

The Optispan Podcast with Matt Kaeberlein
Optispan
Optispan is a vision for what health should be.
The typical person gives up 10-20 years of quality life in exchange for disability, frailty, and early death. We call this "the lost decade". Time that should be spent with loved ones doing the activities you enjoy are instead spent suffering from multiple diseases and taking a cabinet full of medications that probably do as much harm as good.
We believe that the current practice of medicine is disease care, not health care. We believe that everyone can get closer to their own optimal healthspan.
The typical person gives up 10-20 years of quality life in exchange for disability, frailty, and early death. We call this "the lost decade". Time that should be spent with loved ones doing the activities you enjoy are instead spent suffering from multiple diseases and taking a cabinet full of medications that probably do as much harm as good.
We believe that the current practice of medicine is disease care, not health care. We believe that everyone can get closer to their own optimal healthspan.
Episodes
Mentioned books

14 snips
Dec 13, 2025 • 50min
6 Months on TRT Changed My Body (THIS Is My Takeaway)
In this engaging discussion, Matt shares his transformative experience on TRT, revealing weight gains and enhanced physique. He debates the merits of rapamycin versus fasting for longevity and tackles misconceptions about microplastics. Matt’s 4:30 AM wake-up routine enhances his productivity, and he reflects on the benefits of hyperbaric oxygen therapy. He also dives into bloodwork changes he's noted during TRT, including HDL levels. Plus, updates on his upcoming books spark curiosity—packed with practical health insights!

Dec 6, 2025 • 53min
The Dangerous Truth About The Peptide Craze (I Tried It)
Matt shares his thrilling experiences from longevity conferences in Geneva, Chicago, and Mauritius, contrasting alternative and evidence-based approaches. He critiques the overhyped peptide craze, stressing the lack of efficacy and potential risks. A cultural divide emerges as he discusses the clash between data-driven medicine and anecdotal practices. With insights on aging myths and facts, he emphasizes the importance of validated tools in healthspan care. The episode wraps up with practical health tips like sauna routines and reflections on the future of longevity research.

23 snips
Nov 29, 2025 • 1h 9min
New Discovery: This Molecule Could Beat Rapamycin in Longevity
In this intriguing discussion, Dr. Ben Blue, CEO of Ora Biomedical and co-founder of the WormBot platform, shares insights into groundbreaking longevity research. He reveals how the Million Molecule Challenge aims to transform drug discovery for aging by identifying powerful new molecules. Notably, Dr. Blue discusses omipalisib, a molecule outperforming rapamycin, and the team's strategic pivot towards radiation resilience for space applications. They explore the significance of a data-driven approach and unexpected findings from their high-throughput screenings.

Nov 27, 2025 • 6min
Matt's Thanksgiving Message
Happy thanksgiving from the Optispan Team!

Nov 25, 2025 • 2h 8min
Longevity Problem: 70% Of All Deaths Are Caused By Aging - Dr. Andrew Steele
Dr. Andrew Steele, a longevity scientist and author, discusses the urgent need to address aging as humanity's greatest challenge. He uncovers that two-thirds of all deaths stem from aging and explores groundbreaking science that could extend healthy lifespan. Topics include CRISPR gene therapies, the ethical considerations of radical life extension, and practical lifestyle changes for longevity. Steele also delves into the potential of AI in aging research, emphasizing the societal benefits of adding decades of vitality to human life.

14 snips
Nov 22, 2025 • 59min
Scientist Reacts: Why Megadosing Creatine Is A Waste Of Time
Creatine is often dubbed a 'cognitive super-drug,' but the hype around mega-dosing is misleading. The hosts critically evaluate various claims from health influencers, debunking the idea that 20 grams a day is beneficial. They explore the actual effects on brain health, resistance training, and potential side effects. Insights on how to judge health claims and a simple, effective dosing protocol are shared. Ultimately, they recommend a modest daily intake of 5 grams while encouraging listeners to prioritize sleep and training.

Nov 18, 2025 • 1h 33min
We'll Pay $101 Million If You Prove You Can Reverse Aging
In this enlightening discussion, Jamie Justice, Executive Vice President for Health and Director of the $101M XPRIZE Healthspan, dives into the ambitious goals of this global competition aimed at extending human healthspan. He shares insights on the challenges faced by past trials like TAME and the importance of real-world applications for the prize winners. Jamie discusses key healthspan pillars, ethical considerations in clinical trials, and the potential for innovative solutions like public health initiatives to win. Expect a mix of science, ambition, and a dash of the unusual!

Nov 11, 2025 • 1h 13min
Dr. Stanfield Mortgaged His House For $150k To Prove Longevity Drug Works
Dr. Brad Stanfield, a primary care physician and YouTube communicator from New Zealand, shares his passion for longevity research. He reveals his bold decision to remortgage his house to fund a rapamycin clinical trial. The discussion dives into the importance of evidence-based medicine and the complexities of supplements like vitamin D. Stanfield critiques biological age clocks and emphasizes the difference between preventive care in New Zealand and the U.S., while urging a focus on rigorous, patient-centered clinical trials for better insights into aging.

7 snips
Nov 6, 2025 • 10min
Don't Fall For This Scam: Matt's Deepfake PSA
Matt dives into the alarming issue of deepfake videos impersonating reputable figures in health. He uncovers the misleading claims made in these videos about common health items like green tea and coffee. The dangers of pseudoscience are highlighted, showing how misinformation can harm real health efforts. Listeners learn practical tips to avoid falling for longevity scams, such as verifying expert credentials and resisting emotional manipulation. The conversation stresses the importance of relying on trustworthy sources to navigate health information.

7 snips
Nov 4, 2025 • 42min
You Might Have The Heart Attack Gene. Here Are The Signs
Joel Jamison, a coach and fitness expert, shares his personal heart-health journey, including a shocking calcium score that revealed significant health risks. The discussion dives into the nuances of heart rate variability (HRV), contrasting the needs for athletes versus those focused on longevity. Joel also emphasizes the importance of advanced imaging over standard tests for individuals with family histories of heart disease. Plus, he challenges the accuracy of wearable tech in measuring vital health metrics, urging early screening for those at risk.


