Chasing Life

Dr. Sanjay Gupta dives into the world of weight loss drugs like Ozempic and Mounjaro, exploring their effectiveness and the hurdles users face. Personal stories highlight the emotional toll these medications can take on one’s joy of food. The discussion also addresses access and affordability, revealing the broader societal challenges tied to these treatments. It's a deep look into the potential benefits and costs of using drugs to lose weight, leaving listeners questioning what sacrifice might mean for their relationship with food.

Discover how Ozempic and similar drugs have revolutionized the weight loss landscape, sparking debates about obesity perceptions. Dive into the fascinating journey of these medications from their origins to their life-changing effects. Listen to personal stories revealing the emotional and physical challenges tied to obesity. Explore the societal stigma and misconceptions surrounding this disease, along with the powerful impact of celebrity endorsements. The transformative journeys shared emphasize both success and the hurdles of maintaining those changes.

Join Dr. Sanjay Gupta as he chats with Dr. Francis Collins, a renowned geneticist and the former director of the NIH. Collins shares his unique perspective on the relationship between faith and science, describing how he views scientific inquiry as a form of worship. He reflects on his journey from atheism to embracing Christianity during his medical training, highlighting the coexistence of science and spirituality. The duo also tackles the decline of public trust in science post-pandemic, emphasizing the importance of transparency and communication in rebuilding faith in scientific institutions.

Miles McQuarrie, the partner and beverage director at Kimble House, shares his mixology expertise on non-alcoholic beverages. He discusses the evolving drinking habits post-pandemic, revealing the shift toward lower-alcohol options and the psychology behind our choices. The rise of mocktails reflects a new focus on mindful drinking and inclusivity. Miles also dives into the 'Dry January' phenomenon, advocating for nonjudgmental conversations around alcohol and emphasizing that our mindset can shape our drinking experiences.

Dr. Leonardo Trasande, Director of Environmental Pediatrics at NYU, discusses the omnipresence of microplastics and their alarming health implications. He highlights how these tiny particles can enter our bloodstream and the potential links to serious conditions like heart attacks. The conversation delves into strategies for reducing exposure and emphasizes the importance of eco-friendly alternatives. Additionally, Trasande focuses on the role of endocrine disruptors found in everyday products and advocates for community education to combat these hidden dangers.

Thomas Costello, an assistant professor of psychology at American University and co-author of a groundbreaking study on AI chatbots, dives into the intriguing intersection of technology and conspiracy theories. He reveals how an AI chatbot can engage people holding strong conspiracy beliefs and foster critical thinking. Costello discusses the effectiveness of these digital tools in debunking misinformation, particularly during emotionally charged gatherings like Thanksgiving. He emphasizes the importance of using technology responsibly to promote open dialogue and encourage fact-checking.

In this engaging discussion, food safety expert Dr. Don Schaffner, a distinguished professor at Rutgers, unpacks the alarming rise in food recalls, including the tragic listeria outbreak affecting deli meats and E. coli concerns linked to McDonald's onions. He sheds light on the complexities of tracing foodborne illnesses and the essential role of technology in improving safety. Dr. Schaffner also shares invaluable tips for consumers to protect their families, from safe food handling practices to staying updated on recalls.

Dr. Sanjay Gupta embarks on a personal journey to understand his risks for Alzheimer’s disease, examining genetic markers and lifestyle factors. Inspiring stories highlight how lifestyle changes can impact Alzheimer’s progression. The podcast addresses the complexities of Alzheimer’s testing, emphasizing the emotional toll of test results. Listeners discover actionable steps to promote cognitive health, including new advancements in at-home assessments and the potential of blood tests to detect the disease early.

In this engaging discussion, Chi Chi Zerbe, a resilient matriarch and participant in groundbreaking Alzheimer’s research, shares her family's emotional journey battling the disease. She highlights innovative lifestyle changes that have shown promise in reversing cognitive decline. The conversation dives into the hope brought by new treatments, including monoclonal antibodies, and personal stories of those finding connections amid the challenges. Chi Chi's tale serves as a beacon of optimism for families navigating Alzheimer's.

Peter T. Coleman, a social psychologist and author at Columbia University, dives into how to tackle difficult conversations in today’s polarized world. He explains the evolution of our brains in managing conflict and the ineffectiveness of compromise in some scenarios. The discussion emphasizes fostering dialogue amid cultural divisions and highlights the importance of empathy and understanding opposing perspectives. With insights from his conflict lab, Coleman offers strategies to navigate moral disagreements and improve communication in intense discussions.