PODCAST · health
Chasing Life with Dr. Sanjay Gupta
by CNN Podcasts
Chasing Life means living life to its fullest. That’s what Dr. Sanjay Gupta aims to do, and he wants you to join him on the journey. Through conversations with leading voices in health and wellness, Sanjay demystifies complex issues at the expanding frontiers of science and shares insights from his decades-long quest to better understand the human body and mind — as a practicing neurosurgeon, CNN’s Chief Medical Correspondent, and, perhaps most importantly, a dad.
Episodes
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Why So Much of What We Know About Dementia Has Changed
As scientists make strides against dementia with new tests and drugs, Dr. Sanjay Gupta talks with journalist Robert Kolker about “The Vanishing Family,” his new book chronicling one family’s struggle with a particular form of the disease. Madeleine Thompson and Sofia Sanchez produced this episode...
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Can We Really Wait Longer to Have Kids?
More people are using fertility treatments to have kids later. But how much time can science really buy? Sanjay talks with reproductive endocrinologist Dr. Lucky Sekhon about what science can — and can’t — promise. Jennifer Lai and Leying Tang produced this episode with assistance from Andrew...
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Antidepressants: The Kids Are Alright, But Are Adults?
Antidepressants are some of the most prescribed drugs in the US, but they may not be getting proper scrutiny. Dr. Sanjay Gupta talks to psychopharmacologist Dr. Joseph Goldberg about what to consider when stopping or starting one. Madeleine Thompson & Sofia Sanchez produced this episode with...
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Should You Give AI Your Medical Records? Sanjay Did.
AI may be able to see things in your health records that a doctor wouldn’t... but it can also miss medical crises. AI researcher and urologist Dr. Ashwin Ramaswamy talks to Dr. Sanjay Gupta about using a chatbot for health guidance. Study mentioned in this episode:...
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Is AI Rewiring Your Kid’s Brain?
Parents have spent years worrying about screens. Now the screen talks back. Dr. Sanjay Gupta asks early child development expert Dr. Dana Suskind what AI may be doing to kids’ brains — and why “brain rot” may be the wrong worry. Resources mentioned in this episode: • Common Sense Media’s AI...
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Revisiting: Exploring the Brain with 10-year-old 'Sean the Science Kid'
At 10 years old, brainiac 'Sean the Science Kid' Atitsogbe already has plenty in common with Dr. Sanjay Gupta: He loves to learn and explain science to his million-plus Instagram followers. He's an advocate for positivity. And when he grows up, he wants to be a ("neuro-cardio") surgeon. So, Dr....
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A Doctor, a Dad, and a Player Talk Football Safety
CNN's Dr. Sanjay Gupta, Andy Scholes and Coy Wire -- who played nine seasons in the NFL -- sit down to discuss their love of the game, what's changed, and what all parents and kids need to know. This episode was produced by Dan Bloom and Nadia Kounang. Medical Writer: Andrea Kane Showrunner: Dan...
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Revisiting: Did You Take Your Vitamins Today? Maybe You Don’t Have To
Navigating supplement offerings, in a store or online, can be overwhelming. There’s a pill or a potion for everything, from losing weight to boosting brain power. But how do you know what you need? Join Dr. Sanjay Gupta for a conversation with supplement safety expert Dr. Pieter Cohen to learn…
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Revisiting: Why You're Breathing Wrong, and How to Fix It
Chronic disease, anxiety, ADHD, and even the shape of a person's face could be consequences of dysfunctional breathing. And most of us, it turns out, are doing it wrong – but it’s never too late to fix it. Sanjay sits down with journalist James Nestor to discuss the fifth anniversary edition of...
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Revisiting: Relax, Jealousy is Normal
No, you’re not petty for feeling jealous. Research shows humans experience this emotion even before they can crawl. CNN chief medical correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta sits down with psychologist Dr. Joli Hamilton to demystify jealousy and why the complex emotion is not only natural but could…
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Your Checklist for Medical Care Abroad
More Americans are traveling abroad for medical care. Sanjay talks with Harvard Law professor Glenn Cohen about vetting providers, understanding risks and asking the right questions, plus a practical checklist for navigating the process. Harvard Law Bulletin, “Patient Without Borders,” July 1…
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How to Protect Yourself from Extreme Weather
CNN meteorologist Derek Van Dam has been covering the weather for more than 20 years, and sees the increasing rate of extreme weather events as our new reality. He shares some of his stories and tips for staying safe in dangerous conditions with Dr. Sanjay Gupta. This episode was produced by...
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The Next Breakthrough Addiction Treatment May Be Here
The diabetes drugs that transformed weight loss may be key to treating addiction, too. Dr. Sanjay Gupta speaks with Dr. Dhruv Khullar about how GLP-1s affect the brain, its reward system, and maybe even addiction. This episode was produced by Jennifer Lai and Sofia Sanchez. Video production by…
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Why Peptides Are So Popular
An FDA panel has recommended allowing compounding pharmacies to make six unapproved peptides. Dr. Sanjay Gupta and CNN Health's John Bonifield discuss their popularity, safety concerns and what comes next. This episode was produced by Madeleine Thompson and Leying Tang. Medical Writer: Andrea…
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When Snoring Becomes a Danger to Your Health
Dr. Sanjay Gupta talks with Dr. Paul Hoff, an Ear, Nose and Throat specialist (otolaryngologist) at the University of Michigan, about why sleep apnea is often missed, how it can harm the body and mind, and the latest treatment options. This episode was produced by Madeleine Thompson and Andrea...
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Ticks are on the Move, Here’s How to Protect Yourself
Climate change and land use are helping ticks spread into new areas, bringing serious diseases, including one that can trigger an allergy to red meat and dairy. Dr. Sanjay Gupta explains how to protect yourself, while Meg Tirrell reports from one tick hotspot. This episode was produced by Leying...
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Cyclosporiasis: Fact vs Fiction
UPDATE: Federal officials continue eyeing shredded lettuce as the cause of the cyclosporiasis outbreak centered in the Midwest. Food safety expert Dr. Jennifer McEntire explains how cyclospora spreads and why outbreaks are hard to trace. This episode was produced by Jennifer Lai with assistance...
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How to Get a Good Night's Sleep
It can be stressful making sure we get enough sleep, especially as we age. But the good news is there’s no rule that a full night's rest means being deeply unconscious for eight hours straight. Dr. Sanjay Gupta answers listeners’ questions about whether to be worried about sleep habits, with help...
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What Pro Soccer Taught Me About Saving Lives
Once defending goals in Major League Soccer, Dr. Marshall Leonard now defends lives as a physician. Today, he shares the wisdom that carried him through life transitions. Plus, the time he faced Brazilian soccer legend, Ronaldinho. This episode was produced by Sofia Sanchez. Medical Writer…
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How to Tap Into Your 'Flow State'
When Lionel Messi and fellow stars of the FIFA World Cup enter "the zone," what's happening in their brains? Today, neuroscientist Dr. Rui Costa tells Sanjay how you can think like a top athlete and find your own "flow state." This episode was produced by Sofía Sanchez. Medical writer: Andrea…
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Wake Up, Brush Teeth, Start Day
We all know we should brush and floss our teeth. But the reason goes beyond a sparkling smile and keeping bad breath at bay. The mouth is a critical and often overlooked organ when it comes to improving overall health. Dr. Sanjay Gupta sits down with Dr. Kami Hoss, author of “If Your Mouth Could...
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Eating Before or After Strength Training - What's Better?
Strength training can be confusing enough on its own. But mix in what —and when— to eat, and you might just choose to sit on the couch instead. Dr. Sanjay Gupta serves up answers in this episode of Paging Dr. Gupta. Plus, getting to the root cause of hair loss in women can help narrow down...
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Want a Better Memory? Start Here
What if it’s not your memory, but how you use it? Sanjay talks with six-time U.S. Memory Champion Nelson Dellis about sharpening focus, remembering more and training your brain, plus a memory challenge you can try in real time. Our show was produced by Jennifer Lai. Video Editor: Ross Helman with...
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Hydration 101: From Caffeine to Electrolytes
At this year’s FIFA World Cup, athletes will be required to take hydration breaks during every game. It's a smart move for anyone spending time outside this summer. Dr. Sanjay Gupta explains dehydration warning signs and when to consider an electrolyte drink. This episode was produced by Andrea...
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What Happens to Your Brain When You Become a Dad?
Becoming a dad can change your life overnight. But it may also be changing your brain in ways you don’t even realize. Sanjay sits down with USC psychologist Dr. Darby Saxbe, author of Dad Brain: The New Science of Fatherhood and How It Shapes Men’s Lives to explore how becoming a father impacts...
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Can You Have Your Cake and Drink Wine, Too?
Is sugar in wine worse than the other sugar a person might eat in a day? Dr. Sanjay Gupta steps into the middle of this ongoing debate between friends. Plus, a TikTok trend claiming honey turns toxic when added to hot tea is put to the test. This episode was produced by Leying Tang. Medical…
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How to Beat a Migraine
Migraine headaches are debilitating, and their triggers and underlying causes can be mysterious. Dr. Sanjay Gupta invites neurologist Alexander Mauskop, author of “The End of Migraines” to explain how migraines start and how to stop them. Our show was produced by Sofía Sanchez Medical Writer:...
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Your Summer Sunscreen Refresher
Summer is upon us, which means sunscreen should be, too. Dr. Sanjay Gupta explains the difference between mineral and chemical formulas, and how well they protect the body’s largest organ. Plus more tips for correct application, and other ways to stay sun-safe this season. This episode was…
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Melinda French Gates Is Taking on the Women’s Health Gap. Here’s How
For a lot of women, getting the right care at the right time can make all the difference... but that doesn’t always happen. Too often, women’s health is underfunded, under-researched, or under-treated. Melinda French Gates joins Sanjay to explain why women are still being overlooked and why...
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Why No One Should Ever Use Air Dryers in Public Bathrooms
Should you use an air dryer or paper towels to dry your hands after washing them in a public bathroom? Dr. Sanjay Gupta shares his take. Plus, plasma donation is a growing trend across the country. Dr. Gupta digs into the reasons why and if there are any long-term health consequences. This…
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How to Help Your Parents Cut Down Their Screen Time
Screen time worries aren’t just for kids anymore. Families are seeing the same habits in parents and grandparents. Dr. Sanjay Gupta talks with psychiatrist Dr. Sue Varma about risks to the aging brain, warning signs and what families can do. Our show was produced by Kyra Dahring and Jennifer Lai....
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Should You Be Worried About Ebola?
As a growing Ebola outbreak in Central Africa raises alarm, listeners have questions about what it is, how it spreads, and how worried they should be. Sanjay breaks down what we know — including why Ebola is highly infectious but not easily contagious — and why this outbreak has experts on alert....
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Hope and Advice for Recent Grads
Dr. Sanjay Gupta returned to his alma mater, University of Michigan Medical School, where he addressed the Class of 2026. Today on Chasing Life, he shares that warm welcome to the newest grads, full of lessons from the field. Our show was produced by Sofía Sanchez Medical Writer: Andrea Kane…
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What You Should Know About Nighttime Leg Cramps
If you’ve ever woken up to a sudden, painful leg cramp, you’re not alone. Sanjay takes a closer look at a listener's question about nighttime leg cramps -- and why popular remedies like bananas and magnesium don’t always help. Plus, what swollen feet and ankles can reveal about your health. This...
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What Your Hair Knows About Your Health That You Don’t
Thinning hair, shedding, and sudden graying can send people searching for answers. This week, Sanjay speaks with dermatologist and Harvard assistant professor Dr. Maryanne Makredes Senna about what could be driving hair loss, what to watch for, and which treatments are actually worth it. Plus,...
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What You Need to Know About Hantavirus
After a deadly outbreak on an expedition cruise ship, listeners have questions about hantavirus and what it means for them. Sanjay breaks down what we know about how it spreads, and how worried you actually need to be. Plus, what experts are saying about the pandemic potential of the virus. This...
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AI Is in Your Healthcare Now. Here’s What to Know
More people are turning to AI for health advice, but how reliable is it? Dr. Sanjay Gupta sits down with Dr. Bob Wachter, author of "A Giant Leap," to unpack how AI is already helping patients and doctors, where it can go wrong, and how to use these tools safely without over relying on them. Dr....
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Will Mocktails Help Reduce Your Cancer Risk?
We all know drinking alcohol is bad for our health, but how much can it reduce our risk of cancer if we drink less or even cut it out entirely? This week, Dr. Sanjay Gupta digs into the correlation between consuming alcohol and risk of cancer as well as alternatives to alcohol if you’re feeling...
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Why GLP-1s May or May Not Be for You
GLP-1s are no longer only for weight loss or diabetes. Dr. Sanjay Gupta invites CNN's Meg Tirrell back to Chasing Life to update on the drug’s benefits and risks. Plus, why they’ve personally considered -- and decided against – taking one. Our show was produced by Sofia Sanchez Medical Writer:...
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Autism Doesn’t End at Childhood. Here’s the Reality
A listener named Victoria wants to know what comes next for her autistic teenage son. This week on Paging Dr. Gupta, we look at how the needs of autistic kids change as they grow up. Plus, common misconceptions about independence, college, and work for autistic teens and adults, with insight from...
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What You’ve Wanted to Know About Autism but Were Too Afraid to Ask
In response to a listener's call about her autistic son, Dr. Sanjay Gupta invited leading autism researcher Dr. Matthew Lerner, Director of the Social Connections and Treatment Lab at the A.J. Drexel Autism Institute, to break down how our understanding of autism has changed, what it means to be...
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What Happens When Mom-To-Be Smokes Weed While Pregnant?
Can using cannabis help women manage health issues related to endometriosis and perimenopause? Should women use weed while pregnant or breast feeding? CNN Chief Medical Correspondent Dr Sanjay Gupta tackles some of your health questions regarding weed and women. Learn more about the effects of...
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How Hypnosis May Be More Real, and Powerful, Than You Think
Most people might think hypnosis is just stage tricks. But the science tells a different story. Dr. Sanjay Gupta talks with Stanford’s Dr. David Spiegel about how clinical hypnosis may help with pain, anxiety, and bad habits. He also explains why elite athletes use it to improve focus and...
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Do Astronauts Float Around While They Sleep?
Four astronauts returned to Earth recently, after a historic 10-day lunar flyby mission in which they ventured farther into space than any human has before. They were part of Artemis II, NASA’s flight to test how well the agency’s Orion spacecraft, and the astronauts, operate in deep space — all…
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Everybody Poops— So, Why Is It So Hard to Talk About?
Even though everyone poops, most of us don’t really want to be reminded of that fact: we downright avoid discussing bowel habits with anyone — even our own doctor. But what happens in our gut is inextricably linked to our overall health. Dr. Sanjay Gupta sits down with neurogastroenterologist and...
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Do You Still Need Your Beta Blocker? Here’s the Latest
For decades, beta blockers were the go‑to prescription after a heart attack - meant to slow the heart rate and prevent future heart attacks. However, doctors are now reconsidering that long‑held approach. This week, Dr. Sanjay Gupta explains who may still need these drugs, who might not, and why...
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Did the iPhone Change Everything... Including Us?
When the first iPhone was unveiled, it sparked a tech revolution. But who could have imagined how much it would reshape our lives? In this episode, Sanjay sits down with CNN’s Chief Climate Correspondent Bill Weir to talk about his new documentary 50 Years of Apple — exploring how our devices…
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Want to Keep Your Eyes in Tip-Top Shape? Here’s How
As more of us spend our days staring at screens, keeping our eyes healthy matters more than ever. This week, Dr. Sanjay Gupta digs into the small habits, smart food choices, and the right eye drops that can help protect your “super peepers” for the long run. Plus, we dig into why one listener…
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Is Cortisol Hurting You or Helping You?
Cortisol gets blamed for everything from sleepless nights to stubborn belly fat, but the real story is far more complicated. Dr. Sanjay Gupta talks with Dr. Robert Sapolsky, a neuroscientist, biologist, and Stanford University professor, and author of Why Zebras Don’t Get Ulcers, about what this...
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How Early Should You Check Your Cholesterol?
If you thought high cholesterol was something to worry about later in life, you’re not alone. But new advice has a lot of people wondering if they should be getting checked sooner. Dr. Sanjay Gupta breaks down the new guidelines, who should pay attention, and what it actually means for you. Want…
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Chasing Life means living life to its fullest. That’s what Dr. Sanjay Gupta aims to do, and he wants you to join him on the journey.
Through conversations with leading voices in health and wellness, Sanjay demystifies complex issues at the expanding frontiers of science and shares insights from his decades-long quest to better understand the human body and mind — as a practicing neurosurgeon, CNN’s Chief Medical Correspondent, and, perhaps most importantly, a dad.
HOSTED BY
CNN Podcasts
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