The Life Lab by Death Clock

This week on The Life Lab, Brent Franson sits down with Dr. Adam Brickman, a leading expert in brain aging and Alzheimer's research at Columbia University, to unpack what we actually know about measuring brain health. Drawing on nearly three decades of research, Brickman explains the real value and limitations of biomarkers like ApoE genetics, p-tau blood tests, MRIs, and PET scans, and why more information is not always the same as better information. The conversation also explores whether people without symptoms should pursue early testing, the emotional tradeoffs of knowing your risk, and why many of the most effective strategies for protecting the brain remain surprisingly simple. He's a great resource and a wonderful guest. Hope you enjoy.

This week, Brent speaks with Dr. Helen Burgess, a leading researcher in sleep and circadian rhythms, to unpack what we actually know about how to optimize your internal clock. Drawing on decades of research, Burgess explains how circadian rhythms govern everything from sleep and hormones to body temperature, and why consistent light exposure may be the most powerful lever for improving sleep. The conversation explores the role of blue light, the growing use (and misuse) of melatonin, and why shifting your sleep schedule requires more precision than most people realize. She's a wonderful guest and a great resource. Hope you enjoy.

In this episode of Death Clock, host Brent Franson sits down with Dr. S. Jay Olshansky, a leading expert on human longevity, to unpack what that data says about how long we can live. Drawing on decades of research, Olshansky explains why dramatic lifespan extensions (like living to 120 or beyond) may be far less realistic than many in the longevity space believe, and why increasing life expectancy becomes exponentially more difficult over time. The conversation explores the concept of "manufactured time" through medicine and lifestyle, the limits of eliminating disease, and the critical difference between individual gains and population-level outcomes. At the same time, Olshansky shares cautious optimism about emerging approaches that could one day target the aging process itself. He's a great guest, hope you enjoy.

This week on The Life Lab, Brent speaks with Dr. Paul Offit, a leading vaccine expert and pediatrician, to separate fact from fiction on one of the most debated topics in public health. Brent presses on common concerns around vaccine safety, schedules, and side effects, while Dr. Offit responds with decades of research and clinical experience. He breaks down why vaccines are recommended the way they are, what the evidence actually says about risks like autism, and how misinformation has shaped public perception. The conversation also touches on the broader political and cultural moment around vaccines, including the influence of figures like RFK Jr. and the "Make America Healthy Again" movement. Hope you enjoy.

This week on The Life Lab, host Brent Franson sits down with Dr. Marilyn Albert, a leading Alzheimer's researcher at Johns Hopkins, to unpack what we actually know about Alzheimer's prevention. From the early buildup of amyloid and tau in midlife to the nuanced role of genetics like ApoE4, Dr. Albert speaks to biomarkers, blood tests, and the growing world of experimental longevity hacks. The conversation explores the science behind sleep, diet, exercise, and vascular health, while diving deep into how staying mentally and socially engaged may delay symptoms even when pathology is present. She's a terrific guest and a great resource. Hope you enjoy.

This week, Brent speaks with Dr. Laura Carstensen, a Stanford psychologist and leading expert on aging, to explore how our priorities, emotions, and relationships change over time. She explains the science behind why people often become happier and more emotionally stable as they get older, and how shifting time horizons reshape the way we make decisions and spend our time. The conversation also challenges common assumptions about aging, highlighting what actually improves with age and how social connection plays a central role in long-term health. She's a wonderful guest, hope you enjoy.

This week, Brent sits down with Dr. Lin Chang, a gastroenterologist at UCLA and expert in digestive disorders, to unpack what's really going on in the gut when people experience chronic stomach issues. They discuss the gut–brain connection, why the digestive system is often called the body's "second brain," and how conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) develop. Dr. Chang explains why symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, and irregular bowel habits are so common yet frequently misunderstood, and how stress, diet, and the nervous system all play a role. There's something for everyone in this informative episode, hope you enjoy.

Welcome back to The Life Lab. In this episode, Brent speaks with Dr. Richard Moon, medical director of the Duke Center for Hyperbaric Medicine, to break down the science behind hyperbaric oxygen therapy. They discuss what the treatment actually is and how it's used today to treat conditions like carbon monoxide poisoning, difficult wounds, and decompression sickness in scuba divers. Dr. Moon explains how the therapy works inside the body, when it's truly effective, and why many of the claims circulating in longevity and biohacking circles go beyond the current evidence. He is a terrific guest with an impressive career, hope you enjoy.

In this episode of Death Clock, Brent sits down with Dr. Michael Snyder, a Stanford geneticist and leader in precision health research, to explore how wearable technology and continuous biomarker tracking are changing the way we understand disease risk. Dr. Snyder explains how devices like smartwatches can detect early signs of infection, how continuous glucose monitors reveal individual metabolic responses to food, and why dense, longitudinal data may allow us to catch illness long before symptoms appear. They also discuss the limits of consumer health tech, the risk of false positives, and how to think about data without becoming overwhelmed by it. He's a fascinating guest, hope you enjoy.

This week, Brent talks with Dr. Vishesh Kapur, a sleep physician and leading expert in sleep medicine and sleep apnea, for a practical breakdown of what actually drives high-quality sleep. They cover how much sleep most adults really need, what "sleep quality" means in real life, and why obsessing over sleep trackers can sometimes make sleep worse. Dr. Kapoor explains the basics that matter most along with when supplements or prescription sleep aids make sense. The conversation also dives into sleep apnea: the symptoms people miss, how it's diagnosed, why it's so under-detected, and what treatments work best. It's an enlightening discussion with real-life applications for everyone, hope you enjoy.

This episode is a deep dive on acupuncture. Brent is joined by Dr. Richard Harris, a UC Irvine professor and clinical researcher, to take a serious, evidence-based look at one of eastern medicine's oldest practices. Dr. Harris explains what acupuncture is (and isn't), why it's often dismissed in Western medicine, and what the research actually shows. They dig into randomized controlled trials, placebo and "sham" acupuncture, and the brain imaging data that suggests acupuncture can produce measurable changes in the nervous system. Dr. Harris is a wonderful guest, hope you enjoy.

In this episode, Brent speaks to Dr. Christopher Gardner to break down what the science actually says about diet quality, weight loss, and long-term metabolic health. They discuss how to build a diet that's sustainable without obsessing over perfection. Dr. Gardner explains the role of ultra-processed foods, protein, fiber, and satiety, and why individual response to diets can vary so widely. He's a terrific guest, hope you enjoy.

In this episode of Death Clock, Brent is joined by Dr. Leonard Jason, a patient advocate and researcher focused on myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), to unpack a disease that is widely misunderstood and chronically underdiagnosed. They discuss what ME/CFS actually is, how it differs from everyday fatigue or burnout, and why post-exertional malaise is its defining feature. Their conversation also covers how patients are often misdiagnosed or dismissed, what the latest research suggests about underlying mechanisms, and how long COVID has forced the medical community to take the condition more seriously. He's a wonderful guest, hope you enjoy.

On this week's episode, Brent is joined by Dr. Barry Popkin, a leading nutrition researcher known for his work on ultra-processed foods and global diet trends. Dr. Popkin explains how modern food systems have reshaped what we eat, why ultra-processed foods are linked to obesity, diabetes, and heart disease, and how liquid calories and added sugars uniquely drive metabolic harm. The conversation also examines the political and industry forces that shape food policy in the U.S., including regulation, lobbying, and why meaningful dietary reform has been so difficult to implement. Hope you enjoy.

Today, Brent sits down with Dr. Emily Lantz, a leading researcher in nutrition and muscle health, to unpack one of the most talked-about topics in longevity: protein. She explains how much protein we actually need, why timing and quality matter just as much as quantity, and how protein intake changes as we age. She offers insights on animal versus plant sources, supplements, fasting, strength training and so much more. It's a can't miss episode. Hope you enjoy.

In this episode, Brent speaks with Dr. Anne Cappola, a leading endocrinologist at the University of Pennsylvania, about thyroid health. Using both clinical insight and Brent's personal experience as a parent, they break down what the thyroid does, how hypo- and hyperthyroidism show up in real life, how these conditions are diagnosed, and what treatment actually looks like. The discussion covers common symptoms, when testing matters, why TSH is the key marker, and how thyroid health fits into aging, longevity, and everyday wellbeing. Hope you enjoy.

This week, Brent sits down with Dr. Luke Laffin, a preventive cardiologist and hypertension specialist, to break down what blood pressure really tells us about long-term health. Dr. Laffin explains why high blood pressure is one of the strongest predictors of heart attack, stroke, kidney disease, and dementia, even when it shows up early or seems "borderline." They discuss how blood pressure should be measured correctly, the difference between office readings and home monitoring, and why lifestyle changes alone aren't always enough. The conversation also covers when medication makes sense, common myths about side effects, and how treating blood pressure early can dramatically reduce lifetime risk. He's a wonderful guest, hope you enjoy.

This week, Brent speaks with his personal physician, Dr. Todd Dorfman, for an update on his own health journey. Using Brent as a real-world case study, they walk through the discovery of an anomalous coronary artery, the risks and benefits of advanced cardiac diagnostics, and why more testing isn't always better. The conversation then shifts to prevention. Dr. Dorfman shares how he thinks about cholesterol, ApoB, Alzheimer's risk, statins, PCSK9 inhibitors, GLP-1 drugs, and other emerging therapies when you don't have disease but want to stay ahead of it. As always, Dr. Dorfman is a wonderful guest. Hope you enjoy.

Happy New Year! We're releasing this week's episode a day early to help you stay on top of your New Year's Resolutions. Our guest this week is Dr. John Norcross, a clinical psychologist and longtime researcher of behavior change. Drawing on decades of research, Dr. Norcross breaks down the science of goal setting, from choosing realistic resolutions to building action plans, accountability, and tracking progress. They discuss why slips are normal, how rewards and consequences actually motivate behavior, and why preparation matters just as much as action. It's a strong guide to making meaningful changes that last beyond January. Hope you enjoy.

To close out 2025, Brent revisits some of the most impactful conversations of the year, highlighting ideas that challenge how we think about health, aging, and prevention. The clips touch on longevity hot spots, heart disease risk, cancer, metabolic health, fitness, supplements, and more. Thank you for a great 2025. We can't wait to bring you more episodes and insights in the new year. Hope you enjoy.

This week, clinical psychologist and CBT expert Dr. Seth Gillihan returns to the show for a third time to have a conversation about how our thoughts, behaviors, and physical health are deeply intertwined. Drawing on examples from everyday life, Dr. Gillihan explains how cognitive behavioral therapy helps people build a healthier relationship with their thoughts and make real, sustainable behavior change. The episode explores when therapy is most useful, when fundamental habits like sleep and exercise may matter more, and how CBT tools can bridge the gap between knowing what's good for us and actually doing it. You can find his book, Your Daily Reset, here and his podcast, Think Act Be, here. Hope you enjoy.

This week, Brent is joined by Dr. Ziyad Al-Aly, a physician-researcher known for some of the most comprehensive work on long COVID and its long-term impact on the body. Dr. Al-Aly explains what the latest data shows about lingering symptoms, who's most at risk, and how COVID increases the chances of conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and cognitive decline long after infection. They discuss what we now understand about reinfections, vaccines, viral persistence, and the mechanisms driving long COVID, along with the practical steps people can take to lower risk and protect their long-term health. He's a great guest, hope you enjoy.

In this solo episode, Brent takes a step back and explores the mission of Death Clock, reflecting on the journey of the company thus far. He then pulls together the biggest lessons from prior episodes and lays out the core principles experts agree matter most for living longer and staying healthy. He walks through the fundamentals and explains how science has changed his own approach to day-to-day health. It's a straightforward, practical recap of what actually makes a difference and the steps anyone can start taking now. Hope you enjoy.

This week's guest is William Porter, author of Alcohol Explained. He joins Brent to dismantle the myths that shape our cultural relationship with drinking. Drawing from his own history with addiction and the hyper-logical framework behind his books, Porter explains what alcohol actually does to the brain and body, to its impact on sleep, to why it feels addictive in the first place. They explore the misconceptions that keep drinking on a pedestal, the emotional and social narratives that reinforce it, and how understanding the real mechanics of alcohol can empower anyone to change their relationship with it. He's a wonderful guest, hope you enjoy.

In this episode, Brent is joined by endocrinologist and longtime FDA leader Dr. G. Alexander Fleming to break down one of the most consequential diseases of modern life: type 2 diabetes. Dr. Fleming explains the real difference between type 1 and type 2, why insulin resistance is the root problem, and how biomarkers like fasting glucose, A1C, and fasting insulin work together to reveal your true metabolic health. He also discusses the promises and pitfalls of blockbuster medications like metformin and semaglutide, the public-health failures that helped fuel today's metabolic crisis, and why strength training may be one of the most important longevity tools we have. Hope you enjoy.

In this episode of Death Clock, Brent talks with Dr. Michael Fredericson, a Stanford physician and co-director of the Stanford Center on Longevity, about how to stay fit, strong, and injury-free as we age. Drawing on decades working with Olympic athletes and Stanford's track team, Dr. Fredericson breaks down the core pillars of lifelong fitness and how they change over time. He explains the science of training safely in midlife, why running isn't bad for your knees, and how exercises like squats and core work can prevent back pain and extend your "healthspan." He's a wonderful guest, hope you enjoy.

This week, Brent speaks with Sir Adrian Bird, the pioneering geneticist whose discoveries on DNA methylation reshaped our understanding of how genes are regulated. Bird explains what DNA methylation actually is and why he's skeptical of popular claims that it determines "biological age" or can be easily hacked to reverse aging. They discuss his groundbreaking work on Rett syndrome, how CRISPR gene editing is being used in clinical trials to potentially cure it, and what that might mean for other neurological diseases. He's a wonderful guest. Hope you enjoy.

In this episode of Death Clock, Brent speaks with Dr. Nazish Sayed, a Stanford cardiologist and vascular biologist, to cut through the confusion about cholesterol, heart disease, and statins. Dr. Sayed breaks down what LDL, HDL, and ApoB really mean, why high cholesterol is more about your biology than your breakfast, and how inflammation and genetics drive plaque buildup long before symptoms appear. He explains how statins work and why their benefits far outweigh the risks for most people. It's an evidence-based exploration of one of medicine's most misunderstood topics. Hope you enjoy.

This week, Brent speaks with Dr. John Buse, a leading endocrinologist at the University of North Carolina and one of the world's foremost experts on diabetes and metabolic health. Dr. Buse unpacks the science behind GLP-1 agonists like Ozempic and Wegovy. He explains their powerful benefits for obesity, diabetes, and heart disease, along with the real risks. Drawing on his decades of research and personal experience using the drugs himself, Dr. Buse offers a grounded, evidence-based look at the promise and pitfalls of GLP-1s for both treatment and longevity. The conversation also touches on the future of microdosing, pharma ethics, and why true preventive care remains medicine's biggest challenge. He's a wonderful guest, hope you enjoy.

In this episode of Death Clock, Brent speaks with Dr. Matthew Taylor, the director of the Brain Nutrition Lab at the University of Kansas Medical Center, to break down everything you need to know about the ketogenic diet. They talk about what it is, how it works, and what science actually says about its benefits. Dr. Taylor explains how shifting the body's fuel source from glucose to ketones can improve metabolic health, sharpen cognitive function, and even show promise in slowing diseases like Alzheimer's. They cover the basics of entering ketosis, the truth about "keto flu," the role of fasting, and why the diet's effects on cholesterol and heart health are more nuanced than most headlines suggest. Hope you enjoy.

In this episode, Brent speaks with Dr. Arthur Agatston, world-renowned cardiologist, creator of the South Beach Diet, and the pioneer behind the Agatston Score, better known as the calcium score. Dr. Agatston explains how this simple, low-cost CT scan can reveal hidden plaque in the arteries long before symptoms arise, offering a far more accurate predictor of heart attack risk than cholesterol numbers alone. They dig into why most heart attacks happen in people with "normal" cholesterol, how genetics and lifestyle play into risk, when to start screening, and the promise and pitfalls of more advanced imaging. He's a phenomenal guest, hope you enjoy.

This week's guest is Dr. Yaakov Stern, Florence Irving Professor of Neuropsychology at Columbia University Medical Center. Dr. Stern and Brent discuss the science and lived reality of Alzheimer's disease and dementia. They talk about what distinguishes normal cognitive aging from dementia, how biomarkers like amyloid and tau shape diagnosis, and why new drugs may slow the disease. Dr. Stern shares insights from decades of research on cognitive reserve, prevention, and lifestyle factors such as sleep, exercise, and social engagement that can delay onset or lessen severity. Hope you enjoy.

This week on Death Clock, Brent speaks with Dr. Gina Woods, an endocrinologist and osteoporosis specialist at UC San Diego, to demystify DXA scans and explain why bone density and body-composition testing matter for longevity. Dr. Woods walks through what a DXA actually measures, why visceral fat and low muscle mass can be invisible but metabolically dangerous, and how simple, practical steps can prevent decline. She also addresses barriers to wider screening, the difference between clinical DXA and walk-in body-composition scans, and why early testing can reveal silent bone loss that routine labs won't catch.If you want concrete, evidence-based ways to protect your bones and body composition as you age, then this episode is for you. Hope you enjoy.

This week's guest is Dr. Craig Heller, a Stanford biology professor who has spent decades studying thermoregulation, circadian rhythms, and human performance. Dr. Heller explains his groundbreaking discovery that cooling specific hairless surfaces of the body (the palms, soles, and face) can dramatically extend endurance, strength, and recovery. From enabling athletes to push past muscle failure to offering practical solutions for both heat exhaustion and hypothermia, his research has profound implications for training, competition, and even medical recovery. It's a fascinating conversation about how the body manages heat, why performance often fails when it does, and how simple interventions might redefine human limits. Hope you enjoy.

In this episode, Brent speaks with Dr. Matthew Johnson about the use of psychedelic therapy for enhancing mental health. Dr. Johnson is a Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Johns Hopkins University and most recently a Senior Investigator in Psychedelics at Sheppard Pratt further. The discussion spans the fundamental aspects of these substances, their application in therapy, and what one can expect from a psychedelic experience. This conversation sheds light on the preparation required prior to embarking on such a journey, offers detailed insights on dosage and the experience itself, and emphasizes the importance of integration post-experience. Hope you enjoy. NOTE: this episode was recorded on March 12, 2024. The episode is NOT an endorsement of psychedelics. Please consult a licensed physician if it is something you are interested in trying.

In this episode, Brent sits down with Dr. B. Brett Finlay, a microbiologist at the University of British Columbia, to talk about the human microbiome. They explore how the trillions of microbes living in and on us affect everything from immunity to aging, why diversity is key to long-term health, and how diet, environment, and everyday habits can shape our microbial communities. Dr. Finlay also discusses the risks of over-sanitization, the promise of microbiome therapies, and what we can do now to better support our "second genome." It's a great conversation, hope you enjoy.

In this episode of Death Clock, Brent speaks with Dr. Diana Hill, psychologist, author, and host of the Wise Effort podcast. They explore the intersection of movement and psychological flexibility, drawing from Dr. Hill's book, I Know I Should Exercise, But…. She explains how Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) can help people overcome mental barriers to exercise, shifting the focus from rigid workout routines to a broader view of movement as a way to align with personal values. Dr. Hill shares her personal journey with eating disorders and perfectionism, illustrating how movement, when approached with self-compassion and intention, can be a tool for healing rather than punishment. Whether you're struggling to start a fitness routine or looking to redefine your relationship with movement, this episode offers a fresh, empowering perspective. Hope you enjoy.

This week, Brent sits down with Nikki Mark, author of Tommy's Field: A Story of Love, Loss, and Transformation. Nikki shares the heartbreaking story of losing her 12-year-old son, Tommy, who went to sleep one night and did not wake up. She reflects on life before this tragedy, her close bond with Tommy, and how this unimaginable loss reshaped her world. As Nikki recounts her path forward, she describes the journey of creating Tommy's Field, a community soccer field in Los Angeles, as a tribute to her son's spirit. Through this project, Nikki found a way to honor Tommy's love for play while offering a place for other children to enjoy and celebrate life.    If you would like to donate to or learn more about the Tommy's Field initiative, you can visit tm23foundation.org. Thank you for listening.

In this episode, Brent sits down with Dr. Richard Maurer, a naturopathic doctor and author of The Blood Code, a book about metabolic health. They discuss markers like A1C, LDL, HDL, triglycerides, and how these impact risks for conditions such as diabetes and heart disease. Dr. Maurer shares his personal journey of reversing prediabetes and provides actionable insights on diet, exercise, and maintaining a balance between endurance and weight training to optimize health. The conversation then shifts to Dr. Maurer's approach to his Parkinson's diagnosis. With a focus on information, community, and proactive measures, he details how he has adapted his lifestyle to slow the progression of this neurodegenerative disease. Hope you enjoy.

This week on Death Clock, Brent speaks with journalist and author Nicole Karlis about the connection between altruism and longevity. Nicole, author of Your Brain on Altruism, shares research-backed insights into how acts of kindness, generosity, and volunteering can positively impact both mental and physical health. They discuss how altruism isn't just about helping others – it also fosters a sense of purpose, strengthens community ties, and can even contribute to a longer, healthier life. Brent and Nicole explore the science behind these benefits, including studies showing that people who regularly give back experience lower stress levels, improved well-being, and even reduced risk of chronic diseases. Whether you're looking for a new perspective on well-being or simply interested in the science of giving, this episode offers compelling reasons to integrate more acts of kindness into daily life. Hope you enjoy.

This week, Brent welcomes Dr. Diane Reidy-Lagunes, a clinical oncologist at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, specializing in gastrointestinal cancers such as neuroendocrine, colorectal, and pancreas cancers. They discuss the cutting-edge landscape of cancer prevention and early detection, full-body scans, blood-based cancer screenings, and lifestyle interventions. Dr. Reidy-Lagunes goes in depth on the complexities of cancer biology, the role of genetic versus lifestyle factors, and the emerging field of microbiome research in understanding cancer risk. This episode is an essential primer for anyone looking to better understand cancer prevention and early detection. Hope you enjoy. You can listen to Memorial Sloan Kettering's official podcast, Cancer Straight Talk, hosted by Dr. Diane Reidy-Lagunes, wherever you get your podcasts.

In this episode of Death Clock, Brent talks with Dr. Thomas Seyfried, an impassioned biologist and leading voice in the metabolic theory of cancer. Seyfried argues that the origins of cancer lie not in mutations, but in dysfunctional mitochondria, and that treating cancer as a metabolic disease opens the door to radically different therapies. They explore the promise and pitfalls of ketogenic diets, fasting, and metabolic interventions, and challenge conventional thinking on everything from chemo to cancer screening. Hope you enjoy.

After a routine heart scan reveals a potentially life-threatening anomaly, host Brent Franson speaks with return guest Dr. Todd Dorfman and his cardiologist Dr. Jamie Doucet to unpack what it means and what to do next. Their conversation broadens to the topics of anomalous coronary arteries, the role of advanced heart scans in preventative care and the gray areas of modern cardiology. They unpack the promise and pitfalls of early detection, the tradeoffs between lifestyle and surgery and how to navigate scary data with humility, evidence and expert guidance. It's a fascinating episode, hope you enjoy. 

In this episode, Brant converses with Dr. Todd Dorfman, a Boulder-based concierge physician, to explore the future of preventative health care. They discuss the differences between concierge and traditional primary care, including why structural and economic constraints prevent most doctors from practicing truly individualized medicine. Dr. Dorfman breaks down powerful diagnostic tools like CT coronary angiography and full-body MRI, explaining the benefits and limitations of early screening for heart disease and cancer. They also cover emerging longevity treatments like metformin and GLP-1 agonists, and how Dr. Dorfman tailors these for patients long before they're in crisis. It's a compelling look at what personalized medicine can really do when it's practiced on your own terms. Hope you enjoy.

In this episode of Death Clock, Brent speaks with Dr. Steve Messier, a leading expert on osteoarthritis and biomechanics, about the myths and realities of joint health. They explore how weight, injury, gender, and exercise all factor into knee pain and degradation, and why "wear and tear" is an oversimplified diagnosis. Dr. Messier shares practical, research-backed advice on how to care for your joints. He also highlights surprising findings about the benefits of strength training, the limits of supplements, and how lifestyle may be the most powerful intervention of all. Hope you enjoy.

In this episode of Death Clock, Brent speaks with Dr. Connie Weaver, a leading nutrition and bone health researcher, to explore how our bones grow, weaken, and can be protected throughout life. From calcium-rich diets and weight-bearing exercise in childhood to the overlooked risks of osteoporosis in men, Dr. Weaver shares scientific findings and public health insights that challenge the way we think about aging, hormones, and prevention. She's a great guest, hope you enjoy.

On today's episode of Death Clock, host Brent Franson speaks with Dr. Aric Prather, a professor at UCSF, clinical psychologist, and author of The Sleep Prescription: Seven Days to Unlocking Your Best Rest. Dr. Prather unpacks the critical relationship between sleep and stress, explaining how poor sleep increases stress sensitivity and creates a vicious cycle that can degrade long-term health. They also discuss the latest in sleep research, including wearables like the Oura Ring and Eight Sleep, and how these tools can help—or hinder—our understanding of rest. They also explore the role of diet, nighttime routines, and the often-overlooked psychological aspect of sleep perception. Whether you struggle with insomnia, want to optimize your rest, or are simply curious about the science of sleep and longevity, this episode provides helpful insights from one of the leading experts in the field. Hope you enjoy.

In this episode of Death Clock, host Brent Franson welcomes back Dr. Frank Lipman, a pioneer in functional and longevity medicine. With decades of experience, Dr. Lipman shares his insights on the fundamentals of longevity, emphasizing the critical role of diet, exercise, sleep, and stress management as the foundation for a longer, healthier life. The conversation explores the latest advancements in longevity science, from biomarker testing and supplements to cutting-edge therapies like peptides, hormone optimization, and hyperbaric oxygen treatment.  Their discussion also covers controversial topics, including full-body scans, the accuracy of various health screenings, and the efficacy of specific vaccines. Dr. Lipman shares his candid thoughts on the benefits and limitations of emerging trends, offering practical advice on how to approach health optimization without getting lost in hype. Whether you're curious about the latest in anti-aging research or looking for practical steps to improve your long-term health, this episode provides an insightful perspective from one of the field's leading voices. Hope you enjoy.

In this episode of Death Clock, host Brant Franson speaks with Dr. Anne Marie McCarthy, a cancer epidemiologist from the University of Pennsylvania, to unravel the complexities of breast cancer prevention and screening. They explore the role of genetics, particularly BRCA mutations, and how family history can influence screening strategies. Dr. McCarthy shares insights into the nuanced decisions around genetic counseling, the limitations of over-the-counter tests, and why population-wide genetic screening is still a topic of ongoing debate. They also discuss broader issues like the psychological and economic costs of false positives, overdiagnosis, and overtreatment. From lifestyle factors to systemic constraints in healthcare access, this episode offers a comprehensive look at what it means to be proactive when it comes to breast cancer risk. Hope you enjoy.

In this episode of Death Clock, Brent is joined by epidemiologist David Rehkopf to unpack the science behind "Blue Zones"—regions of the world where people live significantly longer than average. They dive into what these places have in common, how public policy and inequality impact life expectancy, and whether it's possible to build healthier communities by design. It's a conversation about environment, economics, and the invisible factors shaping how—and how long—we live. He's a wonderful guest, hope you enjoy.