

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

Nov 18, 2019 • 12min
#80 - Celebrity AMA #1: Fasting, rapamycin, performance vs. longevity, and more
In a lively AMA session, experts tackle the nuances of fasting, including why women might face unique challenges and how best to approach it. They delve into the complexities of adolescent dietary choices and the balance between performance and longevity in athletes. Tips for effective learning and memory retention are shared alongside must-read books. Curious questions about personal health tests and the potential stress of health obsession keep the conversation engaging while unraveling the interplay between nutrition, training, and overall wellness.

Nov 12, 2019 • 8min
Qualy #57 - A primer on NAD+/NADH, its effect on lifespan/healthspan, and a review of the supplements
Discover the fascinating world of NAD and its role in energy production and aging. Learn how boosting NAD levels through supplements could enhance health and longevity. Explore the relationship between NAD and DNA repair mechanisms, including the impact of metformin. Delve into the effects of NAD precursors on mitochondrial health and consider how fasting can influence NAD levels. This engaging discussion unlocks insights into cellular repair and inflammation management, making for a thought-provoking listen.

38 snips
Nov 11, 2019 • 1h 42min
#79 - Ric Elias: Earning the gift of life
In this conversation, Ric Elias, founder of Red Ventures and a survivor of US Airways Flight 1549, shares his gripping experiences and insights. He opens up about facing death mid-flight and the profound shift in his perspective that followed. Ric discusses the importance of time as our ultimate currency, reevaluating life success, and raising children amid achievement culture. He also shares powerful anecdotes of gratitude, community responsibility, and his approach to business and philanthropy, making it clear that life is about connections and living without regrets.

Nov 5, 2019 • 17min
Qualy #53 - Screening for prostate cancer
Ted Schaeffer, M.D., Ph.D., a leading expert in prostate cancer, returns to discuss crucial topics around screening. He breaks down the complexities of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels and their implications for health, using vivid analogies for clarity. The conversation also highlights cutting-edge tests like the 4K score and Prostate Health Index (PHI), which improve risk assessment and diagnostics. Schaeffer emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between aggressive and non-aggressive prostate cancers to enhance patient outcomes.

Nov 4, 2019 • 2h 14min
#78 - Sasha Cohen: The price of achievement, and redefining success
Sasha Cohen, a former US Olympic figure skater and silver medalist from the 2006 Olympics, opens up about the intense pressures of elite athletics. She highlights the challenges of identity loss post-career and the emotional toll of striving for perfection. Sasha discusses her unforgettable Olympic experience and the uncomfortable truth about the hollowness of achievement. She advocates for redefining success, emphasizing fulfillment over accolades. Their candid conversation sheds light on mental health struggles and the need for a supportive community for athletes.

Nov 1, 2019 • 5min
Qualy #52 - Insights about berberine
This podcast dives into the fascinating world of berberine. It explores its unique properties, focusing on how it activates AMP kinase and inhibits PCSK9. The discussion also contrasts berberine's effects with metformin, especially in managing glucose production and high LDL levels. Listeners will gain insights into its clinical applications and potential benefits for health.

4 snips
Oct 28, 2019 • 29min
#77 – AMA #2 with sleep expert, Matthew Walker, Ph.D.: short sleep mutants, optimal sleep environment, sleep apnea, & rapid fire questions
Matthew Walker, a sleep expert and professor at UC Berkeley, shares fascinating insights about sleep in this engaging discussion. He explores the genetic mutation DEC2 that allows some to thrive on less sleep. Walker advises on the best sleeping positions and room temperatures for optimal rest. He dives into the effects of caffeine and alcohol on sleep quality, discusses the benefits of napping, and even touches on innovative concepts like sleeping in two phases. This enlightening session is packed with practical tips for improving your sleep health.

Oct 23, 2019 • 8min
Qualy #46 - Rapamycin’s effects on cancer, cardiovascular disease, and neurodegeneration
The discussion delves into rapamycin's potential to delay cancer progression, emphasizing its significance for longevity. An intriguing comparison is made between rapamycin and other immunosuppressants, shedding light on their complex roles in cancer rates. Additionally, the podcast explores the link between rapamycin, the mTOR pathway, and neurodegeneration, underlining autophagy's importance for brain health. A surprising angle reveals the liver's possible role in appetite regulation, challenging conventional beliefs about brain function.

Oct 21, 2019 • 1h 42min
#76 - Kyle Kingsbury: Finding meaning, depression, and psychedelics
Kyle Kingsbury, a retired UFC fighter and director of human optimization at Onnit, shares his gripping journey through depression and the transformative power of psychedelics. He opens up about the highs and lows of his athletic career, including his experiences with performance-enhancing drugs and the misconceptions surrounding them. A near-suicide leads him to life-changing encounters with psilocybin and ayahuasca, which help him find inner peace and a renewed sense of purpose. His candid reflections on fatherhood and compassion add a touching layer to his story.

Oct 17, 2019 • 8min
Qualy #43 - What are Peter’s thoughts on fasting and ketosis for females?
Fasting and ketosis have unique implications for women, particularly in areas like fertility and pregnancy. The discussion highlights contrasting views within the ketogenic community. Personal experiences with gestational diabetes reveal the importance of customized dietary approaches for women's health. Hormonal impacts and reproductive wellness are also key topics, offering insights into the complex interplay between diet and female physiology.