DNA Repair, Cancer & the Ageing Switch: Dr Derek Richard on the Future of Longevity

What if the reason we age isn't simply "getting older," but a biological switch that deliberately turns down our DNA repair systems around midlife? In this mind-expanding conversation, I sit down with longevity researcher Dr Derek Richard to unpack the emerging science behind DNA damage, inflammation, cancer risk, and why age itself remains the number one driver of chronic disease. We explore the provocative idea that many of us begin to downregulate key DNA repair pathways around age 40, while centenarians may never experience this switch at all. Dr Richard shares the breakthrough research behind human SSB1, the guardian of genomic integrity, and the biotech work underway to develop a therapeutic that may help switch DNA repair back on. We also go deep on: the DNA damage–cancer connection why ageing is still not classified as a disease rapamycin, metformin, NAD, NMN and the longevity supplement debate the role of lifestyle versus therapeutics why healthspan—not just lifespan—is the real goal If you've ever wondered whether we can truly influence how we age, this episode will change the way you think about your biology. CHAPTERS 00:00 Why ageing may begin with DNA damage 03:58 Meet SSB1: the guardian of your genome 06:45 The age-40 DNA repair switch 08:10 The drug designed to turn repair pathways back on 11:55 Should ageing be classified as a disease? 17:10 Healthspan vs lifespan: what actually matters 18:40 Rapamycin, mTOR and calorie restriction 22:00 Metformin, inflammation and glucose control 23:15 The supplement quality problem: NMN, NR and NAD 28:55 DNA damage, cancer and accelerated ageing 38:05 Epigenetics, sirtuins and biological age reversal 41:10 Can exercise naturally increase NAD? 43:00 Lifestyle first: what really moves the dial CONNECT WITH DR DEREK RICHARD LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/in/derek-richard-38144a5b  Website: https://www.carf.org.au/our-team/  JOIN OUR LIVE WELL LONGER WOMEN'S BIOHACKING RETREAT 1–6 May 2026 | Revīvō Wellness Resort, Bali Live Well Longer Retreat has been named Group Retreat of the Year 2025 by the prestigious Destination Deluxe Awards. Following this global recognition, we're thrilled to return to Revīvō Wellness Resort in Bali, 1–6 May 2026, for a deeply personalised, science-led retreat created exclusively for women ready to reclaim their vitality and redesign their future. Co-founded by renowned biohacking experts Azra Alagic and Camilla Thompson this award-winning women-only experience blends cutting-edge biohacking with soulful rituals and ancient practices to deliver lasting transformation. At this intimate retreat, limited to just 16 women, you'll experience: Daily biohacking workshops tailored to women's health Private coaching, DNA testing, and optional hormone/gut diagnostics with naturopath  Hot/cold therapy, hydrotherapy, meditation and MOVEŌ movement classes A curated, functional medicine-inspired gourmet menu Spa treatments, traditional Balinese blessings, full moon ceremony 1:1 consult with Cocoon medical Dr  Whether you're curious about biohacking or already on your longevity path, this retreat delivers the clarity, support, and practical tools to thrive at every stage of life. Spaces are extremely limited — and this retreat will sell out so get in quick :)  Find out more here www.livewelllongerretreats.com  Contact Revivo Retreat directly with any questions or to book directly (deposit required) [email protected]  HELP US SPREAD THE WORD! If you found this conversation valuable, interesting or inspiring I'd love you to share the pod and leave a review! Great reviews will help me to continue to bring you interviews with experts in longevity, and health and wellness. I would be so grateful if you could take a few minutes to submit a review on the podcast platform you listen from. WANT TO LEARN MORE? If you're keen to get started on your biohacking journey to optimise your health and live well longer please join me on my socials:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/biohackher_official Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/people/Biohackher  Website: www.biohack-her.com  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@biohackherpodcast