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
7 snips
Jan 24, 2025 • 25min
One Doctor's Decision to Stop Showering
Dr. James Hamblin, a Yale lecturer and journalist, has sparked a conversation by quitting regular showers. He challenges societal norms around hygiene, revealing how excessive cleansing can disrupt skin health and microbial balance. The discussion delves into the shift from the hygiene hypothesis to the biodiversity hypothesis, emphasizing the importance of microbial exposure for a robust immune system. Hamblin encourages personal empowerment in creating hygiene routines and critiques the commercial influences on our cleanliness standards.
23 snips
Jan 17, 2025 • 33min
Feeling Bored? That May Actually Motivate You
James Danckert, a cognitive neuroscientist at the University of Waterloo and co-author of "Out of My Skull: The Psychology of Boredom," dives into the surprising benefits of boredom. He explores how embracing this often-avoided state can ignite creativity and foster self-reflection. The conversation highlights the pitfalls of modern distractions and offers practical strategies for managing boredom through task-oriented activities. Danckert also discusses boredom's evolutionary role as a motivator for exploration and personal growth.
15 snips
Jan 10, 2025 • 30min
Letting Go of the Pressure To Be Perfect
Ellen Hendrickson, a clinical psychologist at Boston University's Center for Anxiety and Related Disorders and author of "How to Be Enough," discusses letting go of perfectionism. She examines its impact on mental health and advocates for 'anti-resolutions' focused on self-acceptance. The conversation emphasizes nurturing authentic relationships and practicing vulnerability over pursuing unattainable ideals. Strategies like cognitive diffusion and self-compassion are explored, making a compelling case for redefining our relationship with perfection.
27 snips
Jan 3, 2025 • 27min
Can Weight Loss Drugs Impact Your Joy of Food?
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.
14 snips
Dec 27, 2024 • 24min
How Ozempic Transformed the Way We Look at Obesity
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.
12 snips
Dec 20, 2024 • 31min
Can Science and God Coexist?
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.
17 snips
Dec 13, 2024 • 28min
Your Shame-Free Guide to Cutting Back on Booze
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.
23 snips
Dec 6, 2024 • 33min
Can We Protect Ourselves from Microplastics?
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.
18 snips
Nov 29, 2024 • 28min
Debunking Conspiracies This Thanksgiving? Let AI Help.
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.
11 snips
Nov 22, 2024 • 38min
Our Food Keeps Getting Recalled. Here’s What to Do.
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.
