Death Clock

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.