The Peter Attia Drive

Marty Makary, a Johns Hopkins health policy expert, Zubin Damania, aka ZDoggMD, a physician commentator, and Monica Gandhi, an infectious disease specialist at UCSF, discuss crucial COVID-19 topics. They dive into the milder nature of the Omicron variant and its implications for public health. The trio addresses vaccine efficacy, the complexities of vaccination mandates, and the social dynamics shaping public perception during the pandemic. They also debunk prevalent myths and share insights on navigating long COVID and recent treatment options.

Karl Deisseroth, a leading psychiatrist and neuroscientist from Stanford, shares his groundbreaking work on optogenetics, a method that uses light to control neurons. He details how this technology helps unravel mental illnesses like depression and autism. Karl reflects on his unique medical journey, the evolution of psychiatric treatments, and the critical role of neuroscience in understanding emotional behaviors. He also delves into the genetic underpinnings of bipolar disorder and the evolutionary significance of human emotional tears.

Paul Conti, a practicing psychiatrist and author of "Trauma: The Invisible Epidemic," shares his insights on trauma's significant impact on mental health. He discusses how personal experiences shape understanding and how shame often hinders healing. Conti critiques the current mental health system's focus on symptoms rather than root causes, advocating for a more compassionate approach. He also explores innovative treatments, including the potential of psychedelics like psilocybin and MDMA, to transform recovery from trauma.

Dr. Marty Makary, a Johns Hopkins professor and COVID-19 expert, joins ZDoggMD, a UCSF/Stanford internist and founder of Turntable Health, for a deep dive into the current state of the pandemic. They discuss the dangers of misinformation and the often polarizing health policies, including vaccine mandates and the role of natural immunity. Their insights compare the Omicron variant to Delta, reveal the impact of COVID on children's development, and emphasize the need for transparency in public health messaging. Their engaging dialogue seeks clarity in these turbulent times.

Iñigo San Millán, an exercise physiology expert and cycling coach, dives into the fascinating world of mitochondrial function and metabolic health. He unpacks the significance of zone 2 training as a powerful diagnostic tool and treatment method. The conversation explores energy systems and the misunderstood role of lactate as a fuel source. With insights into assessing metabolic health through blood lactate levels, Iñigo also highlights the differences in performance between elite athletes and those with metabolic conditions, making the science both relatable and actionable.

In this engaging AMA, the hosts tackle the intricacies of scientific studies. They demystify how studies evolve from idea to execution, explaining various types like observational and experimental. The discussion highlights the importance of recognizing biases and pitfalls in research. Listeners learn about clinical trial phases, risk assessments, and how to distinguish between relative and absolute risk. Personal insights on effective reading strategies for scientific papers make this a must-listen for anyone looking to navigate the complex world of research.

Sam Apple, author of "Ravenous" and a science instructor at Johns Hopkins, dives into the life of Otto Warburg, a Nobel laureate who explored cancer metabolism. Apple discusses the Warburg Effect, revealing how cancer cells favor fermentation of glucose over oxygen utilization, a radical shift in understanding cancer. He also unravels Warburg’s complex life amidst Nazi Germany and how his research was initially overlooked but regained relevance. The talk also touches on the links between sugar, insulin, and cancer prevention.

In this engaging discussion, Patrick Radden Keefe, an award-winning writer at The New Yorker and author of 'Empire of Pain,' dives deep into the opioid crisis. He uncovers the Sackler family's pivotal role in promoting OxyContin, revealing shocking stories of corruption in the pharmaceutical industry. The conversation touches on the FDA's controversial approval process, the ethical dilemmas faced by healthcare providers, and the urgent need for accountability. Keefe also emphasizes the ongoing challenges of addiction recovery and the complex web of factors influencing pain management.

Allan Sniderman, a leading Professor of Cardiology at McGill University, discusses the merits of using apoB as a more reliable metric for assessing cardiovascular disease risk. He critiques the conventional risk assessment models and their limitations, especially for younger individuals. The conversation covers the complexities of cholesterol, the significance of particle counts, and the importance of nuanced risk evaluations. Allan also emphasizes early intervention and raises concerns about the lack of innovation in current medical practices surrounding cardiovascular health.

Rick Johnson, a nephrology professor at the University of Colorado, delves into the metabolic effects of fructose on health. He reveals how fructose ties into blood pressure regulation and discusses its impact on insulin resistance and obesity. Johnson contrasts glucose and fructose, shares insights on uric acid's role in health, and explores the implications of fructose in modern diets. Artificial sweeteners vs. real sugar also come under scrutiny, alongside innovative pharmacotherapy strategies for treating related health issues.