The Optispan Podcast with Matt Kaeberlein

Dr. Brad Younggren, an emergency physician and CEO at Circulate, shares his journey from combat to longevity science. They dive into the innovative Therapeutic Plasma Exchange (TPE), likening it to an 'oil change for your blood.' Discover how TPE may reduce biological age by 2.6 years, tackling toxins like microplastics and chronic diseases. Dr. Younggren discusses clinical trial insights, the science of parabiosis, and the impressive results observed, while sharing patient stories, including improvements in long COVID symptoms.

Explore the intriguing contrasts between high-stakes investor gatherings and academic conferences in the longevity field. Discover the ethical dilemmas surrounding biological age clocks and hear a hilarious MRI tale from Berlin. Dive into insights about the divide between genuine science and snake oil remedies, and the challenges of translating geroscience into practical therapies. From promising biomarkers to the impact of celebrity culture, the conversation spotlights the complex landscape of longevity and health optimization.

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!