

The Peter Attia Drive
Peter Attia, MD
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

20 snips
Apr 6, 2020 • 1h 17min
#103 - Looking back on the first 99 episodes: Strong Convictions, Loosely Held
In this engaging discussion, Bob Kaplan collaborates with Peter Attia, reflecting on evolving beliefs from their podcast journey. They delve into the transformation of Peter's views on metformin, rapamycin, and deadlifting, emphasizing the importance of adaptability in health perspectives. They also share the joy of Peter’s new puppy, explore the significance of Zone 2 training, and discuss how learning to say 'no' has impacted their lives. With insights on omega-3s and personal updates, this conversation offers a fascinating look at growth through dialogue.

Mar 31, 2020 • 1h 22min
#102 - Michael Osterholm, Ph.D.: COVID-19—Lessons learned, challenges ahead, and reasons for optimism and concern
Michael Osterholm, Director of the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy at the University of Minnesota, shares invaluable insights on COVID-19. He discusses the true case fatality rate and how factors like obesity influence outcomes. Michael highlights the importance of immunity and cautions about supply chain issues affecting vaccines and testing. He also reflects on future protection strategies for healthcare workers and the long-term health implications for COVID survivors. His perspective balances optimism with the challenges still ahead.

11 snips
Mar 27, 2020 • 1h 23min
#101 - Ryan Holiday: Finding stillness amidst chaos
Ryan Holiday, bestselling author of 'Daily Stoic' and 'Stillness is the Key,' shares how to find calm amidst chaos through Stoic philosophy. He discusses the importance of routine and structure in times of crisis and how to reassess personal priorities. Holiday emphasizes the role of self-reflection and exercise for mental well-being, drawing lessons from leaders like Winston Churchill. He also highlights the need for good leadership during tough times and suggests using journaling as a tool for personal growth.

6 snips
Mar 24, 2020 • 1h 32min
#100 - Sam Harris, Ph.D.: COVID-19—Comprehending the crisis and managing our emotions
Sam Harris, a neuroscientist and author, shares his insights on navigating the complex emotional landscape during the COVID-19 crisis. He discusses the critical differences between COVID-19 and influenza, shedding light on the economic impact of lockdowns and the dire situation in New York. Drawing from his meditation practice, Harris offers strategies to manage anxiety and stress, emphasizing mindfulness's role in coping. He also touches on how to communicate effectively with children about the pandemic without adding to their worries.

Mar 20, 2020 • 1h 6min
#99 - Peter Hotez, M.D., Ph.D.: Continuing the conversation on COVID-19
Dr. Peter Hotez, Dean of the National School of Tropical Medicine, returns with fresh insights on COVID-19. He discusses methods to gauge true infection rates and highlights the variable hospitalization statistics among young adults globally. The conversation also covers the significance of community mental health support during the pandemic and addresses emerging vaccine developments. Hotez expresses optimism, emphasizing the importance of clear communication and cooperative strategies in navigating these challenging times.

Mar 17, 2020 • 10min
Qualy #129 - Evolutionary reasons to sleep
Delve into the evolutionary necessity of sleep and its vital role in health. Discover how sleep, while a vulnerability, profoundly impacts well-being by reducing health risks more effectively than diet or exercise. Explore the serious dangers of sleep deprivation, including its links to mental health disorders and chronic diseases. Hear personal stories that underscore the importance of prioritizing sleep in our busy lives, and learn why sleep safety standards are crucial for overall health.

Mar 14, 2020 • 57min
#97 - Peter Hotez, M.D., Ph.D.: COVID-19: transmissibility, vaccines, risk reduction, and treatment
Dr. Peter Hotez, Dean for the National School of Tropical Medicine at Baylor College of Medicine, shares his insights on COVID-19 and its complexities. He highlights the urgent need for vaccine development and discusses the challenges of disease transmission and public health responses. Hotez advocates for federal intervention, especially in creating a task force to address ongoing concerns. The conversation also explores innovative treatments like convalescent plasma therapy and the critical role of effective communication in combating anti-science sentiments.

Mar 10, 2020 • 13min
Qualy #125 - Hierarchies in healthcare, physician burnout, and a broken system
In a riveting discussion, speakers share personal experiences with authority and the rigid hierarchies in medical training. They explore the connection between these structures and physician burnout, revealing the tension between respecting authority and fostering innovation. The conversation turns to moral injury, shedding light on the emotional toll healthcare professionals face when systems inhibit patient care. Personal anecdotes illustrate the deep human connections that can emerge from navigating these challenges, highlighting both struggles and triumphs within the healthcare system.

59 snips
Mar 9, 2020 • 2h 37min
#96 - David Epstein: How a range of experience leads to better performance in a highly specialized world
David Epstein, a best-selling author and investigative reporter, shares intriguing insights into high performance from diverse experiences. He critiques the 10,000-Hour Rule, advocating that varied skills often lead to greater expertise than early specialization. The discussion touches on how parenting should encourage exploration and when to push or give space. With insights on talent's role, the difference between kind and wicked learning environments, and real-life case studies, Epstein emphasizes the importance of adaptability for long-term success.

Mar 3, 2020 • 10min
Qualy #121 - The “art” of longevity: the challenge of preventative medicine and understanding risk
Dive into the intricacies of preventative medicine and discover the challenges faced in cardiovascular health. Learn how personalized evaluations can improve patient outcomes while navigating the complexities of disease risk assessment. The discussion reveals the shortcomings of traditional clinical trials and the importance of evidence-informed approaches. Gain insights into the art of medicine, emphasizing patient engagement and the nuanced balance between scientific knowledge and compassionate care.