The Peter Attia Drive

Celia Morgan, a Professor of Psychopharmacology at the University of Exeter, dives into the fascinating world of ketamine and its potential as a mental health treatment. She discusses its unique neurobiology, comparing it with classic psychedelics like LSD. Celia highlights the promise of ketamine for treatment-resistant depression and alcohol addiction, emphasizing its effectiveness when combined with psychotherapy. She also addresses the risks of misuse and the importance of careful regulation, providing valuable insights for those considering its therapeutic applications.

In this engaging discussion, Shireen Rizvi, a clinical psychology professor and DBT expert, dives into Dialectical Behavior Therapy's surprisingly broad applications. She reveals how DBT, originally designed for borderline personality disorder, helps with emotional regulation and self-destructive behaviors. Shireen shares practical skills like 'wise mind,' 'radical acceptance,' and the 'DEAR MAN' technique, making DBT accessible for everyone. She also emphasizes mindfulness and its role in navigating emotional challenges, demonstrating DBT's transformative potential.

Explore the intriguing balance of exercise and longevity in this insightful discussion. Discover the 'J-curve' concept, where increased activity can lower mortality risk until it reaches a threshold. Delve into the optimal dose of exercise needed for health and its surprising effects on chronic diseases. Learn about METs, the measurement tool for exercise intensity, and how they can help tailor your fitness routine. This engaging talk also addresses the rare risks associated with extreme exercise levels and the importance of finding the right balance.

Mike Joyner, a physician-researcher at the Mayo Clinic and a global authority on exercise physiology, explores the powerful link between exercise and longevity. He discusses how various exercises combat age-related health declines and enhance fitness. Joyner also dives into VO2 max—its measurement and improvement—and its correlation with reduced mortality. Providing training insights, he emphasizes exercise intensity and volume while addressing the potential risks of overtraining. The conversation encourages practical strategies for maintaining physical health as we age.

Josh Rabinowitz, a Princeton professor specializing in cellular metabolism, dives into the fascinating world of metabolomics, explaining the intricate roles of NAD+ in energy production and health. He discusses how NAD levels decline with age and evaluates the benefits of supplementation. The conversation also highlights the intersection of cancer metabolism and immunotherapy, suggesting promising avenues for future cancer treatments. Additionally, he touches on glucose regulation, lactate's role as a fuel, and the complexities of measuring key metabolites.

Michael Gershon, a renowned Professor at Columbia University, dives deep into the fascinating world of the gut-brain connection. He reveals how the gut communicates with the brain and vice versa, underscoring the unique roles of serotonin in digestion. Topics include the effect of diet on satiety signaling, the impact of antidepressants on gut health, and the complexities of gut microbiome testing. Gershon also discusses 'leaky gut' and the importance of probiotics, offering insights into how our dietary choices influence our overall health.

Delve into the essentials of bone health for all ages. Discover how bone mineral density fluctuates and why it's crucial to maintain strong bones. Learn about the roles of osteoblasts and osteoclasts in bone composition and the vital impact of nutrition and exercise. Vitamin D’s importance in calcium absorption is highlighted, along with the risks linked to poor bone health, including the severe impact of hip fractures. Strategies for enhancing bone density and minimizing damage during inactivity are also discussed.

Max Diehn, a Professor of Radiation Oncology at Stanford and an expert in lung cancer, delves into the fascinating world of liquid biopsies. He explains how these non-invasive blood tests can detect circulating tumor DNA, revolutionizing cancer detection. Diehn discusses the balance of sensitivity and specificity in cancer screening and explores the potential of cell-free DNA as biomarkers. He envisions a future where liquid biopsies can predict patient outcomes and improve early cancer detection, ultimately transforming treatment decisions.

Ric Elias, the founder of Red Ventures, shares his life-altering experience surviving US Airways Flight 1549. He reflects on the profound changes in his perspective, emphasizing gratitude, love, and community after facing mortality. Elias discusses the lessons learned about time being the ultimate currency and how to raise children in a culture obsessed with achievement. He delves into the power of saying 'no' and the importance of living fully while nurturing meaningful relationships, underscoring what truly matters in life.

Stephan Guyenet, a neuroscientist and author of "The Hungry Brain," dives into the intriguing world of obesity. He discusses the historical shifts in obesity rates and the genetic and hormonal factors influencing our body weight. Guyenet critiques popular obesity theories—the carbohydrate-insulin model versus the energy balance model—while revealing how modern foods exploit our brain's pleasure centers, complicating weight management. He provides insights on the roles of leptin and the hypothalamus in regulating appetite, plus tips for leveraging neuroscience to manage weight effectively.