The Peter Attia Drive

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.

Dive into a nutritional journey exploring the complexities of fruits and vegetables. Discover how your health status shapes your dietary choices and why eating whole fruits differs from drinking their juices. Unpack the intricate world of phytochemicals and their potential benefits and drawbacks. Learn about metabolic health beyond just BMI and the role of fiber in your diet. The episode also touches on the murky waters of nutritional data, shedding light on the challenges of making informed recommendations.

Benoît Arsenault, a leading researcher from Laval University, dives deep into the genetics of Lp(a), a crucial factor in heart disease. He discusses how Lp(a) is inherited and its significant role in cardiovascular risk. The conversation highlights the challenges of measuring Lp(a) levels and the emerging treatments like antisense oligonucleotides. Benoît also explains why traditional statins don’t adequately address Lp(a) and underscores the importance of identifying this genetic marker for better heart health outcomes.

Marty Makary, a surgeon and public policy expert, dives deep into patient safety and medical errors. He explores the alarming frequency of medical mistakes and the historical shifts in safety culture. The high-profile RaDonda Vaught case is highlighted, revealing its impact on the push for better protocols. Makary also shares strategies for advocating for loved ones in hospitals and emphasizes the need for systemic reforms to truly reduce error rates. Hope shines through as he discusses the path forward for improved safety in healthcare.