

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

Jun 18, 2024 • 50min
Solving the "Lack" of Anti-aging Discovery & Ranking Current Interventions | 42 - Mark McCormick
Subscribe to our channel: https://www.youtube.com/@optispan
Related episodes:
Reversing Biological Age: Have we finally found the answer?: https://youtu.be/ivP3QTyQ2d4
Matt recently attended the 52nd annual meeting of the American Aging Association in Madison, Wisconsin and met with several people doing fascinating work in the longevity field.
One of these was Mark McCormick, an Assistant Professor at the University of New Mexico (UNM) Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. At UNM, Mark runs a lab that investigates age-delaying drug targets, develops machine learning tools for studying aging, and identifies conserved aging mechanisms and pathways in model organisms and humans. Mark previously completed a postdoc with Brian Kennedy at the Buck Institute for Research on Aging, a PhD in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology with Cynthia Kenyon at the University of California, San Francisco, and a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering as well as a B.S. in Biology from the University of Texas at Austin.
In this episode, Matt and Mark chat about aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases, a group of enzymes that play an essential role in protein synthesis. They discuss the promise and risks of tRNA synthetase inhibitors to treat diseases of aging and extend life- and healthspan (spoiler: don't take tRNA synthetase inhibitors yet). They also talk about why Mark's lab has held off on doing mouse experiments thus far, the challenges of proving causality in longevity experiments, interventions about which Mark is optimistic (or not), 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!

Jun 13, 2024 • 32min
The UNEXPECTED Ozempic Weight Loss Body Scan Results (DEXA) | 41 - HSM #8
Subscribe to our channel: https://www.youtube.com/@optispan
Related episodes:
The Importance of Body Composition & Ways YOU can measure it | 21 - HSM #3: https://youtu.be/gM3aYTMsqNI
We brought George Sutphin back on the podcast to bare his soul—or at least his DEXA scan and VO2 max test results.
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 practioners 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.
A VO2 max test measures the maximum volume of oxygen an individual can utilize during high-intensity exercise. At its core, it provides an assessment of a person's cardiovascular fitness and aerobic endurance. During the test, the subject performs a graded exercise protocol, typically on a treadmill or stationary bike, while wearing a mask connected to a metabolic cart. The cart measures the volume and gas concentrations of inhaled and exhaled air. As the exercise intensity increases, the test measures the point at which oxygen consumption plateaus, despite further increases in workload. This point is the VO2 max, indicating the person's aerobic capacity and endurance potential. The results can provide valuable information for athletes to tailor their training programs, for clinicians to assess the efficacy of treatments, and for researchers studying the effects of various interventions on cardiovascular health. VO2 max levels are strongly correlated with all-cause mortality.
In this episode, we chat with George about how he changed his readouts with time, whether his body composition tracks his work deadlines, his experiences with Ozempic, and more.
University of Arizona Assistant Professor of Molecular and Cellular Biology George Sutphin runs a lab that investigates genetic determinants of longevity, the effects of kynurenine-based interventions on lifespan, and environmental regulators of the aging process. George, who was an aerospace engineer before he discovered the promise of geroscience, completed his PhD at the University of Washington and worked as a postdoctoral associate at the Jackson Laboratory prior to his current faculty position. He currently serves as Chairperson of the American Aging Association.
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/

Jun 11, 2024 • 44min
The Two New Highest Ranked Compounds For Lifespan Extension According to the ITP | 40 - LTW #7
Subscribe to our channel: https://www.youtube.com/@optispan
Related episodes:
These 14 Medications are linked to lower death rates in humans: https://youtu.be/Ju1p_L-2Bq4
DON'T Take Resveratrol Until You Watch This Video: https://youtu.be/MmIBdqsQYfw
How do scientists decide which interventions are worth testing in humans for potential health- and/or lifespan benefits?
One way to start is to examine how interventions perform in model organisms such as mice. The Interventions Testing Program (ITP), a federally-funded initiative that began in 2002, tests drugs that may delay mouse aging, with the hope of eventually identifying new longevity interventions for humans. The program aims to take an unbiased approach to interventions testing as possible and to make all data publicly available.
In this episode, Matt goes over recent ITP tests of a broad range of interventions that includes a vasodilator, a beta-blocker, a drug to reverse cyanide poisoning, and more. The drugs are alpha-ketoglutarate, 2,4-dinitrophenol, hydralazine, nebivolol, 16α-hydroxyestriol, sodium thiosulfate, and canagliflozin. He discusses which of these interventions produces lifespan benefits in mice, gender differences in effects, results from previous studies of the interventions, and the importance of examining the life expectancy of controls when evaluating the results of lifespan experiments.
Matt has served on the ITP steering committee since 2012.
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!

Jun 6, 2024 • 1h 5min
Supplement Industry Secrets: What They Aren't Telling You About NAD+ & NMN | 39 - George Sutphin
George Sutphin, Assistant Professor at the University of Arizona, delves into the intriguing world of NAD+ and NMN supplements. He uncovers alarming findings about how NMN may exacerbate kidney issues, especially in older populations. The conversation emphasizes the complexity of NAD+ metabolism and safety concerns surrounding its oral supplementation. Sutphin also critiques the supplement industry's lack of regulation and encourages more rigorous research, highlighting the importance of understanding the impact of these products on health and aging.

Jun 4, 2024 • 53min
Your Dog Needs Your Help. | 38 - The Dog Aging Project
Help keep the Dog Aging Project alive (prizes available!): https://donor-list.org/go/QGkYGQcLFL
More about the Dog Aging Project: https://dogagingproject.org/
Enroll your dog in the Dog Aging Project: https://redcap.dogagingproject.org/su...
The Dog Aging Institute: dogaginginstitute.org
Save the Dog Aging Project!
In 2014, Matt co-founded the Dog Aging Project, an ambitious, large-scale study of canine health and longevity aimed at understanding how dogs—and, eventually, humans—age. The project has two broad goals: to help us understand the biology of aging, and to enable us to do something about it. A third goal that often goes unmentioned, but is (to some) no less important, is to give us more time with furry friends who often become part of the family.
Dogs are some of the best animals we can use to study longevity. While many of the model organisms such as yeast, worms, mice, and rats that we commonly use to study aging have certainly helped us unearth interesting insights, they typically live in highly controlled laboratory conditions that do not replicate the diverse environmental factors that humans experience. Researchers also often use inbred strains of these animals due to their genetic uniformity, a practice that offers experimental advantages but also introduces issues such as limited generalizability and undetected gene-environment interactions. Meanwhile, dogs share our environments in every way, develop the same age-related diseases as do humans, exhibit high genetic diversity, and age rapidly enough that we do not have to wait decades to observe the effects of interventions on dog life- and healthspan.
The Dog Aging Project has grown to become the world's largest study of aging. Over 50,000 dogs are currently enrolled in the project, enabling researchers to create an immense dataset comprising over 36 million data points and a biobank containing more than 10,000 samples that will be invaluable to helping us answer key questions about the biology of aging. Data from the project has contributed to the publication of over 50 peer-reviewed scientific papers. As this is a citizen science project that harnesses the collective power of volunteers to contribute to scientific research, the Dog Aging Project will make all data publicly available free of charge to academics and nonprofit institutions to facilitate the blooming of as much useful research as possible.
The Dog Aging Project needs your help. Federal funding to the project has recently been withdrawn, and the project needs financial backing to support its veterinary and computational infrastructure as well as to complete a clinical trial of rapamycin in dogs. The project hopes to decrease its reliance on federal funding and thus hopes to encourage philanthropic funding as far possible. Top donors stand to receive a full Optispan Trailblazer concierge clinic experience and lunch with Matt, and other donors may receive Optispan swag.
Every contribution, no matter the size, makes a difference. We hope you will consider donating!

May 30, 2024 • 1h 5min
Answering Your Questions on Longevity | 37 - Ask Matt Anything #4
Subscribe to our channel: https://www.youtube.com/@optispan
Related episodes:
The Surprising Way Body Size Relates to Lifespan: https://youtu.be/Fjh6WbkZkvw
Comparing Bryan Johnson's RAPAMYCIN DATA: INTERESTING RESULTS: https://youtu.be/1-ZKzfQDQYk
Reversing Biological Age: Have we finally found the answer?: https://youtu.be/ivP3QTyQ2d4
We've hit 6,000 subscribers!
To celebrate this milestone and to thank you for your support, we've created an Ask Matt Anything (AMA) episode out of questions that you left on our previous podcast episodes. You guys ask great questions—we really enjoy thinking about the points you raise and gaining a more comprehensive and nuanced understanding of a given topic ourselves.
So here it is: an AMA buffet of longevity-related topics, from the effects of metformin and calorie restriction to methods for self-experimentation to what is special about long-lived species and much more.
We'll be releasing another special episode when we get to 10,000 subscribers, so stay tuned (and get your friends to subscribe).
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!

May 28, 2024 • 55min
Is This The Best Time to Work Out? | 36 - Longevity This Week #6
Exploring the benefits of evening exercise, impact of pregnancy on biological aging in women, concerns with epigenetic clocks, optimal workout time for health, debunking misconceptions about intermittent fasting, accuracy of dietary recall surveys, and balancing exercise for health optimization.

May 23, 2024 • 43min
The Surprising Way Body Size Relates to Lifespan | 35 - Longevity Science #7
Subscribe to our channel: https://www.youtube.com/@optispan
Is bigger always better?
It depends. Throughout the human lifespan, body size plays an important role in determining health outcomes and quality of life. It's not just about body mass index, fat distribution, weight, or muscle mass: there also exists a relationship between body size and longevity across multiple species, including humans. On average, larger species seem to live longer and age more slowly—think about the fact that dogs age about seven times faster than do humans, who are both heavier and taller than dogs. But within species, that relationship flips around: larger individuals age more rapidly and live shorter lifespans than do smaller individuals.
As with seemingly everything in aging, the relationship between body size and the rate of aging is complex and the result of an interplay between genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors, most of which scientists are still investigating. In this episode of Longevity Science, Matt dives into the nuances of body size and aging rate, discussing currently available data about how the two interact, intriguing outliers and exceptions, and potential molecular and evolutionary drivers.
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!

May 21, 2024 • 1h 7min
DON'T Take Resveratrol Until You Watch This Video | 34 - Healthspan Medicine #8
Subscribe to our channel: https://www.youtube.com/@optispan
Resveratrol is a naturally occurring polyphenolic compound found in various plants, including in the skins of grapes, blueberries, raspberries, mulberries, and peanuts. Its association with red wine has contributed to the illusion of the "French Paradox": the observation that French people have a relatively low incidence of heart disease despite a diet rich in saturated fats. If you were alive in the 2000s, you may remember cheering at the news that drinking red wine would protect your heart and help you live longer.
Unfortunately, this claim is not true. Matt, who describes resveratrol as the "most debunked longevity molecule in history", spent several formative years of his scientific career in the depths of the resveratrol saga. Together with colleagues, and in parallel with other independent labs, he demonstrated that the apparent miracle powers of resveratrol were likely an artifact of the experimental methods used to test resveratrol-induced sirtuin activation, and that resveratrol actually had no significant lifespan-extending effects in vivo. In this episode, Matt presents a comprehensive analysis of the existing resveratrol literature, transports us to his earlier years of figuring the story out piece by piece with colleagues such as National University of Singapore Distinguished Professor of Biochemistry and Physiology Brian Kennedy, and shares his views on how bad science can have a profound influence on scientific fields, funding allocations, and public behaviour.
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!

May 16, 2024 • 1h 40min
How He TRANSFORMED His Health by Taking Accountability. | 33 - Healthspan Journey #1
Subscribe to our channel: https://www.youtube.com/@optispan
The journey towards prioritizing one's healthspan can be a circuitous path full of triumphs, setbacks and lessons. Challenges arise and old habits rear their ugly heads. Unforeseen obstacles test our resolve. The road is rarely linear and often leads us to unexpected places.
In this episode, Matt chats with former Microsoft Chief Technology Officer and one of our first Optispan Trailblazers Stuart McKee about Stuart's early forays into drugs, smoking, and alcohol consumption, how he stepped off the train to get his health (and life) in order, and how the healthcare system can shape our attitude to healthspan optimization, for better or for worse. Stuart shares his meticulous approach to finding the right primary care doctor, strategies for weight loss from an obese baseline, and experiences with clomid therapy. They also discuss the influence of mindset and external influence on our healthspan optimization trajectories.
Stuart is currently a Strategic Advisor to the software company Armada, where he collaborates with the executive team to identify opportunities, innovative solutions, and market priorities to drive awareness and growth for the company. He also serves as a substitute teacher for Washington's Northshore School District. He was previously Chief Operating Officer at the artificial intelligence and spatial analytics company Hayden AI and Chief Executive Officer of Optispan Geroscience LLC, a precursor to Optispan as it exists today. Stuart spent 16 years at Microsoft.
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!