The Living Room Podcast

What's actually in the syringe when you buy a peptide off the black market?Now that the FDA regulation around 6 of these black market peptides is changing, should you be taking them?Should you be concerned about the link between GLP-1 use and lean tissue loss?Dr. Pinchas Cohen, PhD, is the scientist who co-discovered humanin and MOTS-c — two of the mitochondrial-derived peptides now driving the biggest wave of interest in longevity science — and he currently serves as Dean of the USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology.Peptides have become a catch-all buzzword for a category that actually spans thousands of distinct molecules, most of them still unstudied. Dr. Cohen's lab discovered several of the ones people are now injecting themselves with, and he's spent the last year watching an unregulated market grow around his own research — to the point where he tested his friends' black-market MOTS-c and found some vials contained none of the peptide at all.Up to 30% of the weight lost on GLP-1 drugs is muscle. A genetic variant found in Ashkenazi Jews makes carriers roughly 20 times more likely to live to 100 and appears to blunt the effects of the biggest known Alzheimer's risk gene. In mice, MOTS-c extended lifespan by 10% and prevented the muscle and bone loss associated with GLP-1 use. And in July, 2026, Dr. Cohen testified in front of the FDA panel now reviewing MOTS-c's regulatory path.In this episode you'll learn:Why "peptides" make out three fundamentally different categories of molecules, not one trendHow MOTS-c and humanin were discovered inside DNA once dismissed as "junk"Why up to 30% of GLP-1 weight loss is muscle, and what that means over a decade of useWhat happened when Dr. Cohen tested the actual purity of black-market MOTS-cThe genetic variant linked to a 20x greater chance of living to 100Why he — the scientist who discovered MOTS-c — won't take it himself yetWhat the FDA's 503A compounding pathway means for legal access to peptidesWhere Alzheimer's and Parkinson's peptide research stands todayWant to learn more? Each month, we send a newsletter curated by our scientific council on what's actually advancing the science of human longevity — and what isn't. Subscribe at https://www.thewndrlab.com/mailing-listCheck out The WNDR LabConnect with Dr. Pinchas CohenConnect with our host Chris Wharton on Instagram: instagram.com/chriswharton1 Follow The LIVING Room Podcast on Socials:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.living.room.pod/LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/wndrlab/The WNDR Lab: https://www.thewndrlab.com/Show NotesStudies & Institutions referencedHealth and Retirement Study Kumagai's Japanese cohort GWAS (Genome-Wide Association Study)USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology503AFDA PCAC panel Peptides & molecules HumaninMOTS-cSHLP SHMOOSE IGF-1, IGFBP-3ApoE4 / APOE (Alzheimer's risk gene)

She oversees nutrition for Olympic swimmers, pro footballers, and some of the all-time greats in both Cycling and Tennis. Her biggest lesson? Rigid diet rules cause more harm than good.Dr. Louise Burke spent three decades as Head of Nutrition at the Australian Institute of Sport, overseeing the diets of Olympic gold medalists across swimming, track and field, and professional football. Her work has shaped how elite athletes fuel for performance — yet her most urgent message has nothing to do with macros.On this episode of The LIVING Room Podcast, host Chris Wharton sits down with Dr. Burke to dismantle the diet myths dominating social media, explore why rigid nutrition rules backfire for both athletes and everyday people, and uncover why the Australian Institute of Sport reversed its strict no-supplements policy. She also breaks down the placebo effect's real power in performance, the danger of prioritizing physique over function, and why your relationship with food matters more than your meal plan.Louise Burke, PhD, is a sports dietitian with 40 years of experience counseling Australia's elite athletes, including support for the Australian Olympic Team across six Summer Games. Chair in Sports Nutrition at the Mary MacKillop Institute of Health Research at Australian Catholic University, she has published over 400 papers and was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia.If nutrition tips have left you more confused than when you started, Louise offers something rare: clarity from someone who spent a career separating food science from food fads.Want more? Each month, we send a newsletter curated by our scientific council on what's actually advancing the science of human longevity — and what isn't. Subscribe at https://www.thewndrlab.com/mailing-listThe WNDR Lab: https://www.thewndrlab.comConnect with Dr. Burke: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/louiseburke4/Facebook - https://web.facebook.com/louise.m.burke1LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/louise-burke-61923411/Louise Burke ACU - https://www.acu.edu.au/research-and-enterprise/our-research-institutes/mary-mackillop-institute-for-health-research/our-people/louise-burkeSee Dr Burke’s six books https://www.thewndrlab.com/scientist/louise-burkeConnect with our host Chris Wharton on Instagram: instagram.com/chriswharton1 

Which anti-aging skincare products actually work according to science, and which are just hype? Board-certified dermatologist and Clinical Associate Professor of Dermatology at George Washington University, Dr. Noëlle Sherber cuts through the noise with an evidence-based breakdown of sunscreen, retinoids, peptides, injectables, and more.Anti-aging skincare has become so crowded with products, procedures, and conflicting advice that building an effective routine feels nearly impossible. Dr. Noëlle S. Sherber, a dermatologist specializing in collagen and connective tissue disorders, brings a clinical lens to skin longevity and explains why just six essentials — cleansing, antioxidants, hydration, moisturizer, sunscreen, and nighttime repair — form the only foundation you need.Dr. Sherber examines what tretinoin, over-the-counter retinoids, peptides, topical estrogen, red light therapy, and injectables can and cannot do, while unpacking skin barrier health, "digital dermatosis" (the algorithm-driven cycle that pushes you to buy more products), and "perception drift" (why you stop seeing your own results over time).This conversation with Chris Wharton on The LIVING Room Podcast is for anyone who wants healthier, younger-looking skin without a complicated 10-step routine or unsupported claims. You'll walk away knowing which fundamentals deserve your consistency, where advanced treatments actually fit, and how to make smarter decisions about your skin.Subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.thewndrlab.com/mailing-listThe WNDR Lab: https://www.thewndrlab.com/Connect with Dr. Noëlle Sherber: https://www.instagram.com/drnoellesherberConnect with our host Chris Wharton on Instagram: instagram.com/chriswharton1 Episode References:"Jam Study" and the paradox of choice:Iyengar SS, Lepper MR. When choice is demotivating: can one desire too much of a good thing? J Pers Soc Psychol. 2000 Dec; 79(6): 995-1006.full textPhotoaging benefits from a year of daily sunscreen:Randhawa M, Wang S, Leyden JJ, Cula GO, Pagnoni A, Southall MD. Daily use of a facial broad spectrum sunscreen over one-year significantly improves clinical evaluation of photoaging. Dermatol Surg. 2016 Dec; 42(12): 1354-1361.New sunscreen ingredient, BEMT / Tinosorb S, en route to FDA approval:https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-proposes-expanding-sunscreen-active-ingredient-listEffects of sunscreen use on vitamin D levels:Neale RE, Khan SR, Lucas RM, Waterhouse M, Whiteman DC, Olsen CM. The effect of sunscreen on vitamin D: a review. Br J Dermatol. 2019 Nov; 181(5): 907-915.A very recent peer-reviewed editorial regarding sunscreen safety and misinformation:Pissavini M, Kriekoukis O, Matts PJ, Nash JF, Sinclair C, Young AR, Diffey BL. A manifesto for informed sun protection advice in relation to sunscreens. Int J Cosmet Sci. 2026 Apr 3.full textSkin science on tretinoin:Baldwin HE, Nighland M, Kendall C, Mays DA, Grossman R, Newburger J. 40 years of topical tretinoin use in review. J Drugs Dermatol. 2013 Jun; 12(6): 638-42.full textTopical estrogens:Troxel J, Ferrer L, Iwamoto A, Van Voorhis B, Powers J. Topical estrogen therapy for aging skin: Current evidence and clinical considerations. JAAD Reviews, 2026 Mar; 7: 73-80.full textFarkas E, Goldblatt A, Nehorayan I, Lefkowitz RB, Fleshner L, Tepper K, Marmon S. Topical estrogen for skin aging: A systematic review of safety and efficacy. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2026 Jan; 94(1): 212-215. full textAirborne pollution's impact on skin health:Han HS, Seok J, Park KY. Air pollution and skin diseases. Ann Dermatol. 2025 Apr; 37(2): 53-67.full textSkin quality and age perception:Fink B, Matts PJ, Klingenberg H, Kuntze S, Weege B, Grammer K. Visual attention to variation in female facial skin color distribution. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2008 Jun; 7(2): 155-61.Fink B, Matts PJ. The effects of skin colour distribution and topography cues on the perception of female facial age and health. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2008 Apr; 22(4): 493-8.Carbon CC, Leder H. The Mona Lisa effect: is 'our' Lisa fame or fake? Perception. 2006; 35(3): 411-4.Nicotinamide for skin cancer chemoprevention:Breglio KF, Knox KM, Hwang J, Weiss R, Maas K, Zhang S, Yao L, Madden C, Xu Y, Hartman RI, Wheless L. Nicotinamide for Skin Cancer Chemoprevention. JAMA Dermatol. 2025 Nov; 161(11): 1140-1147. Erratum in: JAMA Dermatol. 2025 Nov 1; 161(11): 1195. full textNonablative fractionated laser treatment and keratinocyte cancer prevention:Benson TA, Hibler BP, Kotliar D, Avram M. Nonablative fractional laser treatment is associated with a decreased risk of subsequent facial keratinocyte carcinoma development. Dermatol Surg. 2023 Feb; 49(2): 149-154.Skinvive (called Volite overseas) and AQP-3 expression:Safa M, Natalizio A, Hee CK. A Prospective, Open-Label Study to Evaluate the Impact of VYC-12L Injection on Skin Quality Attributes in Healthy Volunteers. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2022 Mar; 15: 411-426.full text

What if everything you're doing for your health — the diet, the exercise, the supplements — depends on something you may be overlooking every night?Matthew Walker, PhD, neuroscientist, sleep expert, and professor of neuroscience and biomedical engineering at UT Dallas, founder of the Center for Human Sleep Science, and author of the New York Times bestseller Why We Sleep joins The LIVING Room Podcast to reveal why sleep is not the third pillar of health — it's the foundation on which everything else rests.For decades, we've treated sleep as the thing we'll fix after we get our diet, exercise, and productivity in order. But what if that order is exactly backwards?In this conversation, Dr. Walker explains why one night of 4 hours of sleep causes a 70% drop in cancer-fighting natural killer cells, how losing a single hour to daylight saving time spikes heart attack risk by 24%, and why dieting without enough sleep means up to 60% of the weight you lose comes from lean tissue — not fat. He unpacks the evolutionary paradox of why sleep exists at all, how dreaming acts as overnight emotional therapy by stripping stress chemistry from the brain, and why the single most powerful predictor of all-cause mortality isn't how long you sleep — it's how regular your wake time is.In this episode you'll learn:• Why one night of bad sleep causes a 70% drop in your immune system's cancer-fighting cells — and how quickly the damage begins• The daylight saving effect: why losing just one hour of sleep raises heart attack risk by 24% and what that reveals about chronic sleep loss• How insufficient sleep hijacks your metabolism so that 60% of weight lost during a diet comes from muscle, not fat• Why sleep exists in every species despite being evolutionarily absurd and what that universality tells us about its non-negotiable importance• How dreaming functions as overnight therapy, processing difficult emotional experiences in a brain state completely stripped of stress chemistry• Why sleep regularity — consistent wake times — predicts mortality more strongly than total sleep duration, and how to make it your single most powerful sleep lever• The truth about genetic short-sleepers: why they're rarer than being struck by lightning, and why you almost certainly aren't oneDr. Walker's research has been published in over 100 scientific studies, and he has been featured on CBS 60 Minutes, National Geographic, BBC, and NPR. He is one of the most cited and recognized sleep scientists in the world.If you've ever wondered whether 5 or 6 hours is enough, or felt like you're doing everything right for your health but not seeing the results — this conversation will fundamentally change how you think about the one-third of your life you spend asleep.Subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.thewndrlab.com/mailing-listThe WNDR Lab: https://www.thewndrlab.com/Timestamps: 00:00 – How Matthew became a sleep scientist06:18 – Why sleep is the foundation of health (the 60% muscle loss study)12:59 – One bad night: 70% drop in cancer-fighting killer cells15:45 – Daylight saving: losing one hour spikes heart attack risk 24%19:24 – Is the perception of sleep finally changing?29:30 – The gold standard day for sleep: Matthew's full protocol30:07 – Why wake-time regularity predicts mortality more than duration36:42 – Daylight within 60 minutes of waking40:04 – Strategic caffeine use: the half-life rule46:47 – Exercise timing and your chronotype49:08 – How to find your chronotype (the MEQ test)52:49 – The evolutionary reason night owls exist59:08 – What to do when you can't sleep01:04:32 – The wind-down: sleep is like landing a plane01:07:24 – Melatonin: what it actually does01:12:46 – White noise and brown noise01:16:50 – Sleep, cognition, and the aging brain01:19:07 – Sleep's three roles in learning and memory01:22:52 – How dream sleep builds creativity01:24:49 – Athletic performance and motor skill improvement01:36:22 – Poor sleep and emotional regulation (amygdala vs. prefrontal cortex)01:38:24 – Quick-fire: controversial beliefs, underrated tools, advice to younger self01:43:24 – Genetic short-sleepers: rarer than being struck by lightning01:45:43 – Advice for aging parents: it's never too late01:47:19 – Final message: "Sleep is your life support system"Episode ReferencesDr. Walker's bookWhy We Sleep: Unlocking the Power of Sleep and DreamsTED Talk https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5MuIMqhT8DMMEQ Chronotype Quiz https://reference.medscape.com/calculator/829/morningness-eveningness-questionnaire-meqDecibel Meterhttps://decibelpro.io/5 Techniques to fall asleep: Meditation, Box Breathing, Body Scan, Mental Walk & Sleep StoriesConnect with Dr. Walker: https://www.instagram.com/drmattwalkerConnect with our host Chris Wharton: https://www.instagram.com/chriswharton1

What if the real reason millions of women struggle with desire isn't hormones, and the solution isn't a pill?For decades, the conversation around women's sexual health has been shaped by the male model: desire first, then arousal. But what if that model is fundamentally wrong for most women?Dr. Lori Brotto, PhD, a UBC professor, Canada Research Chair in Women's Sexual Health, and registered psychologist joins The LIVING Room Podcast to share why female sexual desire remains one of the most misunderstood, underfunded, and undertreated areas in modern medicine.In this conversation, Dr. Brotto explains why 43% of women experience clinically significant sexual dysfunction, yet less than 10% seek help compared to 80% of men. She unpacks the mind-body disconnect that makes female physiological arousal rarely match subjective arousal, why the two FDA-approved drugs for women deliver mediocre results at best, and how mindfulness — present-moment, non-judgmental awareness — directly addresses both the inhibitory and excitatory sides of desire in ways medication cannot. She challenges the myth that desire must be spontaneous, introduces the concept of responsive desire, and explains why separating sexual health from overall health is a mistake with real consequences for research funding, clinical care, and how women understand their own bodies.In this episode you'll learn:Why 43% of women experience sexual dysfunction, and why less than 10% seek help while 80% of men doThe mind-body disconnect: why women's physiological arousal rarely matches their subjective experience, and why "not feeling in the mood" is often a brain problem, not a body problemHow mindfulness — not meditation apps, but specific clinical techniques like the body scan and raisin exercise — directly improves sexual desire and responseWhy responsive desire, desire that emerges in response to arousal, is normal and expected, especially in long-term relationships, and why waiting to "feel horny first" is a losing gameThe two FDA-approved drugs for female sexual dysfunction, why their efficacy is modest at best, and why mindfulness outperforms them without side effectsWhy sexual health research receives less than 7% of national health funding, and what that underinvestment means for women's health and wellnessWhat men can be doing to foster more moments of intimacy in a relationshipDr. Lori Brotto, PhD, is a professor at the University of British Columbia, Canada Research Chair in Women's Sexual Health, and a registered psychologist. She is the author of Better Sex Through Mindfulness and has spent over two decades researching the intersection of mindfulness and female sexual health, running one of the world's leading psychophysiology labs studying sexual response and arousal.Book: Brotto, L. A. (2018). Better sex through mindfulness: How women can cultivate desire. Greystone Books: https://www.loribrotto.com/eSense digital program  esensehealth.com Melinda French Gates Is Donating $215 Million to Women’s HealthWant more? Each month, we send a newsletter curated by our scientific council on what's actually advancing the science of human longevity — and what isn't. Subscribe at https://www.thewndrlab.com/mailing-list The WNDR Lab: https://www.thewndrlab.com/  

On The LIVING Room, host Chris Wharton sits down with Brad Schoenfeld, PhD, Professor of Exercise Science at Lehman College and one of the world's most influential resistance training researchers, to unpack what decades of evidence actually say about building muscle, maintaining strength, and aging well.They explore the minimum effective dose of strength training, why effort matters more than volume, the truth about protein timing and daily protein intake, why cold plunges immediately after lifting may blunt muscle growth, how GLP-1 medications affect lean tissue, the supplements that actually work, and why it's never too late to start, even if you've never lifted a weight before.Whether you're trying to build muscle, improve performance, lose fat, or simply maximize your chances of remaining strong and independent into your 80s and 90s, this conversation is packed with practical, evidence-based advice you can apply immediately.HERE'S WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:Why resistance training may be one of the most important interventions for healthy aging, and how it helps protect against frailty, falls, hip fractures, and the loss of physical independenceWhy as little as two challenging 30-minute strength sessions per week can deliver meaningful health and strength benefitsHow to build a "bone bank" before menopause and help preserve bone density as estrogen declinesThe truth about women and "bulking"—including training volume, rep ranges, and what the science actually says about muscle growthWhy soreness isn't proof of an effective workout—and why training to failure isn't always necessaryHow resistance training and higher protein intake can help preserve lean tissue during weight loss, including while using GLP-1 medicationsWhat the latest research says about creatine, protein timing, cold plunges, sauna use, and some of the biggest myths surrounding strength trainingWant more? Each month, we send a newsletter curated by our scientific council on what's actually advancing the science of human longevity — and what isn't. Subscribe at https://www.thewndrlab.com/mailing-list. The WNDR Lab: https://www.thewndrlab.com/  RIR (Repetitions in Reserve) — perceived number of reps left before failureRPE (Rating of Perceived Exertion) — 1–10 scale of perceived training intensityDEXA scan — used to measure lean tissue/body compositionAnabolic window — the (now largely debunked) ~45-minute post-workout protein timing windowGLP-1 receptor agonists — referenced broadly (e.g., Ozempic-class drugs), not a specific named productCreatine — supplement discussed at length as the only muscle-building supplement with strong evidenceStudies: High-Intensity Strength Training in Nonagenarians: Effects on Skeletal Muscle Brad Schoenfeld, PhD, CSCS-D, CSPS-D, NSCA-CPT-D, FNSCALinkedIn: @bradschoenfeldWebsite: lookgreatnaked.comMost Popular Books: Science and Development of Muscle HypertrophyScience and Development of Muscle Hypertrophy (New Edition) - preorder availableConnect with our host Chris Wharton on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chriswharton1

Gene Bowman, ND, MPH, explains why nutrition, blood-based biomarkers, and personalized testing could change how we think about protecting brain health, and that people with suboptimal levels of just three blood markers may have a four-to-five-fold higher risk of dementia. Brain health is often treated as something to worry about only after memory, focus, or processing speed begins to decline. But Gene Bowman explains that the biological changes associated with cognitive decline begin decades earlier, and that emerging blood-based biomarkers and personalized nutrition could help identify risk and guide intervention much sooner.Gene Bowman, ND, MPH, is Clinical Trials Director at the McCance Center for Brain Health at Massachusetts General Hospital and a faculty member at Harvard Medical School, where his research focuses on nutritional neuroscience, cognitive aging, metabolic health, and blood-based biomarkers of brain health. On The LIVING Room Podcast, he joins Chris Wharton to explain why brain health is influenced by nutrient patterns rather than one "miracle" supplement, how APOE4 risk may interact with omega-3 status and lifestyle, and why ultra-processed foods, trans fats, refined sugars, and poor metabolic health may contribute to long-term brain agingWhat we cover in this conversation:• Why cognitive decline may begin decades before symptoms appear• How blood tests could reveal nutritional and metabolic risks to brain health• The combination of three nutritional markers linked to a four-to-five-fold higher risk of dementia• How personalized nutrition could support the future of Alzheimer's and dementia prevention• What APOE4 means for omega-3s, genetics, and long-term brain health• Why one supplement is rarely enough to protect cognitive function• How trans fats, refined sugars, and ultra-processed foods may affect the brain• What to eat for sharper focus today and greater cognitive resilience over time• Why "normal" nutrient levels may not be optimal for brain performance• How future brain-health testing could make prevention far more personalized and preciseFor anyone concerned about brain fog, family history, cognitive decline, or protecting their brain as they age, this episode offers a more proactive way to think about brain health: test earlier, understand your individual biology, and build the nutritional foundation that may help preserve cognitive function over time.Want more? Each month, we send a newsletter curated by our scientific council on what's actually advancing the science of human longevity — and what isn't. Subscribe at https://www.thewndrlab.com/mailing-list. The WNDR Lab: https://www.thewndrlab.com/  Connect with our host Chris Wharton on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chriswharton1Gene L. Bowman, ND, MPHLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gene-bowman-64b10b8/Harvard Profile: https://researchers.mgh.harvard.edu/profile/31831698/Gene-Bowmanhttps://connects.catalyst.harvard.edu/Profiles/display/Person/215473Episode ReferencesIndividuals:Rudy Tanzi — Harvard neurogeneticist who co-discovered the Huntington's and Alzheimer's genes and helped build the amyloid hypothesis.Martha Clare Morris — Developed the MIND diet and co-founded the AA-ISTAART Nutrition, --Metabolism, and Dementia group with Gene.Frank Sacks — Harvard researcher who developed the DASH diet.Diets / Frameworks:MIND diet — Dietary pattern (berries, leafy greens, seafood, nuts/seeds) linked to lower dementia risk observationally, but underperformed in its clinical trial.DASH diet — Diet designed for cardiovascular disease reduction; blended into the MIND diet.Neuroprotective diet (in development) — Gene's forthcoming review paper proposing a diet combining the best of MIND, DASH, and Mediterranean patterns.Studies:Multi-domain Alzheimer's Prevention Trial — Observational study where Gene's nutritional risk index predicted cognitive decline/enhancement.Framingham cohort study — Used by a Dutch research group to validate the same three biomarkers, finding a 4–5x dementia risk increase with suboptimal levels.Oregon Brain Aging Study — Gene's ~15–20-year-old study of exceptionally healthy elderly "superagers" showing optimal (not just non-deficient) nutrient thresholds matter.Omega-3 RCT (APOE4) — Gene's 3-year placebo-controlled trial showing omega-3s especially benefit APOE4 carriers' neuronal integrity.

The peptide space is exploding. Claims are everywhere. But for most peptides, the human evidence is still surprisingly limited.Dr. Myles Spar is a board-certified Internal Medicine physician, Integrative Medicine physician, and Clinical Translator at The WNDR Lab. He has spent his career helping translate longevity science into practical medicine, and in this conversation, he breaks down one of the most talked-about topics in health today: peptide therapy.From BPC-157 and TB-500 to MOTS-c and GHK Copper, Dr. Spar explains why the excitement has outpaced the evidence, what the FDA's proposed recategorization of certain peptides actually means (and what it doesn't), and how to evaluate health claims before putting anything in your body.The conversation also explores how to separate evidence from hype, why correlation isn't causation, and why the fundamentals of health still outperform any shortcut.This episode also marks the launch of a new recurring series: The Truth Behind the Trend”  on The LIVING Room Podcast. In this series, Chris Wharton sits down with leading experts in their fields to examine what's making the news, what the science says, and what it actually means for your health. These shorter conversations are designed to help you think more critically, ask better questions, and separate evidence from hype. What we cover in this episode:Why most peptide research is still limited—and why that mattersBPC-157, TB-500, MOTS-c, and GHK Copper: what we know todayWhat the FDA's proposed peptide recategorization means—and why it does not mean FDA approvalThe difference between FDA-approved, FDA-cleared, and compounded productsWhy injectable peptides have more evidence behind them than patches, creams, and sublingual formulationsThe risks of buying peptides from unregulated sourcesWhy therapeutic plasma exchange may be overhyped in longevity medicineThe "proof commensurate with harm" principle for evaluating health interventionsWhy correlation does not equal causation in health researchHow to run your own N-of-1 experiment to determine what actually works for youWhy exercise, sleep, nutrition, stress management, and other fundamentals remain the foundation of longevityIf you're trying to make sense of the rapidly growing world of peptides, biohacking, and longevity medicine, this episode offers a practical, evidence-based framework for thinking critically about the latest health trends.Want more? Each month, we send a newsletter curated by our scientific council on what's actually advancing the science of human longevity — and what isn't. Subscribe at https://www.thewndrlab.com/mailing-list. Connect with Dr. Myles Spar:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drspar/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drspar/ Connect with our host Chris Wharton on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chriswharton1 Follow The LIVING Room Podcast on Socials:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.living.room.pod/LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/wndrlab/The WNDR Lab: https://www.thewndrlab.com/   

What if the greatest opportunity to prevent cancer, Alzheimer's disease, frailty, and many of the chronic conditions that shorten our lives isn't treating them one by one, but addressing the biology of aging itself?Harvard researchers Raiany Romanni-Klein, PhD and William Mair, PhD join The LIVING Room Podcast to explore why biological aging may be one of the most consequential, and most overlooked, modifiable risk factors in modern medicine, and why rethinking how we age could fundamentally reshape the future of healthcare.For decades, medicine has focused on treating age-related diseases one at a time. But what if the biology driving many of those diseases could itself become a target for prevention?In this conversation, Raiany Romanni-Klein, PhD, and William Mair, PhD, explain why extending healthspan, the years we spend healthy and functional, may matter far more than simply extending lifespan. They unpack the emerging science of biological aging, the ethical and economic questions surrounding longevity research, and why slowing the aging process could have profound implications for cancer, Alzheimer's disease, cardiovascular disease, frailty, and cognitive decline. They also examine the enormous societal cost of chronic disease, the burden placed on unpaid caregivers, and why aging research receives only a fraction of the funding directed toward individual age-related diseases despite its potential to influence many of them simultaneously.In this episode you’ll learn:Why eliminating all cancers would increase life expectancy by only about 2.5 years, while targeting biological aging could have a far greater population-wide impactThe $2 trillion per year economic opportunity of slowing biological aging by just five yearsWhat the 23-year life expectancy gap between two Boston neighborhoods just two miles apart reveals about health inequity and agingWhy aging research receives only a small fraction of the funding devoted to diseases like Alzheimer'sThe difference between lifespan and healthspan, and why that distinction changes everythingThe "41 is the new 40" concept and the extraordinary economic value of making people biologically younger by just one yearRaiany Romanni-Klein, PhD, is a researcher and bioethicist whose work focuses on the ethics, economics, and public policy of human longevity. William Mair, PhD, is a professor at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health whose laboratory studies how metabolism and nutrition influence aging, healthspan, and age-related disease.If you've ever wondered whether aging itself should become a target of medicine, or what the future of longevity science could mean for how we live, work, and stay healthy, this conversation offers one of the most thought-provoking perspectives you'll hear.Timestamps:00:00 Why aging is the health risk no one's treating04:08 Why do we accept aging and decline?05:43 How aging affects work, caregiving, and the economy11:04 Healthspan vs. lifespan: the gap that changes everything12:32 Can aging be treated as a risk factor?17:08 The $2 trillion per year case for slowing aging21:57 Why aging gets pennies while Alzheimer's gets billions26:09 Longevity science, inequality, and who benefits most36:47 What can you do now for healthspan?56:02 Operation Warp Speed for aging — the case for urgencyResources mentioned: Silverlinings Bio: https://silverlinings.bio/ Connect with Raiany Romanni-Klein:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raianyromanni/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/raiany.siLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/raiany-romanni-klein-phd-60baa93a/Website: https://www.raianyromanni.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kB1IFGYaYXoX: https://x.com/RaianyRomanniConnect with William Mair:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/william_mairiLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/willmair/Website: https://willmair.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kB1IFGYaYXoX: https://x.com/william_mair

What if one of the strongest predictors of a longer, healthier life isn't hiding in your bloodwork, but in the quality of your relationships? After following 724 people for 87 years, the world's longest-running study of adult development uncovered a finding that continues to reshape how we think about longevity.DescriptionRobert Waldinger, MD—Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, Director of the Harvard Study of Adult Development, Director of the Center for Psychodynamic Therapy and Research at Massachusetts General Hospital, and an ordained Zen priest—joins host Chris Wharton on The LIVING Room Podcast to explore what 87 years of research reveals about happiness, health, and living a longer, more meaningful life.Together, they unpack the study's two defining discoveries: why taking care of your physical health remains essential, and why the quality of your relationships may be just as important to healthy aging. Dr. Waldinger explains how chronic loneliness influences stress, cortisol, inflammation, and disease; why men from disadvantaged backgrounds lived an average of 10 years fewer than Harvard graduates yet reported similar levels of happiness; why wealth beyond meeting your basic needs has surprisingly little impact on long-term happiness; and how nearly 40% of our happiness is shaped by choices and habits that remain within our control. The conversation also explores meditation, worry, optimism, generosity, and practical ways to build deeper relationships in an increasingly disconnected world.Robert Waldinger is Director of the Harvard Study of Adult Development, the world's longest longitudinal study of adult life, following 724 original participants since 1938 with an extraordinary retention rate. He is a Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, Director of the Center for Psychodynamic Therapy and Research at Massachusetts General Hospital, co-author of The Good Life, and an ordained Zen priest. His TED Talk on the Harvard Study has been viewed more than 40 million times, making it one of the most-watched TED Talks ever, and his work has been featured by leading publications including The New York Times.Connect with Robert Waldinger here:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robert.waldinger/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/robertwaldingermdLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-waldinger-90012169/Website: https://www.robertwaldinger.com/YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/@RobertWaldingerTheGoodLifeX: https://x.com/robertwaldingerHarvard Second Generation Study: https://www.adultdevelopmentstudy.org/ Want more? Each month, we send a newsletter curated by our scientific council on what's actually advancing the science of human longevity — and what isn't. Subscribe at https://www.thewndrlab.com/mailing-list.The WNDR Lab: https://www.thewndrlab.com/ 

Your brain starts changing earlier than most people realize. A Stanford neuroscientist explains how emerging technology could reshape the future of cognitive health.What if protecting your brain has less to do with chasing the next breakthrough, and more to do with taking action on the science we already know.In this episode of The LIVING Room Podcast, host Chris Wharton sits down with Walter Greenleaf, PhD—behavioral neuroscientist and medical technology developer at Stanford University's Virtual Human Interaction Lab—to explore what's happening to your brain as you age, why measuring cognitive health has been so difficult, and how AI, virtual reality, wearable technology, and personalized feedback systems may transform the future of prevention.Here's what you'll walk away with:Why cognitive decline begins long before symptoms appear—and why neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's develop over many years before they're detectedHow virtual reality is already being used to help treat PTSD, chronic pain, addiction, and phobias—and why the brain often responds to virtual experiences as if they're realThe research from Adam Gazzaley's lab showing that specific cognitive training can improve executive function, with some adults in their 60s performing similarly to much younger adults on certain cognitive measuresWhy today's AI health advice can sound convincing while still being inaccurate—and what must change before it can be trusted in healthcareHow wearables, smart glasses, and passive health monitoring could make personalized brain health recommendations part of everyday lifeWhy behavior change isn't just about knowing what to do—and how immediate, personalized feedback may be the missing link to lasting habitsThe evidence-based habits that still matter most for protecting your brain—and why even experts struggle to consistently follow themThis conversation explores where the science stands today, where it's headed next, and how evidence—not hype—can help us build healthier brains for the decades ahead. Connect with Dr. Walter on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/waltergreenleaf/ Want more? Each month, we send a newsletter curated by our scientific council on what's actually advancing the science of human longevity — and what isn't. Subscribe at https://www.thewndrlab.com/mailing-list.The WNDR Lab: https://www.thewndrlab.com/ 

Before she made the world laugh, Tiffany Haddish had to use humor just to survive.Growing up, Tiffany navigated homelessness and childhood trauma that would have broken most people. But it didn't break her, it built her. In this episode of The LIVING Room Podcast, Chris Wharton sits down with one of Hollywood's most fearless voices for a conversation that goes far beyond the punchlines, and headlines…Tiffany opens up about how comedy became a coping mechanism before it ever became a career, why she made a conscious decision to choose joy over bitterness, and how her unshakeable belief in manifestation took her from sleeping in her car to the cover of Sports Illustrated. She also shares what it really took to land her breakout role in Girls Trip, and why she refuses to let pain write her story.Tiffany Haddish is a comedian, actress, and New York Times bestselling author of The Last Black Unicorn and Curse You With Joy. She is best known for Girls Trip and for a career built on turning suffering into strength.If you've ever had to fight to rise above your circumstances and fight for your dreams, this one's for you.Follow Tiffany on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tiffanyhaddish/ Book: “I Curse You with Joy” YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/thaddish Want more? Each month, we send a newsletter curated by our scientific council on what's actually advancing the science of human longevity — and what isn't. Subscribe at https://www.thewndrlab.com/mailing-list.The WNDR Lab: https://www.thewndrlab.com/ 

“The sleep people are getting in the real world predicts how long they live better than almost anything else.” According to Dr. Michael Grandner, sleep isn't just rest. It's one of the strongest predictors of how long you'll live.Yet most people fundamentally misunderstand what sleep is, why we need it, and what happens when we don't get enough of it. The consequences reach far beyond feeling tired, influencing everything from your brain function and metabolism to your immune system, long-term health, and lifespan.In this episode, Chris Wharton sits down with Dr. Michael Grandner, Director of the Sleep and Health Research Program at the University of Arizona and the world's most cited sleep researcher Drawing from decades of research, Dr. Grandner unpacks what sleep is actually doing inside your body, why so many people struggle with it, and how improving it may be one of the most powerful things you can do for your health, performance, and longevity.No wellness trends. No sleep hacks. Just the science behind one of the most important—and overlooked—drivers of human health.In the episode, you'll learn: → Why sleep is one of the strongest levers for longevity, performance, and disease prevention → Why chronic sleep loss impairs decision-making, memory, metabolism, and emotional regulation before you notice it → The difference between feeling tired and being objectively sleep-deprived → Why trying harder to fall asleep can make insomnia worse → How sleep apnea is often missed — especially when symptoms look like fatigue, anxiety, or depression → What sleep trackers and wearables can tell you, and what they often get wrong → Why melatonin, supplements, and sleep hygiene aren't always enough to fix a real sleep disorder → How light, caffeine, alcohol, temperature, screens, and bedtime routines affect sleep quality → Why better sleep often comes from doing less — reducing effort and getting out of your own way Dr. Grandner has published more than 250 academic papers, chaired the American Heart Association's Sleep Science Committee, and presented to the US Congress on sleep health. This episode is for anyone who wakes up tired, struggles with insomnia, relies on sleep trackers, or wants to understand how sleep really affects longevity, recovery, and daily performance.Want more? Each month, we send a newsletter curated by our scientific council on what's actually advancing the science of human longevity — and what isn't. Subscribe at https://www.thewndrlab.com/mailing-list.The WNDR Lab: https://www.thewndrlab.com/ Michael Grandner, PhD | University of ArizonaMichael Grandner, PhD, researches the connections between sleep and circadian health, including innovative strategies for improving sleep. The Director of the Sleep and Health Research Program and a tenured Associate Professor in the Department of Psychiatry with joint appointments in Medicine, Psychology, Nutritional Sciences, and Clinical and Translational Science at the University of Arizona College of Medicine, he is the Inaugural Chair of the American Heart Association’s Sleep Science Committee and the Past President of the Society of Behavioral Sleep Medicine, as well as an elected Fellow of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and the Society of Behavioral Sleep Medicine. Dr. Grandner has over 250 academic journal publications, advises numerous companies, has presented to the US Congress multiple times on the topic of sleep health, and has co-authored position statements for the International Olympic Committee and the National Institutes of Health, among many others. He was recently awarded the Richard Bootzin Mid-Career Distinguished Scientific Achievement Award by the Society of Behavioral Sleep Medicine.Dr. Michael Grandner's Instagram https://www.instagram.com/michaelgrandner/Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/grandner/Website: https://www.michaelgrandner.com/about.htmlYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@UCTET02GzjnNxSg3V157lUIw 

In this episode of The LIVING Room Podcast, host Chris Wharton sits down with Dr. Paul Mischel for a fascinating exploration of what causes cancer, and the future of preventive medicine.A pioneer in precision oncology, Dr. Mischel's groundbreaking research revealed how extrachromosomal DNA (ecDNA)—small circles of DNA that exist outside our chromosomes—can fuel tumor growth, accelerate evolution, and help cancers evade treatment. His discoveries have transformed our understanding of some of the most aggressive cancers, including glioblastoma.But this conversation goes far beyond the laboratory…Dr. Mischel breaks down what the latest science actually tells us about cancer risk, prevention, and early detection. Together, they explore which lifestyle factors are backed by evidence, where common misconceptions persist, and why the future of cancer screening may be both more powerful—and more nuanced—than many people realize.Please join us for a thought-provoking conversation about one of medicine's greatest challenges, and the science that may help change its future.In this video, we explore:What cancer actually is — and why some cancers become far more aggressive than othersHow extrachromosomal DNA (ecDNA) helps tumors evolve and resist treatment — and why that changes everything about precision oncologyWhat the science actually says about exercise, nutrition, alcohol, smoking, vaccines, and cancer preventionThe real cancer risk factors you can control — and the ones you can'tWhy full-body MRIs and cancer blood tests are promising but not a replacement for traditional cancer screening yetThe biggest cancer myths circulating in wellness spaces — and what the data actually supportsHow to think about your cancer risk with more agency and less fearAbout Dr. Paul Mischel: Paul Mischel, MD, is a physician-scientist at Stanford Medicine whose research revealed how extrachromosomal DNA drives the evolution and drug resistance of aggressive cancers. His work has reshaped the field of precision oncology.Want more? Each month, we send a newsletter curated by our scientific council on what's actually advancing the science of human longevity — and what isn't. Subscribe at https://www.thewndrlab.com/mailing-list.The WNDR Lab: https://www.thewndrlab.com/ 

Why is losing weight—and keeping it off—so difficult? A leading neuroscientist explains the biology of hunger, the rise of GLP-1 medications, and what science is revealing about the brain's role in body weight regulation.In this episode of The LIVING Room Podcast, Chris Wharton sits down with Dr. Zachary A. Knight, PhD — Professor of Physiology at UC San Francisco, Howard Hughes Medical Institute Investigator, and one of the world's leading researchers studying the neural circuits that regulate hunger, thirst, and body weight.Drawing from decades of research, Dr. Knight explains why body weight is influenced by far more than motivation alone, how genetics and environment interact to shape appetite, what happens in the brain when we lose weight, and why GLP-1 medications have transformed obesity treatment.Watch this episode to learn:• Why maintaining weight loss is so challenging for many people• How genetics and environment work together to influence body weight• What happens in the brain when you're hungry—and when you're full• How GLP-1 medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro affect appetite and food-related reward signals• The science behind "food noise" and why many patients report it decreases on GLP-1s• Whether weight-loss medications are likely to be lifelong treatments• Practical, science-backed ways to increase satiety and better manage hunger• What researchers are learning about hydration, thirst, and the body's internal regulation systems• Where the next generation of obesity and metabolic health treatments may be headedThis isn't diet advice. This is the neuroscience of hunger — and it will completely change how you think about your body.Connect with Dr. Zachary A. Knight:https://knightlab.ucsf.edu/http://www.linkedin.com/in/zachary-knight-29a37977https://x.com/zaknight  Want more? Each month, we send a newsletter curated by our scientific council on what's actually advancing the science of human longevity — and what isn't. Subscribe at https://www.thewndrlab.com/mailing-list.The WNDR Lab: TheWNDRLab.com 

Most anti-aging skincare is focused on the surface — but the real story of skin aging starts much deeper. Mayo Clinic dermatologist Dr. Saranya Wyles breaks down what’s actually happening beneath your skin, why up to 75% of skin aging may be modifiable, and what science really says about retinol, SPF, red light therapy, collagen, peptides, GLP-1s, and more.Saranya Wyles, MD, PhD, is the Director of the Regenerative Dermatology and the Skin Longevity Laboratory at Mayo Clinic whose work focuses on skin aging, wound healing, cellular senescence, and regenerative medicine. In this episode of The LIVING Room Podcast, she joins Chris Wharton to explain why your skin is often a reflection of what’s happening inside your body — from brain health to heart health and overall aging, what SPF, retinol, red light therapy, collagen, and peptides actually do, and why the future of skincare will include 3D-bioprinted skin tissue and regenerative therapies.What we cover in this conversation:Why 75% of skin aging is modifiable — and what that actually meansThe skincare routine a Mayo Clinic dermatologist actually recommendsWhy oral collagen supplements may be a waste of moneyWhether retinol, red light therapy, and peptides live up to the hypeWhat sunscreen actually protects you from (and how it impacts vitamin D)Why weight-loss drugs like GLP-1s may be aging your faceThe future of regenerative skin repair — from exosomes to 3D-bioprinted skinFor science-backed clarity on what really protects your skin, free from the noise of anti-aging marketing — this episode delivers true value around powerful anti-aging practices that you can apply to your life.Learn more about  Dr. Saranya Wyles https://www.instagram.com/drwyles.derm 

What does it really look like to evolve into the best version of yourself? Robert Downey Jr. sits down with Chris Wharton for an honest conversation about discipline, self-awareness, taking control of one’s health, and what happiness truly means after living one of Hollywood’s most extraordinary lives.In this episode, Robert Downey Jr. opens up about the daily rituals that keep him grounded, why he was the very first "patient zero" for Chris's wellness program, and what he learned from years of burning the candle at both ends. From preparing for Broadway to suiting up for Marvel, this is a masterclass in intentional living from a man who's seen it all. Connect with Robert Downey Jr. at https://www.instagram.com/robertdowneyjr Want more? Each month, we send a newsletter curated by our scientific council on what's actually advancing the science of human longevity — and what isn't. Subscribe at https://www.thewndrlab.com/mailing-list.The WNDR Lab: https://www.thewndrlab.com/ 

Dr. Courtney Peterson runs one of the world's largest labs studying intermittent fasting in humans  at Harvard,  and her research shows most people are fasting at the wrong time of day. Here's what the clinical data actually says.Chris Wharton sits down with Dr. Peterson — Harvard researcher and member of the international scientific committee that formally defined intermittent fasting — to break down what rigorous clinical trial data actually says about fasting, meal timing, blood sugar, and weight loss. Not what the headlines say, but what the science says.In this episode, you'll discover: → Why fasting doesn't work by burning more calories — and what it's actually doing inside your body instead → The single most important variable in your fasting protocol — and why most people are getting it completely wrong → Why the timing of your eating window matters more than the window itself — and how shifting it can dramatically improve blood sugar and blood pressure → What 27 out of 28 clinical diabetes studies showed about intermittent fasting — and why this finding changes everything → The weight loss results you can realistically expect — what the data shows for both short-term and long-term outcomes → How fasting affects hunger hormones — and why people who do it right stop feeling deprived → The specific populations who benefit most from time-restricted eating — and the ones who should not fast at all → How to make fasting sustainable long-term — practical strategies backed by clinical research, not wellness trends→  Why intermittent fasting may support women’s metabolic health and healthy aging — and why extreme fasting is not one-size-fits-all.Dr. Peterson has spent years running controlled clinical trials on intermittent fasting. This episode isn't wellness hype, it’s the science.Courtney Peterson, PhD | Harvard UniversityDr. Courtney Peterson is Associate Professor of Nutrition at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, with appointments in the Department of Nutrition and the Department of Molecular Metabolism. Her research examines how meal timing, intermittent fasting, and circadian rhythms shape metabolic health, with the goal of developing dietary strategies to prevent and reverse type 2 diabetes and obesity. She led the first human clinical trial of early time-restricted eating, an approach that aligns the daily eating window with the body's internal clock, and her work has helped establish meal timing as a distinct variable in metabolic health, alongside diet composition and total caloric intake. Dr. Peterson holds a PhD in physics from Harvard, where she studied the early universe before turning to nutrition science, along with master's degrees from Tulane in clinical research, Imperial College London in science communication, and the University of Cambridge in applied mathematics and theoretical physics. She previously served on the faculty at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

Can your environment cause more disease than your genes? Columbia University exposome researcher Gary Miller, PhD, has spent his career answering exactly that — and his findings will change how you live your daily life…As founder of the first exposome center in the United States, Dr. Miller studies how toxins, air quality, plastics, food, and stress silently accumulate in the body over a lifetime — and how they're driving diseases like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's in ways that genetics alone can't explain.In this episode, he breaks down what the science actually says about the exposome, and cuts through the fear and wellness noise to tell you where you should genuinely be concerned — and what you can do about it.You'll learn:Why your environment may matter more than your DNAWhich hidden daily exposures could be affecting your health right nowThe real science on microplastics, pesticides, tap water, and indoor air qualityWhy most supplements are doing less than you thinkSimple, low-effort changes that can meaningfully reduce your risk at homeHow to make smarter health decisions without falling for hype or headlinesIf you've ever felt paralyzed by conflicting health advice, this conversation gives you a clearer, evidence-based framework — from one of the most credible voices in environmental health research.Gary Miller, PhD | Columbia UniversityGary Miller, PhD, founded the first exposome center in the US and studies the role of environmental factors in neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease. At Columbia University, he serves as Vice Dean for Research Strategy and Innovation and Professor of Environmental Health Sciences in the Mailman School of Public Health, and Professor of Molecular Pharmacology and Therapeutics in the Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons. Dr. Miller is a member of the National Institutes of Health All of Us Research Program Advisory Panel and the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences Advisory Council. He is also the founding editor of the journal Exposome, published by Oxford University Press.Website: https://www.publichealth.columbia.edu/profile/gary-w-miller-phd Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-w-miller-2609309/ 

Most people focus on living longer. Stanford geriatrician Deborah Kado says that’s the wrong goal — the real goal is living well for longer by protecting strength, mobility, and independence, and the research helps explain why.Deborah Kado is a professor at Stanford University School of Medicine, co-director of the Stanford Longevity Center, and board-certified geriatrician, specializing in bone health, osteoporosis, and aging-related syndromes. In this episode of The LIVING Room Podcast, she shares what decades of research in geriatrics and epidemiology reveal about what actually shapes quality of life as we age — bone health, hip fracture risk, muscle, posture, strength vs power, and why the difference between lifespan and healthspan is everything.What we cover in this conversation:Why hip fractures are deadlier than most people realize Whether bone density loss is actually reversibleThe difference between living longer and living wellWhy power matters more than strength as you ageWhat Deborah wishes people in their 30s and 40s understood about aging nowWhy NAD supplements may be overratedWhat geriatricians actually do (and why there aren't enough of them)For evidence-based insight on building lasting strength, mobility, and independence — free from the noise of longevity hype — this episode delivers.

Everything you think you know about weight loss may be wrong — and one of the world’s  leading Nutrition professors has the science to prove it.Dariush Mozaffarian, MD, PhD — Dean Emeritus at the Tufts University School of Nutrition and Director of the Food Is Medicine Institute — has spent decades studying why we get sick, why we gain weight, and why so much of what we've been told about food is overcomplicated at best, and actively harmful at worst. In this conversation, he dismantles the myths driving the obesity epidemic and replaces them with what the evidence actually shows.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why counting calories is a bad approach— and what actually drives weight gainWhy most high-protein advice is backwards, and what you should be eating insteadThe real story on seed oils and ultra-processed foods (it's more nuanced than the headlines suggest)What GLP-1 drugs can and can't do — and why they're not the whole answerThe truth about alcohol and how it relates to your wellnessHow to lose body fat and keep it offHow to build a sustainable way of eating that supports your metabolism, your heart, and your long-term healthIf you've ever felt paralyzed by conflicting nutrition advice, this episode cuts through the noise. Dr. Mozaffarian doesn't deal in trends — he deals in evidence. And the picture he paints is both surprising and deeply clarifying.Dariush Mozaffarian, MD DrPH:Director, Food is Medicine InstituteDistinguished Professor, Jean Mayer Professor of Nutrition, Professor of Medicine, Dean Emeritus https://tuftsfoodismedicine.org/ Pre-order Dr. Mozaffarian’s book at: https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250394286/foodismedicine/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@the.living.room.podInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.living.room.pod Facebook: https://rebrand.ly/TLRFacebook YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@The.Living.Room.Podcast Apple Podcasts: https://rebrand.ly/TLRApplePodcasts Spotify: https://rebrand.ly/TLRSpotify 

What if the way you live today is (scientifically) changing how fast you age? In this episode, Chris Wharton sits down with Dr. William Mair, PhD — Professor at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health — to break down the real science of aging, what actually works, and how to truly live better, longer.Most of us think of aging as something that just happens to us. Dr. William Mair thinks differently — and after 30 years studying the biology of aging at Harvard, he doesn’t deal in theory – he deals in evidence.In this conversation, Dr. Mair unpacks why age is the single biggest risk factor for nearly every chronic disease — from Alzheimer's to cancer to cardiovascular disease — and why targeting aging itself may be the most powerful thing we can do for human health and performance. But more importantly, he brings it back to you: what can you actually do, right now, to influence the rate at which your body ages?You'll walk away understanding: Why your lifestyle choices are actively speeding up or slowing down your biological clock What the science actually says about sleep, nutrition, and exercise, and how to optimize those habits to support healthspanHow to cut through the longevity noise — supplements, biohacks, and what's real vs. hypeWhy "healthspan" matters more than lifespan — and how to protect it What emerging science could change everything about how we age in the next 10–15 yearsChronological age is fixed. Biological age isn't. This episode gives you the peer-reviewed science to understand the difference — and how to act on it.