, including optimal protein intake and the role of creatine. Enjoy a humorous anecdote from a school visit, illustrating children's curiosity about health. This insightful discussion is packed with practical advice for optimizing your fitness journey.

204 snips
May 12, 2025 • 2h 13min
#348 ‒ Women’s sexual health, menopause, and hormone replacement therapy (HRT) | Rachel Rubin, M.D.
Dr. Rachel Rubin is a board-certified urologist and a leading expert on sexual health, particularly for women. She discusses the often-ignored complexities of women’s sexual health, hormonal changes during menopause, and the critical need for personalized hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Dr. Rubin clarifies misconceptions surrounding HRT and emphasizes the benefits of local vaginal therapies. She also highlights the significant health risks of menopause, including osteoporosis and cognitive decline, advocating for improved awareness and education in this field.

262 snips
May 5, 2025 • 33min
#347 – Peter’s takeaways on mastering sleep, dealing with chronic pain, developing breakthrough cancer drugs, transforming healthcare with AI, advancing radiation therapy, and healing trauma | Quarterly Podcast Summary #5
Dive into the fascinating world of health and wellness! Discover how trauma influences behavior and the healing journey. Learn effective strategies for mastering sleep through cognitive behavioral therapy. Unpack misconceptions around radiation therapy in cancer treatment. Explore the latest advancements in oncology thanks to AI technology. Plus, insights on managing chronic pain and the impact of emotional trauma on mental health. This summary is packed with actionable knowledge and fresh perspectives on complex health topics!

169 snips
Apr 28, 2025 • 2h 6min
#346 - Scaling biotech and improving global health: lessons from an extraordinary career in medicine | Susan Desmond-Hellmann, M.D., M.P.H.
Dr. Susan Desmond-Hellmann, a physician and scientist with a rich career in oncology and global health, shares her incredible journey through medicine. She recounts her experiences during the early AIDS crisis and her pivotal role in developing cancer therapies like Herceptin. The discussion deepens around the potential of AI in transforming healthcare, the innovations at Genentech, and the complexities of navigating drug development. Susan also reflects on leadership in global health, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and trust in public health initiatives.

383 snips
Apr 21, 2025 • 2h 47min
#345 ‒ Chronic pain: pathways, treatment, and the path to physical and psychological recovery | Sean Mackey, M.D., Ph.D.
Sean Mackey, a renowned pain medicine professor at Stanford, dives deep into the complex nature of chronic pain. He discusses the evolutionary purpose of pain and how different individuals experience it uniquely. Mackey explores various treatment strategies, from traditional medications to innovative techniques like TENS, emphasizing the intertwined nature of physical and psychological factors. He also shares insights on the impact of sleep on pain sensitivity and the historical evolution of pain management, providing a comprehensive view of this multifaceted challenge.

123 snips
Apr 14, 2025 • 22min
#344 - AMA #70: Nicotine: impact on cognitive function, performance, and mood, health risks, delivery modalities, and smoking cessation strategies
This discussion dives into the intriguing world of nicotine, unpacking its distinction from tobacco and its various health effects. The addictive properties and risks associated with nicotine use, like cardiovascular issues and mood changes, are examined. Different delivery methods are evaluated for safety, ranging from traditional cigarettes to newer alternatives. The potential cognitive benefits and performance enhancements linked to nicotine are explored, along with strategies for quitting and minimizing health risks.

164 snips
Apr 7, 2025 • 2h 12min
#343 – The evolving role of radiation: advancements in cancer treatment, emerging low-dose treatments for arthritis, tendonitis, and injuries, and addressing misconceptions | Sanjay Mehta, M.D.
Sanjay Mehta, a seasoned radiation oncologist with over 20 years of experience at St. Joseph's Medical Center, delves into the fascinating world of radiation therapy. He discusses groundbreaking advancements that target cancer while sparing healthy tissues. Mehta also unveils the promising role of low-dose radiation for treating arthritis and sports injuries, challenging misconceptions about radiation safety. To lighten the mood, he shares a fun conversation about cars with Peter, connecting their mutual passion for speed and engineering.

707 snips
Mar 31, 2025 • 44min
#342 ‒ Aging well: Peter shares strategies for improving longevity with residents at a senior living center
This conversation dives into health and well-being for seniors, emphasizing the importance of strength training to maintain independence and prevent falls. It highlights the critical role of nutrition, particularly protein intake, alongside strategies for better sleep and brain health. Peter discusses emotional wellness and social connections as key factors for aging gracefully. The discussion also addresses chronic disease management and the need to focus on quality of life, making it clear that it's never too late to enhance longevity and well-being.

751 snips
Mar 24, 2025 • 2h 5min
#341 - Overcoming insomnia: improving sleep hygiene and treating disordered sleep with cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia | Ashley Mason, Ph.D.
In this discussion, Dr. Ashley Mason, a clinical psychologist and UCSF associate professor, shares her expertise on cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia. She breaks down effective techniques like time in bed restriction and managing racing thoughts. Listeners learn about the significance of sleep hygiene, optimal temperatures, and the influence of blue light on sleep. Dr. Mason also highlights how mindfulness can support sleep treatment and introduces innovative uses of AI in personalized sleep therapy. It's a treasure trove of insights for better sleep!

704 snips
Mar 17, 2025 • 25min
#340 - AMA #69: Scrutinizing supplements: creatine, fish oil, vitamin D, and more—a framework for understanding effectiveness, quality, and individual need
In this engaging discussion, listeners are introduced to a practical framework for evaluating dietary supplements. Key topics include the complexities of popular options like creatine, fish oil, and vitamin D. Insightful critiques challenge conventional wisdom about supplement effectiveness. Additionally, there's a focus on the need for personalized analysis and critical thinking, empowering individuals to make informed choices regarding their health strategies. Creatine’s benefits are specifically explored, including its role in athletic performance and cognitive function.