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
17 snips
Mar 25, 2025 • 11min
Which Cooking Oils Should You Be Using?
Confused about cooking oils? Discover which options promote heart health and the shift from saturated to unsaturated fats. Dive into the pros and cons of coconut oil, including its calorie content and impact on good cholesterol. Then, explore the myth of the eight-glass water rule and learn personalized hydration tips. Understand how even slight dehydration can affect your cognitive function, making water intake more crucial than you think!
9 snips
Mar 21, 2025 • 36min
Puberty Is Starting Earlier. Should Parents Worry?
Dr. Cara Natterson, a pediatrician and author of the bestselling series on adolescent health, sheds light on a concerning trend: children are entering puberty earlier than ever—around age 8 for girls and 9 for boys. She explores the implications of this shift, touching on environmental factors, nutrition, and stress. Natterson emphasizes the importance of open communication between parents and kids during this critical time, offering strategies to foster meaningful discussions and support healthy development through these changes.
Mar 18, 2025 • 14min
Five Years Later: What We Know About Long Covid
It’s been five years since Covid-19 was declared a pandemic, but for some, the symptoms are still lingering—just how common is that? Plus, if you’ve ever wondered whether natural deodorant is really better for you, Dr. Sanjay Gupta weighs in. Want to learn more about personal hygiene habits? Check out our episode, 'One Doctor's Decision to Stop Showering’ or read the article, ‘How often should you shower? Advice from a doctor who bucked social norms.’ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Mar 14, 2025 • 30min
Are You Falling for Health Misinformation?
The Covid-19 pandemic unleashed a new level of conspiracy theories and medical misinformation that some dubbed an ‘infodemic.’ Science influencer and infectious disease researcher Laurel Bristow made a name online de-bunking false claims. Now, five years after COVID was declared a pandemic, she joins Dr. Sanjay Gupta to talk about her new approach to spotting shoddy science. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Mar 11, 2025 • 14min
Pneumonia Affects Millions Each Year—Here’s How to Stay Safe
Pneumonia is a serious threat; what can you do to lower your risk? Plus, for all the night owls out there, Dr. Sanjay Gupta answers a listener’s question: are your late-night habits lazy, or is there actual science behind them? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Mar 7, 2025 • 37min
A Doctor. His Brain Tumor. A New Perspective.
What can a doctor learn from becoming a patient? That’s what Dr. Bobby Mukkamala, a surgeon and president-elect of the American Medical Association, set his mind on when he was diagnosed with a brain tumor last year. Dr. Sanjay Gupta sits down with his old friend, before and after surgery, to see what Mukkamala’s experience taught him about U.S. healthcare being on the other side of the stethoscope. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
5 snips
Mar 4, 2025 • 13min
How Safe Are Your Food Storage Habits?
Is it safe to refrigerate hot food right away? Discover surprising facts that debunk common myths about food storage. Learn how improper practices can lead to foodborne illnesses and what steps you can take to keep your meals fresh. Dr. Sanjay Gupta delves into the hidden dangers of plastic containers, including chemical leaching, and shares safer alternatives like glass and stainless steel. Equip yourself with effective tips to enhance your food storage habits and protect your health!
15 snips
Feb 28, 2025 • 19min
Measles is Back. How Worried Should We Be?
The resurgence of measles has caught attention, particularly in a low-vaccination community in West Texas. With measles being extremely contagious, the podcast delves into the outbreak's origins and health risks, especially for unvaccinated children. It also highlights the importance of community engagement and effective communication about vaccines to combat hesitancy. Personal stories from families illustrate the urgent need for vaccination to protect vulnerable individuals. The episode emphasizes herd immunity's role in public health.
8 snips
Feb 25, 2025 • 15min
What People Should Know About Measles
Measles is making a surprising comeback, particularly in a rural Mennonite community with low vaccination rates. The importance of achieving a 95% vaccination rate to ensure herd immunity is emphasized. Historical context reveals the deadly impact of measles before vaccines. Listeners learn about symptoms, transmission, and the necessity of vaccinations, debunking myths along the way. The podcast dives into vaccine durability, detailing the crucial two-dose schedule and how to monitor immunity during outbreaks.
23 snips
Feb 21, 2025 • 33min
Ultraprocessed Foods: How Bad Could They Be?
In this engaging discussion, CNN medical correspondent Meg Tirrell shares insights from her recent NIH visit, revealing the challenges scientists face in understanding ultraprocessed foods. The conversation dives into the alarming health risks tied to these foods, including links to diseases and mental health issues. Tirrell and Dr. Sanjay Gupta explore the addictive nature of ultraprocessed foods and their economic impacts on consumer choices. They also address the complexities of changing food policies and the importance of mindful eating to combat overeating.
