Health Longevity Secrets

40 Episodes
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By: Robert Lufkin MD

A podcast to transform your health and longevity with evidence-based lifestyle modifications and other tools to prevent and even reverse the most disruptive diseases. We feature topics including longevity, fasting, ketosis, biohacking, Alzheimer’s disease, heart disease, stroke, cancer, consciousness, and much more so that you can find out the latest proven methods to optimize your life. It’s a mix of interviews, special co-hosts, and solo shows that you’re not going to want to miss. Hit subscribe and get ready to change your life. HLS is hosted by Robert Lufkin MD, a physician/medical school professor and New York T...

The Cookbook That Saved My Life
#235
Last Tuesday at 11:00 AM

What if everything you've been taught about nutrition is not just wrong, but actively harming your health? Cary Kelly's story might make you question your most basic assumptions about food and wellness.

Cary grew up in a household religiously following conventional dietary guidelines—low-fat everything, margarine instead of butter, minimal red meat, and plenty of "heart-healthy" grains. Yet by his late 40s, his health was deteriorating rapidly. Chronic inflammation ravaged his body, extra weight accumulated around his middle, and simple activities became painful ordeals. When his arm suddenly went numb during a walk, Cary feared the worst.


How to Survive The Holiday Air Travel
#234
11/25/2025

Holiday flights don’t have to flatten your energy or your immune system. Dr. Robert Lufkin breaks down what actually happens to your body at altitude—lower oxygen, desert-dry cabins, stalled circulation—and shares a clear plan to stay sharp before, during, and after you fly. Instead of white-knuckling through recycled air and jet lag, you’ll learn how to turn the cabin into a controllable environment and land clear, not crushed.

We start with the physiology: why pressurization strains mitochondria, how dehydration slows immunity and brain function, and why hours of sitting leave lymph stuck. From there, w...


What If Sugar Wasn't Sweet?
#233
11/18/2025

Cravings aren’t just about weak will; they’re biology doing exactly what billions of food dollars engineered them to do. We sit down with Sander Brus to unpack how sweetness hijacks reward circuits, why kids are showing up with adult metabolic diseases, and what happens when you flip the switch on sweet taste itself.

Sander takes us from his diagnostics background into the heart of metabolic health, explaining how sweet taste receptors (T1R2/T1R3) live on the tongue and in the gut, where they act as glucose sensors. You’ll hear how plant compounds like g...


Keto for Cancer?
#231
11/11/2025

What if the real action in cancer isn’t in the genome, but upstream in the mitochondria and the metabolic “terrain” that shapes every signal your cells send and receive? We sit down with Dr Nasha Winters to rethink cancer as an ecologic disease and explore how shifting the terrain can change outcomes without rejecting standard care.

We dig into why ketones are more than fuel. Nasha explains how a therapeutic ketotic state—reached through fasting, carb restriction, or exogenous support—can lower inflammatory cytokines, dial down insulin and IGF-1, reduce angiogenic drive, and directly influence the vagus nerv...


DMT: Death By Astonishment with Andrew Gallimore
#231
11/04/2025

Imagine your brain as a world-building engine that never shows you the thing-in-itself, only a model tuned for survival. Now imagine a molecule that doesn’t just bend that model but switches it to a fully formed, hyper-detailed reality populated by entities that seem to think, act, and sometimes deny you entry. That’s the claim at the heart of our conversation with computational neurobiologist and DMT researcher Andrew Gallimore, author of Death by Astonishment.

We start by laying the groundwork: predictive brains, interface theory, and why ordinary dreams and hallucinations reuse what the brain already knows. From...


A Facelift Without A Scar?
#230
10/28/2025

A facelift without a telltale ear scar sounds like sci‑fi—until you hear how Dr. Mark Mani designed it. We sit down with the Beverly Hills surgeon, artist, and inventor to explore how endoscopic deep‑plane lifting repositions the face where gravity actually acts, delivering natural contour without the stigma of visible incisions. Mark traces the decade it took to refine the approach, publish the first academic description, and train surgeons worldwide, and he explains why subtle, anatomically honest work beats skin‑tension shortcuts every time.

That precision sits inside a larger philosophy. Mark’s childhood bridged In...


The Skin Creme That Nearly Killed Me
#229
10/21/2025

A world champion athlete shouldn’t have to fight for the right diagnosis—yet Kelly Palace did, for years. What began as a swimmer’s quick fix for itchy, chlorine-dry skin became a descent into topical steroid addiction and withdrawal: spreading rashes, burning, oozing skin, misdiagnoses, and the long, lonely road of recovery. Kelly lays out the unvarnished truth about a “miracle cream” millions use and why the industry’s strongest selling points—fast relief and flawless skin—can mask a deeper problem that grows with every tube and refill.

We walk through the real mechanism under the surface: the...


How to Fast Without Fasting
#228
10/14/2025

What if you could enjoy all the powerful health benefits of fasting without actually going hungry? Dr. Chris Rhodes, a biochemist with a PhD from UC Davis, has discovered a revolutionary approach that might make this possible.

During this fascinating conversation, Dr. Rhodes explains how fasting triggers a remarkable survival response in our cells. After about 24 hours without food, our bodies deplete glycogen stores and enter "true fasting metabolism," activating anti-inflammatory pathways, cellular cleanup mechanisms, and metabolic efficiency programs that can extend lifespan in virtually every organism studied.

The breakthrough came when Dr. Rhodes identified...


Will My Shirt Make Me Healthy?
#227
10/07/2025

What if the clothes you wear and the sheets you sleep on could actively improve your health without you doing a thing? In this fascinating conversation, Seth Casden introduces us to a truly passive biohacking tool that's hiding in plain sight.

Technology transforms ordinary fabrics into wellness tools by embedding them with micron-sized minerals that capture body heat and convert it into beneficial infrared light. This light penetrates the skin and increases local circulation, delivering more oxygen to cells and tissues. The beauty lies in its simplicity—no additional effort required, no lifestyle changes needed.

"We...


Sex, Power, Suicide, and Mitochondria with Dr Natalie Yivgi-Ohana
#226
09/30/2025

What if the secret to treating age-related diseases and extending healthy lifespan lies within tiny cellular structures that evolved from ancient bacteria? In this mind-expanding conversation, biochemist Dr. Natalie Yivgi-Ohana reveals how mitochondria—far more than mere cellular powerhouses—control everything from hormone production to programmed cell death.

Dr. Yivgi-Ohana, founder of Minovia Therapeutics, takes us on a fascinating journey through mitochondrial science, explaining how these organelles became integrated into our cells over evolutionary history. "Mitochondria used to be bacteria that entered into the cell and formed this symbiosis," she explains, describing how this evolutionary leap enabled life...


Does Mouthwash Cause Hypertension? with Dr Nathan Bryan
#225
09/23/2025

Ever wondered how a single molecule can regulate blood flow, support neurotransmission, and boost immune defense? Dr. Bryan unravels these mysteries and cuts through the confusion with nitrous oxide, sharing invaluable insights from his collaborations with Nobel Prize winners. Join us as we explore why nitric oxide is pivotal to our health and longevity, and why it deserves more attention in medical circles.

We also probe into the darker side of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and their detrimental effects on nitric oxide production. Through Dr. Bryan's expert lens, we examine the serious health risks tied to long-term...


Stop Overdosing Ozempic! with Dr Tyna Moore
#224
09/16/2025

GLP-1 agonists are transforming medicine in ways few could have predicted. In this captivating conversation, naturopathic physician Dr. Tina Moore challenges the conventional narrative around these medications, revealing their potential beyond weight loss and diabetes management.

When Dr. Tina first began researching GLP-1s, she discovered a wealth of overlooked studies showing profound effects on inflammation, autoimmunity, and regenerative healing. Despite facing significant pushback from colleagues who expected a naturopathic doctor to reject pharmaceutical interventions, she couldn't ignore the compelling evidence. What she found most remarkable was how these peptides—which naturally occur in our bodies—could addr...


Keto = Death? with Dr Dom D'Agostino
#223
09/09/2025

Ready to revolutionize your understanding of metabolism? Dr. Dominic D'Agostino takes us deep into the science of ketosis, revealing why this evolutionary metabolic state might be the missing link in our modern health crisis.

The keto revolution isn't just about weight loss. As Dr. Dom explains, ketosis fundamentally changes our physiology in ways that impact every major system in our body. While our ancestors regularly shifted in and out of this fat-burning state, most modern humans never experience it—silencing what might be a powerful tool for combating today's chronic disease epidemic.

What makes ketosis un...


Lasers vs Painkillers: Deep-dive into Photobiomodulation
#222
09/02/2025

Guest: Forrest Smith — serial founder bringing clinic-grade photobiomodulation to a safe, wearable form factor.
Theme: Why dose and delivery matter more than raw wattage for red light therapy.

Key takeaways

Wavelengths that work: Deep red 660 nm (blood flow, NO release, shallow penetration) + 808 nm near-IR (deeper tissues/joints).Mechanisms: Hemoglobin photodissociates NO → vasodilation + better O₂ delivery; mitochondria’s cytochrome c oxidase bottleneck relieved → higher ATP output; downstream: resilience to oxidative stress.Performance & recovery: Overnight reductions in CK and ...


Cancer Isn’t Genetic: It's Real Root Causes
#221
08/26/2025

Cancer isn’t just random genetic mutations. It doesn’t “just happen.” In this episode, Dr. Connealy pulls back the curtain on what really drives cancer — from mitochondrial breakdown and hidden toxins to stress, parasites, and even low voltage inside your cells. You’ll learn how to hack your environment, strengthen your biology, and prevent disease years before a tumor ever shows up on a scan.

 Dr. Leigh Erin Connealy, MD, is one of the most sought-after integrative oncologists in the world. She runs the Cancer Center for Healing and the Center for New Medicine...


The Anti-Aging Molecule You're Missing for Hair Growth, Better Sleep & Immune Power
#220
08/19/2025

What if one natural molecule could reverse key signs of aging, repair your immune system, grow your hair, and even help you sleep better?

In this episode, Robert Lufkin, MD, sits down with Leslie Kenny, a patient advocate with a remarkable story. At 39, she was told she had only 5 years to live with lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. Instead, through lifestyle changes and a breakthrough discovery about spermidine, she now enjoys extraordinary health — with a biological age of just 21 at age 60.

👉 You’ll learn:

What spermidine is and why it’s ov...


Is Rapamycin the Best Longevity Drug? with Dr Rick Cohen
#219
08/12/2025

Dive into the fascinating world of longevity research as we explore rapamycin, potentially the most powerful anti-aging pharmaceutical currently known. Dr. Rick Cohen, longevity physician with over 25 years of experience, reveals how this natural molecule discovered on Easter Island targets a fundamental cellular pathway called mTOR that acts as our body's metabolic switch between growth and repair.

This episode is sponsored by Gatlan who makes rapamycin that we will be discussing available in their program. I am an advisor to Gatlan but I only advise companies that I believe in and would use for myself and my...


Is Bioidentical Hormone Replacement: The Missing Piece to Your Health Puzzle?
#218
08/05/2025

What if the key to feeling better at 45 than you did at 25 isn't about accepting "normal" lab values, but about optimizing your hormones to their ideal levels? In this eye-opening conversation, Dr. Lauren Fitzgerald—a board-certified anesthesiologist who now specializes in bioidentical hormone replacement therapy—challenges conventional medical wisdom about hormone health.

Dr. Fitzgerald breaks down the critical difference between bioidentical hormones and non-bioidentical versions. This distinction isn't just academic—it has profound implications for safety and effectiveness. While your doctor might tell you your hormone levels are "normal," those ranges often represent the average of an increa...


Why Measure Erections?
#217
07/29/2025

Unlock the secrets of male well-being with Christos Konstantinidis, the pioneering founder and CEO of Adam Health, as we unveil the profound link between erectile health and holistic male wellness. Discover how your body's signals, often overlooked, could be the earliest indicators of serious health concerns like cardiovascular disease. Christos provides enlightening insights into how erectile function serves as a critical health barometer, cutting across cardiovascular, neurological, and hormonal domains.

Explore the natural phenomena of nighttime erections and their vital role in sustaining erectile health, as well as the promise held by erectile dysfunction drugs in potentially...


Does Mitochondrial Transplantation Work?
#216
07/22/2025

What if we could reset our cellular batteries? In this fascinating deep dive into cutting-edge longevity science, Tom Benson from Mitrix Bio reveals how mitochondrial transplantation could revolutionize how we treat age-related diseases and potentially add decades of healthy living to our lives.

The conversation begins by exploring the extraordinary nature of mitochondria – those tiny power plants within our cells that generate 95% of our body's energy through molecular rotors functioning like miniature jet turbines. With approximately a quadrillion mitochondria comprising 10% of our body weight, these ancient organelles trace back to a symbiotic merger with our cellular ancestors ov...


Oral Testosterone For Better Health with Dr Andrew Sun
#215
07/15/2025

Curious about the real power of testosterone beyond the realm of bodybuilding? Join us as we sit down with Dr Andrew Sun, a fellowship-trained andrology specialist, who unpacks the diverse roles this crucial hormone plays in men's health. Discover the surprising factors, like poor sleep and metabolic syndrome, that can lower testosterone levels even in younger men. Andrew guides us through the significance of testosterone replacement therapy, not as a vanity metric but as a doorway to enhancing overall health and longevity.

This episode is sponsored by Gatlan who makes the new oral testosterone called Kyzatrex that...


The Power of Functional Medicine with Dr. Mark Hyman
#214
07/08/2025

Ever wondered if you can truly turn back the clock on aging? Join us in this compelling episode as Dr. Mark Hyman shares his extraordinary insights on the power of functional medicine to rejuvenate the body and mind at any age. Discover how Dr. Hyman's personal and professional journey led him to uncover the foundational causes of aging and chronic disease, and learn about the vital distinctions between beneficial and harmful stress. We also delve into the fascinating concept of biological versus chronological aging and the transformative potential of lifestyle choices in reversing biological age.

This episode...


Stem Cells For Longevity with Dr Vincent Giampapa
#213
07/01/2025

This week we are broadcasting a fascinating presentation from my good friend Dr Vincent Giampapa where he discusses the potential and actual use of stem cell therapy for longevity. I have had the pleasure of visiting his remarkable longevity center in San Jose Costa Rica. We will be having a dedicated upcoming episode about it. 

This presentation is from the most recent RAADFEST meeting which is set to take place again in Las Vegas on July 10-13. You won't want to miss it! https://www.raadfest.com/

Prepare to be captivated by the insights of D...


Spermidine: The Autophagy Activator with Dr Melissa Cano
#212
06/24/2025

As we near the end of the school year, I'd like to give a shoutout to Mr George Gaskin's 7th grade history class at Harvard-Westlake School who are fans of this program. 

Have you ever wondered what keeps your cells functioning properly? The answer might be a molecule with a funny name but serious implications for longevity. Spermidine, found in every living cell on Earth, is essential for triggering autophagy—your body's internal cleaning system that recycles damaged cellular components.

Biochemist Dr. Melissa Cano takes us deep into the fascinating world of cellular metabolism, explaining how...


How Food Affects Mental Health with Dr Christopher Palmer
#211
06/17/2025

Dr. Christopher Palmer is a friend and regular guest on this program and he never disappoints.  This week he takes us on a fascinating journey through the groundbreaking connection between metabolism and mental health, revealing how the foods we eat profoundly impact not just our bodies but our minds. As a Harvard psychiatrist and director of the Metabolic and Mental Health Program at McLean Hospital, Chris shares compelling evidence that many psychiatric conditions may fundamentally be disorders of brain energy.

The conversation opens with alarming statistics about our growing mental health crisis - from quadrupling autism rates t...


Is There a Central Aging Clock with Dr. Sheldon Jordan
#210
06/10/2025

This week we are broadcasting a fascinating presentation from my good friend Dr Shelly Jordan where he discusses not only the importance of a central aging clock but also a possible treatment to reset it. He has even offered the procedure to me. Please let me know if you think I should take him up on his offer.

This presentation is from the most recent RAADFEST meeting which is set to take place again in Las Vegas on July 10-13. You won't want to miss it!

We get to unlock the secrets of aging with...


Quantum Leadership with Dr Stephen Sideroff
#209
06/03/2025

This week we are co-broadcasting the premiere episode of a new podcast series entitled Quantum Leadership. It is helmed by Dr Stephen Sideroff, a dear friend and one of my first podcast guests as well as the cohost of several of our episodes. It is a true pleasure to share this episode of his new podcast in its entirely this week. Please let us know how you like it and if you would like to see more of these. 

Steve interviews Ralph Gonsalves, Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. This conversation unveils the profound dimensions o...


The Ozempic Revolution with Dr Alexandra Sowa
#208
05/27/2025

What if everything you thought you knew about weight management was wrong? Dr. Alexandra Sowa, board-certified internist and obesity medicine specialist, challenges conventional wisdom in this eye-opening conversation about the true nature of obesity and the revolutionary medications transforming its treatment.

This episode is sponsored by Rio.life who makes GLP-1 agonists available in their programs. I am an advisor to Rio but I only advise companies that I believe in and would use for myself and my family. 

The standard advice of "eat less, exercise more" has failed generations of patients because it fundamentally m...


Going Menopostal with Amy Alkon
#207
05/20/2025

Amy Alkon's eight-year scientific deep dive into menopause began with a hot flash that felt like being "locked in a trunk in the Everglades." What followed was a shocking discovery of the vast gap between medical practice and scientific evidence in women's health care.

As a self-described "science mole rat" without medical training but with rigorous research skills, Alkon uncovered critical distinctions between perimenopause and menopause that most doctors overlook. Perimenopause isn't simply "menopause light" but a unique hormonal state where estrogen often spikes dramatically while progesterone becomes deficient. This explains why many women experience rage, brain...


Metabolic Freedom with Ben Azadi
#206
05/13/2025

What if your body wasn't designed to be sick? What if those nagging symptoms you've been fighting aren't problems at all, but messages—your body's desperate attempt to communicate that something deeper needs attention?

In this revealing conversation, metabolic health expert and my good friend Ben Azadi introduces his new book "Metabolic Freedom," explaining why an astonishing 93% of Americans are metabolically unhealthy and what we can do about it. Rather than focusing on niche approaches like strict keto or extended fasting, Azadi presents a comprehensive framework accessible to everyone, addressing the five root causes behind metabolic dysfunction.


Fasting Against Cancer with Dr Katie Deming
#205
05/06/2025

The shocking truth about cancer treatment lies in what medical schools aren't teaching doctors. After 20 years as a radiation oncologist, Dr. Katie Deming discovered that cancer might be fundamentally a metabolic condition rather than primarily genetic—an insight that transforms how we approach healing.

Cancer cells predominantly use glucose as fuel through fermentation, even when oxygen is present (the Warburg effect). By eliminating this fuel source through ketogenic diets or extended water fasting, remarkable healing becomes possible. Studies show patients with glioblastoma multiforme living significantly longer on ketogenic diets, but the most profound results come from supervised wa...


Molecular Hydrogen: Breakthrough or Hype?
#204
04/29/2025

Could a simple molecule be the key to resolving seemingly incurable health conditions? Greg shares his remarkable journey from facing imminent death to complete recovery using molecular hydrogen therapy. After conventional medicine failed to treat his tumors, severe heart condition, and debilitating autoimmune issues, Greg's desperate search led him to discover what he believes to be the profound healing potential of properly administered molecular hydrogen.

Unlike conventional antioxidants, molecular hydrogen (H2) is thought to work selectively in the body—including on the mitochondria, where many diseases originate. Greg explains how hydrogen's uniquely small molecular size allows it to...


Why Calories Don't Count with Dr Giles Yeo
#203
04/22/2025

Dr. Giles Yeo, Cambridge University Professor, author of "Why Calories Don't Count," and Chief Science Advisor at Rio demolishes weight management myths with scientific precision and personal warmth. This mind-shifting conversation reveals why blaming people for obesity fundamentally misunderstands human biology. Full disclosure: I am also an advisor for Rio but I only work with companies I believe in and would use for myself and my family.

Bold scientific insights abound as Dr. Yeo reveals why simple calorie counting fails. Rather than fixating on calories, he advocates understanding how different foods affect our bodies uniquely, making a...


The Future of Aging with Aubrey de Grey
#202
04/15/2025

Dr. Aubrey de Grey reveals why reversing aging may be easier than slowing it down in this mind-expanding conversation that challenges conventional wisdom about human longevity. The renowned biomedical gerontologist outlines his damage repair approach that's gaining mainstream scientific acceptance after initial skepticism.

The financial landscape of longevity research has dramatically transformed, with billions flowing into the space. Dr. de Grey provides an insider's assessment of major players including HEvolution (Saudi-backed), Altos Labs (Bezos-funded), Calico (Google-funded) and Retro Biosciences (Sam Altman's venture), offering candid insights about which approaches show the most promise and why Google's Calico has...


On Healing with Dr Amitha Kalaichandran
#201
04/08/2025

What if healing isn't the same as curing? Dr. Amita Kalaichandran draws from her unique background in conventional medicine, public health, integrative approaches, and journalism to reshape our understanding of true wellness in ways that might surprise you.

At the heart of this conversation lies a powerful distinction: while Western medicine excels at curing (removing disease), healing represents something far more profound—a return to wholeness that integrates illness and challenges into our lives. Amitha thoughtfully explains why even those facing terminal conditions can find healing, creating meaning and wholeness right through the end of life. This pe...


The Truth About Complex Chronic Illness with Eric Gordon
#200
04/01/2025

This week Dr. Eric Gordon returns to our program to draw back the curtain on chronic complex illness, illuminating the profound yet often overlooked connection between interrupted healing cycles and persistent health problems that conventional medicine struggles to address.

At the heart of conditions like chronic fatigue syndrome, Lyme disease, and atypical autoimmune disorders lies chronic inflammation—not as a symptom, but as the driving force. Gordon explains that these debilitating conditions manifest when your body fails to complete its natural healing cycle, leaving millions with normal blood tests but life-altering fatigue, pain, and cognitive dysfunction.


Reversing Alzheimer's with Dr Dale Bredesen
#199
03/25/2025

What if everything we've been told about Alzheimer's disease is backwards? Dr. Dale Bredesen, author of the New York Times bestseller "The End of Alzheimer's," returns to our program to shatter conventional wisdom with research showing cognitive decline can be prevented and even reversed.

The traditional approach to Alzheimer's has failed spectacularly. Despite billions in research funding, pharmaceutical solutions have delivered minimal benefits. Why? Dr. Bredesen reveals the fundamental misunderstanding: Alzheimer's isn't a single-cause disease requiring a single drug, but rather a complex brain response to multiple insults. What we call Alzheimer's represents a "cytokine drizzle" – chronic, lo...


Decentralizing Health and Longevity
#198
03/18/2025

What if the future of healthcare lies in our ability to decentralize it? This episode takes us on an insightful journey with Jasmine Smith, the visionary CEO of Rejuve AI. She shares her fascinating transition from health information management to leading a groundbreaking project in decentralized health and wellness. The transformation from Web 2.0 to Web 3.0 is laid bare, with Jasmine revealing how this evolution empowers individuals by taking control away from traditional central entities and addressing challenges like scalability and user experience. We also uncover how technologies such as IPFS and Filecoin are poised to revolutionize sectors like healthcare...


Junk Food Dangers with Robert Lustig
#197
03/11/2025

This week we unlock the secrets to a healthier, longer life with insights from Dr Robert Lustig as he unpacks the hidden dangers of junk food. Ever wondered how ultra-processed foods sabotage your body's natural functions? Discover how the fructose in these foods disrupts your mitochondria, leading to serious health issues like fatty liver disease and insulin resistance. Dr Lustig contrasts these effects with the benefits of whole fruits, which offer protective fibers to mitigate damage, equipping you with the knowledge to make smarter dietary choices.

Join us as we challenge outdated medical beliefs and shed light...


Rethinking Cancer Treatment
#196
03/04/2025

Conventional cancer therapies may be missing additional opportunities for healing. The recent breakthrough publication showing brain cancer three year survival rates of 66% on a ketogenic diet versus 8% on a regular diet highlight this possibility. [https://t.co/dsU7hD71Wv]

This week we discover why our guest believes the real battle against cancer is fought at the metabolic level, not through DNA-focused treatments. Join me as we sit down with Dr. Katie Deming, a former radiation oncologist who has completely redefined her approach to cancer care. After experiencing a life-altering event that shifted her perspective, Katie now...