

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

34 snips
Sep 17, 2024 • 1h 46min
Mike Mutzel on Choosing YOUR Supplements, Cholesterol & Social Health | 65 - High Intensity Health
Mike Mutzel, an expert in supplements and cholesterol, shares his insights on optimizing healthspan. He explores the significance of vitamin D, advocating for personalized supplementation. The conversation dives into the complexities of cholesterol, challenging traditional views on LDL levels and longevity. Mike also discusses the importance of body composition tools, heavy metal testing, and lifestyle changes to mitigate health risks. Additionally, he highlights the role of social connections in reversing diabetes and enhancing overall wellness.

Sep 12, 2024 • 59min
This Study Says IL-11 Inhibitor Drug May Extend Lifespan | 64 - LTW #11
Subscribe to our channel: https://www.youtube.com/@optispan
Check out the paper: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-024-07701-9.pdf
Related episodes:
The Benefits of Protein Restriction, How Protein Affects Hormones & FGF21: https://youtu.be/Nf1GhkAFiWY
A recent paper demonstrating that injecting older mice with an anti-IL-11 drug extended their median lifespan made a splash in the geroscience community this summer. IL-11 is a proinflammatory cytokine that plays a role in regulating various biological processes, including hematopoiesis (the production of blood cells), bone health and remodeling, and tissue repair. Meanwhile, cytokines act as messengers between cells, helping to regulate immune responses, inflammation, and the production of blood cells. In excess or when dysregulated, cytokines can contribute to chronic inflammation and autoimmune diseases.
In this episode, Matt discusses the role IL-11 plays in the body, the ERK, AMPK, and mTOR pathways, genetic and pharmacological models of IL-11 reduction, and more. He goes over the paper's claims and provides his take on whether this finding is a game-changer in the longevity field as well as on what further questions he'd like to see answered in follow-up studies.
Producers: Tara Mei, Nicholas Arapis
Video Editor: Jacob Keliikoa
DISCLAIMER: 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/optispanpodcast
Twitter: https://twitter.com/optispan
Twitter: https://twitter.com/mkaeberlein
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/optispan
https://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!

Sep 10, 2024 • 19min
Trametinib & Rapamycin = Greater Effect on Lifespan? We Take a Look. | 63 - LTW #10
Subscribe to our channel: https://www.youtube.com/@optispan
Check out paper #1 on IL-11 signaling: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-024-07701-9.pdf
Check out paper #2 on combination trametinib/rapamycin treatment: https://www.biorxiv.org/content/biorxiv/early/2024/07/25/2024.07.25.605097.full.pdf
Related episodes:
An introduction to the study of RAPAMYCIN: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=czx_-DqnnrQ&t=1s
In this episode, Matt discusses two recent mouse lifespan studies: one focused on inhibiting IL-11 signaling, and one focused on combined trametinib and rapamycin treatment. IL-11, or Interleukin-11, is a protein that plays an important role in modulating inflammation and healing, while trametinib is an FDA-approved drug that targets certain cancers, particularly melanoma. You can find extensive discussion of rapamycin in our R-Files series linked above. Matt explains the "900-day rule" for evaluating mouse lifespan studies such as these two, and provides his take on whether these results are game-changers for the geroscience field as well as whether we should consider these interventions for human use at this time.
Producers: Tara Mei, Nicholas Arapis
Video Editor: Jacob Keliikoa
DISCLAIMER: 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/optispanpodcast
Twitter: https://twitter.com/optispan
Twitter: https://twitter.com/mkaeberlein
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/optispan
https://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!

14 snips
Sep 5, 2024 • 1h 7min
Matt Kaeberlein reflects on "David Sinclair’s Longevity Lie" | 62 - Longevity Reacts #5
Scott Carney, an investigative journalist and author, challenges David Sinclair's longevity claims, sparking an intriguing discussion on the nuances of scientific integrity and commercial influences in aging research. The dialogue touches on the skepticism surrounding aging treatments like resveratrol and NMN, emphasizing the need for rigorous evaluation over sensationalism. They also reflect on personal dynamics within the scientific community, highlighting the importance of separating emotions from objective scrutiny in the quest for lifespan extension.

Sep 3, 2024 • 25min
Does NMN Actually Increase VO2 MAX? | 61 - Longevity This Week #9
The podcast dives into the fascinating study on nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) and its potential to boost VO2 max in amateur runners. The hosts critically assess the credibility of research from lesser-known institutions and highlight regulatory challenges NMN faces in the market. They also dissect the study's design, focusing on its methodological limitations, including small sample sizes and absence of female participants. While improvements were noted, the overall impact on endurance performance remains unclear, prompting cautious enthusiasm.

Aug 27, 2024 • 1h 36min
The Horribly Under-Researched Science of Menopause, Ovarian Aging & HRT | 60 - Jennifer Garrison
Subscribe to our channel: https://www.youtube.com/@optispan
Check out Productive Health: https://productivehealth.org/
Check out the Garrison Lab: https://garrisonlab.com/
We had a great time hosting Dr. Jennifer Garrison from the Buck Institute for Research on Aging to talk about her areas of expertise: reproductive aging and neuropeptide signaling. Jennifer and Matt go over the fascinating and chronically under-researched science of menopause, misconceptions about hormone replacement therapy, and the importance of considering the endocrine function of the ovaries alongside their role in reproduction. They also chat about evolutionary questions around menopause, changes they would like to see in medical school curricula, and more.
In addition to her research lab at the Buck, Jennifer serves as co-founder and director of Productive Health, formerly the Global Consortium for Reproductive Longevity & Equality, which is the global arm of the Buck Center for Healthy Aging in Women. She holds appointments at the University of California, San Francisco and the University of Southern California. She is also a Founding Director of the Marine Biological Laboratory (MBL) Woods Hole Biology of Aging (BOA) Advanced Training Course. She has received numerous awards, including a National Institutes of Health Maximizing Investigators’ Research Award (MIRA) for Established Investigators, a Glenn Medical Foundation Award for Research in Biological Mechanisms of Aging, an American Federation of Aging Research Junior Faculty Award, and a National Academy of Medicine Healthy Longevity Catalyst Award. Jennifer conducted postdoctoral research at Rockefeller University and received a PhD and a B.A. from the University of California, San Francisco and the University of California, Berkeley respectively.
Producers: Tara Mei, Nicholas Arapis
Video Editor: Jacob Keliikoa
DISCLAIMER: 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/optispanpodcast
Twitter: https://twitter.com/mkaeberlein
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/optispan
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/optispanpodcast/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61563453482706
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@optispan
https://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!

Aug 22, 2024 • 26min
Trying Cold Plunge & Sauna w/ Mike Mutzel (Risks & Benefits Discussion)| 59 - Field Trip #1
Subscribe to our channel: https://www.youtube.com/@optispan
Related episodes:
Scientists Discuss Longevity Interventions & Optimisms: https://youtu.be/Itx1FvJfDXc
This summer, Matt and Nick visited MYOXCIENCE Nutrition founder and content creator Mike Mutzel at his home to give saunas and cold plunges a try. In this episode, they share their personal experiences with both, noting the mental and physical effects they experienced during and afterward, and emphasize the importance of considering both risks and rewards in healthspan interventions.
Producers: Tara Mei, Nicholas Arapis
Video Editor: Jacob Keliikoa
DISCLAIMER: 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/optispanpodcast
Twitter: https://twitter.com/optispan
Twitter: https://twitter.com/mkaeberlein
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/optispan
https://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!

Aug 15, 2024 • 44min
Responding to Comments that Disagree with Us on Longevity | 58 - Correcting the Record #1
Subscribe to our channel: https://www.youtube.com/@optispan
Related episodes:
Comparing Bryan Johnson's RAPAMYCIN DATA: INTERESTING RESULTS: https://youtu.be/1-ZKzfQDQYk
Why Drinking a Banana Smoothie IS the Same as Eating a Banana: https://youtu.be/Dg7S33-75_E
Supplement Industry Secrets: What They Aren't Telling You About NAD+ & NMN: https://youtu.be/OgsfIUfuyqk
Scientists Discuss Longevity Interventions & Optimisms: https://youtu.be/Itx1FvJfDXc
Scientists Debate How to Live Longer & Longevity Drugs: https://t.co/UlXk3PgtXg
The Best Strategies for Living Longer RANKED: Longevity Tier List: https://youtu.be/OgsfIUfuyqk
Scientist Reacts to Greg Doucette's Controversial Take on DEXA Scans: https://youtu.be/DQIy89ZqSeM
Reversing Biological Age: Have we finally found the answer?: https://youtu.be/ivP3QTyQ2d4
AI vs Aging: Why Wormbot-AI is the secret weapon against disease: https://youtu.be/Lon8J-GMw48
We read every comment you leave on our Youtube channel. For this episode, we pick a few comments that pointed out places where viewers felt we got things wrong and discuss them in order to the record straight and ensure that our channel remains a trustworthy and high-accuracy information source about all things longevity science. Matt and Nick discuss the degradation of rapamycin in the body, how the scientific method really works, allometric scaling, the relevance of facial appearance to biological age, and more.
Producers: Tara Mei, Nicholas Arapis
Video Editor: Jacob Keliikoa
DISCLAIMER: 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/optispanpodcast
Twitter: https://twitter.com/optispan
Twitter: https://twitter.com/mkaeberlein
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/optispan
https://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!

Aug 13, 2024 • 37min
Scientist Reacts to Greg Doucette's Controversial Take on DEXA Scans | 57 - Longevity Reacts #4
Subscribe to our channel: https://www.youtube.com/@optispan
Related episodes:
Why DEXA Scans Are NOT the HOLY GRAIL of BODYFAT Testing - Science Explained: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Gg4Jm5KS1Y
Are DEXA scans ACCURATE? What YOU NEED to KNOW: https://youtu.be/SsDJZMlM1ko
The UNEXPECTED Ozempic Weight Loss Body Scan Results (DEXA): https://youtu.be/C_Z7qPVRA5M
Coach, bodybuilder, and powerlifter Greg Doucette published a video on his Youtube channel discussing what he sees as the shortcomings of DEXA scans and why DEXA scans are not, in his opinion, the gold standard of body composition measurement. He bases his views on personal experience as well as his interpretation of a 2019 study that examined how closely DEXA and MRI measurements correlate.
In this episode, Matt reacts to Greg's video and presents his own opinion about the validity of DEXA scan measurements. Together with Nick, he discusses what DEXA scans do and don't measure, potential sources of inaccuracy in DEXA scans, honest interpretations of scientific literature, and more.
A DEXA (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry) scan is an advanced imaging procedure for measuring bone density and composition. DEXA scans utilize two different energy levels of low-dose X-ray beams—one absorbed mostly by soft tissue, and the other absorbed mainly by bone—to differentiate between bone, fat, and lean tissue. In so doing, they provide noninvasive and detailed information about bone health, risk of osteoporosis or fractures, and body composition. While medical practitioners typically perform DEXA scans on the lower spine and hips, they can also perform DEXA scans on the whole body for the purposes of early detection and intervention.
Producers: Tara Mei, Nicholas Arapis
Video Editor: Jacob Keliikoa
DISCLAIMER: 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/optispanpodcast
Twitter: https://twitter.com/optispan
Twitter: https://twitter.com/mkaeberlein
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/optispan
https://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!

Aug 8, 2024 • 33min
Most Longevity Experts Don't Tell You This About Aging | 56 - Longevity Science #8
Subscribe to our channel: https://www.youtube.com/@optispan
Related episodes:
Biological Age & what it REALLY means: https://youtu.be/DcxgEwQKx8Q
The Surprising Way Body Size Relates to Lifespan: https://youtu.be/Fjh6WbkZkvw
The Benefits of Protein Restriction, How Protein Affects Hormones & FGF21: https://youtu.be/Nf1GhkAFiWY
An introduction to the study of RAPAMYCIN: https://youtu.be/czx_-DqnnrQ
Depending on how you look at them, aging genes are genes whose expression changes in a predictable with age or genes that influence an organism's lifespan by affecting various biological processes associated with aging. Research on aging genes not only deepens our understanding of the biological aging process, but also opens up potential avenues for developing therapies aimed at extending healthy human lifespan. By targeting these genes, scientists hope to delay the onset of age-related diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, cardiovascular disease, and cancer, ultimately promoting a longer and healthier life.
In this episode, Matt discusses several ways we can identify and categorize aging genes. He talks about how genes can serve as predictive signatures of chronological or biological age, potential conserved genetic regulators of longevity, and how unbiased genetic screens can still be biased. He also provides his unique perspective on aging genes in humans and the potential to optimize longevity through genetic modulation.
Producers: Tara Mei, Nicholas Arapis
Video Editor: Jacob Keliikoa
DISCLAIMER: 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/optispanpodcast
Twitter: https://twitter.com/optispan
Twitter: https://twitter.com/mkaeberlein
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/optispan
https://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!


