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
13 snips
Oct 24, 2025 • 26min
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.
31 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.
15 snips
Oct 10, 2025 • 29min
Why Are So Many Young People Getting Cancer?
Dr. Kimmie Ng, a leading gastrointestinal oncologist and founding director of the Young-Onset Colorectal Cancer Center at Dana-Farber, discusses alarming trends in cancer diagnoses among young adults. She outlines how prevalence is soaring, particularly with colorectal cancer, and attributes some causes to lifestyle, genetics, and early-life exposures. Ng emphasizes the importance of screening, identifying red flags, and breaking stigma around bowel health, while advocating for tailored prevention strategies.
12 snips
Oct 7, 2025 • 15min
Can Tiger Balm Help With Aches and Pains?
Discover the intriguing effects of Tiger Balm and whether it truly alleviates aches and pains. Explore the science behind its ingredients like menthol and camphor, and the modest benefits supported by research. Learn about safe usage tips and the different formulations available. Plus, can antibiotics prevent pneumonia? Sanjay clears up misconceptions about their role, explaining when they're needed and how to effectively prevent pneumonia. A blend of health insights and practical advice awaits you!
8 snips
Oct 3, 2025 • 30min
Beyond the Headlines of MAHA With the FDA
Dr. Marty Makary, a surgical oncologist and U.S. FDA Commissioner, joins Dr. Sanjay Gupta to explore crucial FDA initiatives. They discuss plans for FDA modernization, aiming to expedite drug approvals without compromising safety. The conversation highlights efforts to eliminate harmful food ingredients for children's health and the importance of addressing the potential link between prenatal acetaminophen and neurodevelopmental disorders. Makary emphasizes the role of big data in ongoing monitoring of drug safety, aiming to build public trust in FDA processes.
12 snips
Sep 30, 2025 • 14min
What the Science Says About Tylenol and Autism
The discussion dives into the controversial link between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and autism, sparked by recent statements from President Trump. Dr. Sanjay Gupta highlights that while acetaminophen is the FDA's recommended pain reliever for expectant mothers, no proven causal link to autism exists. He explains the limitations of early studies and shares findings from cord blood research and population studies that point to no increased risk. Additionally, Gupta emphasizes the risks of untreated fevers during pregnancy and offers practical tips for prevention.
77 snips
Sep 26, 2025 • 31min
How To Use Technology and Not Lose Our Minds
Baroness Susan Greenfield, an Oxford neuroscientist and author of "Mind Change," digs into how digital technology impacts our brains and social skills. She argues that while technology can benefit isolated individuals, it may also diminish empathy and resilience in the young. Greenfield shares three ways to regain control over our digital lives: exercise, reading, and family time. She emphasizes the importance of real-world interactions to enhance cognitive reserve and encourages proactive thinking about AI's role in society.
Sep 23, 2025 • 14min
Kissing Bug Disease Is Spreading; How To Stay Safe
Kissing bug disease, also known as Chagas, is spreading in parts of the U.S. Dr. Sanjay Gupta breaks down how the Trypanosoma cruzi parasite is transmitted, its symptoms, and the importance of testing. Find out about treatment options and learn how it can affect pets, including signs to watch for. Practical tips on preventing exposure at home and while traveling are also discussed, making this a crucial listen for anyone concerned about this emerging health threat.
