Chasing Life
CNN
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
6 snips
Jul 1, 2025 • 16min
A Doctor-Approved Guide to the Sun This Summer
Discover the benefits of morning sunlight and how it can boost your mood and vitamin D levels. Learn the ins and outs of choosing the right sunscreen, including the difference between mineral and chemical options. Uncover common sunscreen application mistakes and effective tips for protecting your skin. Understand the importance of eye protection from sunlight and debunk myths about sun exposure. Get ready for a safe and sunny summer with essential sun safety strategies!
13 snips
Jun 27, 2025 • 21min
The Man with the Pig Kidney
Tim Andrews, a medical pioneer, shares his groundbreaking journey of receiving a kidney transplant from a pig in January 2025. He discusses the emotional liberation from dialysis and the challenges he faces post-transplant, including medication regimens. The conversation dives into ethical dilemmas surrounding xenotransplantation and the response from religious communities, exploring the complex interplay of innovation and morality in medicine. Additionally, Tim highlights the promising future of personalized organ creation through advanced technologies, offering hope to countless patients.
5 snips
Jun 24, 2025 • 14min
How Far Are We from Animal Organs Saving Lives?
Explore the fascinating field of xenotransplantation, where animal organs, particularly pig organs, are becoming viable for human use. Dr. Sanjay Gupta discusses groundbreaking advances like genetically engineered pig kidneys and their role in tackling the organ shortage crisis. The podcast dives into the compatibility of these organs with human cells, patient experiences, and ethical considerations. Discover how this cutting-edge technology might reshape the future of medicine and organ donation.
7 snips
Jun 20, 2025 • 28min
The Organ Transplant Revolution Starts Here
Robert Montgomery is a pioneering transplant surgeon who not only received a heart transplant himself but also made headlines by performing the first pig kidney transplant in a brain-dead patient. In this discussion, he tackles the urgent organ transplant crisis, where over 100,000 people are on waiting lists. Montgomery highlights the potential of using genetically engineered animal organs, like pig kidneys, to combat shortages. He shares his personal journey through kidney failure and the ethical implications of xenotransplantation, offering a beacon of hope for those in need.
8 snips
Jun 17, 2025 • 16min
How AI Might Be Helping Your Doctor Treat You
Discover how artificial intelligence is revolutionizing healthcare, from early diagnosis to enhancing doctor-patient interactions. Delve into the balance of optimism and skepticism surrounding AI's role in medicine. Learn about the complexities of pain management, including which medications work best for different types of pain. Get practical tips on safe pain relief and alternative strategies to improve your well-being. This engaging discussion sheds light on the future of medical care and pain management.
43 snips
Jun 13, 2025 • 30min
The Answer to Pain May Lie in Your Brain
Dr. Sanjay Gupta, CNN's chief medical correspondent and a practicing neurosurgeon, dives into the complexities of chronic pain and its mental ramifications. He discusses his new book, emphasizing that pain is often subjective and hard to measure. Gupta explores innovative pain management strategies, including groundbreaking medications and the surprising benefits of exercise over rest. He encourages listeners to consider diet’s role in pain relief and the importance of community support, inspiring a hopeful outlook on living a pain-free life.
7 snips
Jun 10, 2025 • 14min
Does Your “Filtered” Water Still Have Fluoride?
Filtered water might still contain fluoride—find out why conventional methods may fall short. Discover the surprising impact of diet on brain health as Dr. Sanjay Gupta shares brain-boosting foods. From omega-3s to colorful fruits and veggies, learn how your meals can enhance memory and cognitive function. Tune in for valuable insights on maintaining dental health and sharpening your mind!
8 snips
Jun 6, 2025 • 22min
What Your Sweat Could Reveal About Your Health
In this chat, John Rogers, Director of Northwestern’s Querrey Simpson Institute for Bioelectronics, dives into the untapped potential of sweat as a health marker. He shares how sweat analysis could revolutionize personal health monitoring with insights into hydration, nutrition, and even emotional states. The conversation highlights innovative technologies like portable devices that can analyze sweat composition in real-time, paving the way for smarter health management. Get ready to see sweat in a whole new light!
10 snips
Jun 3, 2025 • 12min
Billy Joel’s Brain Condition, Explained
Discover the intriguing diagnosis of normal pressure hydrocephalus, impacting older adults and even a music legend's career. Hear about the effect of this brain condition on mobility and daily life. Learn about misconceptions, symptoms, and how spinal taps play a role in treatment. The fascinating recovery story of a mother following a brain shunt procedure highlights the surgery's benefits and effectiveness. Tune in for valuable medical insights and personal anecdotes that shed light on this complex condition.
56 snips
May 30, 2025 • 38min
Unlock Your Memory by Memorizing Less
Dr. Charan Ranganath, a leading memory expert and professor at UC Davis, shares groundbreaking insights on how memorizing less can actually enhance memory capacity. He discusses the influence of emotions and personal beliefs in shaping our recollection of experiences. Ranganath also dives into the challenges posed by technology and AI, urging listeners to adapt their memory strategies in a data-saturated world. With practical tips for improving retention and understanding the power of emotional narratives, this discussion is a treasure trove for anyone eager to enhance their memory skills.
