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
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.
17 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.
