Chasing Life
CNN Podcasts
All over the world, there are people who are living extraordinary lives, full of happiness and health – and with hardly any heart disease, cancer or diabetes. Dr. Sanjay Gupta has been on a decades-long mission to understand how they do it, and how we can all learn from them. Scientists now believe we can even reverse the symptoms of Alzheimer’s dementia, and in fact grow sharper and more resilient as we age. Sanjay is a dad – of three teenage daughters, he is a doctor - who operates on the brain, and he is a reporter with more than two decades of experience - who travels the earth to uncover and bring you the secrets of the happiest and healthiest people on the planet – so that you too, can Chase Life.
Episodes
Mentioned books
16 snips
Nov 14, 2025 • 37min
Anchoring Autism: How a Father’s Devotion Helped His Son Adapt to the World
Leland Vittert, a seasoned broadcast journalist and author of "Born Lucky," shares his heartfelt journey with autism, focusing on the unwavering support from his father. He candidly discusses how his family navigated the stigma of the 1980s and his father's innovative teaching methods for social skills. Vittert also reflects on his challenging entry into television, the nuanced views on autism today, and the resilience forged through adversity. His story underscores the importance of parental love and hope, resonating deeply with listeners.
20 snips
Nov 11, 2025 • 12min
Do Bluetooth Headphones Cause Cancer?
Bluetooth headphones are everywhere, but are they dangerous? Dr. Sanjay Gupta clarifies that the cancer risk is minimal due to the type of radiation they emit. He also shares practical tips to reduce wireless exposure, like using speakerphone and wired headsets. On another note, Gupta delves into the world of protein shakes, revealing that they can lead to poor nutrition as they are often ultra-processed. He emphasizes that most people can meet their protein needs through whole food sources.
29 snips
Nov 7, 2025 • 28min
Can Your Smart Watch Actually Help You Live Longer?
Dr. Sumbul Desai, Vice President of Health at Apple and a clinical associate professor at Stanford Medicine, discusses the transformative potential of wearable technology for health. She shares insights on how devices like the Apple Watch can detect irregular heartbeats and hypertension, acting as 'intelligent guardians' for users. Desai highlights the significance of data integration with physicians and explains how innovations like AirPods are evolving into accessible hearing tools. Their conversation sheds light on the future of preventive healthcare.
12 snips
Nov 4, 2025 • 17min
Do Imported Organic Foods Live Up to their Labels?
Explore the intriguing world of organic food imports and uncover how truly authentic those labels are. Learn about the USDA's standards for organic farming and the challenges of certifying imported goods. Dive into concerns over potential fraud and the skepticism surrounding these claims. The discussion also ventures into the realm of grounding sheets, their purported health benefits, and the shaky scientific evidence behind them. Is grounding a miracle cure or just a trend? Tune in to find out!
20 snips
Oct 31, 2025 • 35min
Living with Incurable Cancer
Jonathan Gluck, author of "An Exercise in Uncertainty," shares his two-decade journey living with incurable multiple myeloma. He introduces the concept of the 'cancer zombie,' explaining the emotional and relational toll of chronic illness. Discussing innovative treatments like CAR-T therapy, he highlights the importance of compassion in medicine and navigating uncertainty. Gluck encourages embracing life's complexities and offers insights on risk, acceptance, and resilience as key components to living well despite challenges.
6 snips
Oct 28, 2025 • 13min
Why Seeing Blood Makes People Faint
Discover why some people faint at the sight of blood, as Dr. Sanjay Gupta dives into the science of hemophobia. Learn about unique brain responses that differ from other phobias. Explore the genetic and evolutionary factors behind this fear. Plus, get the lowdown on artificial sweeteners, including their effects on health and microbiomes. Sanjay advises moderation and the benefits of whole foods as alternatives. Don't miss the tips on preventing fainting during blood draws!
13 snips
Oct 24, 2025 • 25min
Why Teens Just Can't Quit Nicotine
Dr. Pamela Ling, Director of the UCSF Center for Tobacco Control Research and Education, joins Dr. Sanjay Gupta to examine the shifting landscape of teen nicotine use. They discuss the rise of nicotine pouches like ZYN and how clever marketing is drawing teens in. Ling explains the health risks of vaping and the importance of understanding nicotine's addictiveness. Parents can play a role by having open, nonjudgmental conversations with their kids about these products and advocating for stronger regulations.
37 snips
Oct 21, 2025 • 26min
What You Need to Know for Open Enrollment
Elisabeth Rosenthal, a former physician and seasoned health journalist, joins Dr. Sanjay Gupta to tackle the complexities of open enrollment. They explore how individuals can navigate the ACA marketplace, emphasizing the importance of understanding network coverage and the differences between HMOs and PPOs. Rosenthal outlines the pitfalls of short-term health plans versus ACA-compliant options, and offers practical tips for verifying your doctors' networks. She also discusses the impact of turning 26 and losing family coverage, making this a must-listen for anyone facing health insurance decisions!
Oct 17, 2025 • 41min
Why It Costs So Much to Get Sick
Elisabeth Rosenthal, a physician-turned-health journalist and author of 'An American Sickness,' joins to dissect the complexities of the U.S. healthcare system. They explore why rising healthcare costs create distrust, and how insurance has detached patients from real prices. Rosenthal highlights how high deductibles harm access to care, and discusses policy options like price controls and a public option. The conversation also delves into the political obstacles to reform and the impact of potential government shutdowns on healthcare subsidies.
23 snips
Oct 14, 2025 • 19min
Are the Plastic Straws in Water Bottles Safe?
Are the straws in reusable water bottles leaching harmful substances? Experts discuss the potential health risks of microplastics and toxic chemicals like phthalates. Discover what BPA-free really means and the concerning effects of its substitutes. Meanwhile, rising hypertension rates among young people prompt a critical look at when intervention should begin. Listeners learn about blood pressure categories, risks, and the importance of early action. Tune in for practical tips on reducing plastic exposure and safeguarding health.
