The Optispan Podcast with Matt Kaeberlein

Just back from the tour of the longevity world! In this episode, we discuss my recent travels to two major conferences: the high-end Longevity Investors Conference in Gstaad, Switzerland, and the academic GJAM Conference in Jena, Germany.We unpack the stark contrasts between these two worlds, from the venues and treatment of attendees to the fundamental divides in how people perceive and practice "longevity." I share my key takeaways on the growing chasm between real science and snake oil, the "apologist" perspective, and why I believe the term "Longevity Medicine" is already developing a bad reputation.We also cover:The ethical problem with using biological age clocks in clinical practice today.My experience going through the comprehensive health assessment at the Years Clinic in Berlin.Surprising VO2 Max results and a hilarious (and slightly alarming) story about getting a full-body MRI in Germany.The disconnect between academic geroscience and the biohacking community.My thoughts on the future of validated biomarkers.Timestamps:00:00:00 - Introduction & Travel Regrets00:02:11 - Rapid-Fire Health Check: Diet, Exercise, Sleep00:04:37 - Trip Overview: Longevity Investors Conference, Gstaad00:07:08 - The "Dark Side" of Longevity & Snake Oil00:09:08 - The Three Camps in Longevity00:13:39 - Upcoming Episodes: Jamie Justice & Brad Stanfield00:14:05 - The Problem with Biological Age Clocks00:17:55 - The Most Promising "Biological Age" Test (LINH2)00:19:26 - Key Takeaways from the Investors Conference00:20:53 - Longevity vs. Gym Bro Experimentation00:27:45 - Arrival at the Academic GJAM Conference, Jena00:31:07 - Stark Contrast: Academia vs. Investors00:33:15 - The Slow Pace of Academic Science00:34:03 - The Academic & Biohacker Disconnect00:36:23 - The "Longevity Celebrity" Phenomenon00:42:55 - Berlin & The Years Clinic00:44:54 - "Scientific Healthspan" vs. "Longevity Medicine"00:45:38 - The MRI Story in Berlin00:47:53 - VO2 Max & Health Data Results00:50:05 - Germany's Ban on Preventative DEXA Scans00:53:16 - Preview of Upcoming TravelDISCLAIMER: The information provided on the Optispan podcast is intended solely for general educational purposes and is not meant to be, nor should it be construed as, personalized medical advice. No doctor-patient relationship is established by your use of this channel. The information and materials presented are for informational purposes only and are not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We strongly advise that you consult with a licensed healthcare professional for all matters concerning your health, especially before undertaking any changes based on content provided by this channel. The hosts and guests on this channel are not liable for any direct, indirect, or other damages or adverse effects that may arise from the application of the information discussed. Medical knowledge is constantly evolving; therefore, the information provided should be verified against current medical standards and practices.More places to find us:Twitter: https://x.com/Optispan_IncTwitter: https://x.com/mkaeberlein Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/optispan/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/optispan_/  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@optispanhttps://www.optispan.life/

Dr. Cory, a systems biologist at the Institute for Systems Biology and co-founder of Fulcrum, explores innovative perspectives on Alzheimer's. He argues that it's not just about amyloid plaques, but rather a flawed debris management system in the brain, particularly concerning cholesterol. Discussing the roles of genes like ApoE4 and the impact of lifestyle factors, he sheds light on why current drugs often fail. Dr. Cory also highlights practical prevention tips, emphasizing sleep, diet, and personalized lifestyle choices to combat Alzheimer's.

In this enlightening discussion, Kayla Barnes, a longevity clinician and biohacker, shares her journey from a conventional lifestyle to health optimization. She highlights how toxin reduction and consistent practices, like sauna use, can transform health. Kayla explores female-specific longevity issues, emphasizing the impact of ovarian aging and the need for more research. She dives into cutting-edge therapies such as therapeutic plasma exchange and hyperbaric oxygen, revealing their potential benefits while stressing the importance of evidence-based protocols.

Ryan Ware, a medical doctor and co-founder of MitoHealth, dives into the intersection of AI and medicine. He and Matt Kaeberlein discuss how tools like ChatGPT can interpret blood tests faster than traditional methods. The conversation highlights the pitfalls of supplements, emphasizes the need for evidence-based health decisions, and critiques the wellness industry’s blind spots. They also explore the evolving role of physicians in an AI-driven era and the importance of reliable diagnostics for proactive health management.

Many people experience alarming results on standard kidney tests when taking creatine, raising fears of kidney failure. The discussion clarifies that creatinine and EGFR tests can produce false positives. An alternative marker, Cystatin C, is introduced as a more reliable measure for kidney health. The hosts explain who else might be at risk for these misleading results and emphasize the importance of consulting healthcare professionals for accurate assessments. This conversation debunks myths and empowers listeners to understand their kidney function better.

Joel Jamieson, a global authority on heart rate variability (HRV) training, shares insights from training elite fighters to enhance health and performance. He explains the importance of consistency, balance, and resilience over high-intensity workouts. The discussion unpacks why VO2 max predicts longevity, and how HRV serves as a vital biomarker for stress and recovery. Jamieson highlights the significance of lifestyle factors and emotional health impacting athletic performance, while stressing the need for a comprehensive approach to fitness and recovery.

Dive into the fascinating potential of psilocybin as a longevity booster! Recent research reveals it may extend lifespan in mice, leading to a critical look at how this compound interacts with the aging process. Discover the science behind serotonin, the intriguing 'Psilocybin Telomere Hypothesis,' and explore possible biological mechanisms at play. The discussion is packed with insights on both the strengths and weaknesses of current studies, opening up exciting questions for future research.

Kevin White, a former ICU nurse at Mayo Clinic, and Erik Nelson, a lifestyle intervention expert, team up for an enlightening discussion on cognitive decline. They unveil a multi-faceted program aimed at halting and even reversing cognitive decline, emphasizing the importance of personalized diagnostics like blood tests and brain scans. They dive into advanced therapies including rapamycin and peptides, while also sharing lifestyle interventions as 'brain armor.' This insightful conversation challenges traditional views and offers hope for new strategies against dementia.

Dive into the science behind longevity as myths are debunked! Discover why biological age isn't as straightforward as it seems, and learn about the limited role of supplements. Age isn't a barrier for improvement; your choices matter more than you think. Unpack the truths behind resveratrol and the surprising underfunding of aging research. Explore how genetics stack up against lifestyle choices when it comes to lifespan, and question the hype surrounding caloric restriction and new peptide therapies—it's time to rethink what you believe!

Subscribe to our channel: https://www.youtube.com/@optispanGet Our Newsletter (It's Free): https://www.optispan.life/Meet the founders (Ivan Morgunov, Anna Vakhrusheva) of Unlimited Bio, a biotech company developing gene therapies in special economic zones, operating outside of traditional FDA regulation. This episode explores their model, the science behind their therapies targeting the extracellular matrix, and the future of accessible anti-aging treatments.0:00 - The Mission: Fighting Overregulation in Longevity9:31 - The Science: Why the Extracellular Matrix is Key30:16 - The Offshore Model: How It Works & The Controversies54:04 - Their First Therapy: VEGF Gene Therapy Explained55:51 - The Quality Debate: GMP vs. A New Approach1:24:16 - The Future Pipeline: Follistatin, Klotho & Combination Therapies1:48:27 - The Vision: A New Regulatory System for the USProduction: Nicholas Arapis, https://videocastproductions.comDISCLAIMER: The information provided on the Optispan podcast is intended solely for general educational purposes and is not meant to be, nor should it be construed as, personalized medical advice. No doctor-patient relationship is established by your use of this channel. The information and materials presented are for informational purposes only and are not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We strongly advise that you consult with a licensed healthcare professional for all matters concerning your health, especially before undertaking any changes based on content provided by this channel. The hosts and guests on this channel are not liable for any direct, indirect, or other damages or adverse effects that may arise from the application of the information discussed. Medical knowledge is constantly evolving; therefore, the information provided should be verified against current medical standards and practices.More places to find us:Twitter: https://twitter.com/optispanpodcastTwitter: https://twitter.com/optispanTwitter: https://twitter.com/mkaeberleinLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/optispanInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/optispanpodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@optispanhttps://www.optispan.life/Hi, I'm Matt Kaeberlein. I spent the first few decades of my career doing scientific research into the biology of aging, trying to understand the finer details of how humans age in order to facilitate translational interventions that promote healthspan and improve quality of life. Now I want to take some of that knowledge out of the lab and into the hands of people who can really use it.On this podcast I talk about all things aging and healthspan, from supplements and nutrition to the latest discoveries in longevity research. My goal is to lift the veil on the geroscience and longevity world and help you apply what we know to your own personal health trajectory. I care about quality science and will always be honest about what I don't know. I hope you'll find these episodes helpful!