Extend Podcast with Darshan Shah, MD

Latest Episodes:

118. Dr. Suzanne Steinbaum: A New Roadmap to Female Heart Health Dec 04, 2025

Show notes

Most people think heart disease is obvious and predictable, yet women often present with completely different warning signs that traditional testing fails to catch. We now have the tools to identify risk decades earlier and reverse disease before it becomes dangerous.

In this episode of Extend, we sit down with Dr. Suzanne Steinbaum, cardiologist and leading voice in women's cardiovascular prevention, to uncover why standard testing misses female heart disease, how microvascular dysfunction develops long before blockages appear, and why expanded markers like ApoB and HSCRP should replace outdated cholesterol panels. We break down the role of CLEERLY scans, the power of CPET for detecting endothelial dysfunction, and the exact metabolic shifts that happen during perimenopause and menopause.

We also explore how zone two training restores endothelial health, why soft plaque is more dangerous than calcified plaque, and how personalized exercise prescriptions can reverse early disease at any age.

Dr. Suzanne Steinbaum is a pioneering preventive cardiologist, founder of the ADESSO model for women's heart health, and a national leader in microvascular research whose work is redefining how we diagnose, prevent, and reverse cardiovascular disease in women.

What's Discussed:

(04:15) Why women experience heart disease through microvascular dysfunction rather than classic blockages
(07:50) How outdated cholesterol panels miss early cardiovascular risk in women
(12:40) Why ApoB, HSCRP, and metabolic markers reveal the real drivers of plaque
(17:05) How CLEERLY scans detect dangerous soft plaque that calcium scores miss
(22:30) Why standard angiograms often look normal in women despite real disease
(27:55) How CPET testing uncovers endothelial dysfunction and identifies true zone two
(33:20) How zone two exercise restores arterial flexibility and reverses early disease
(39:45) Why perimenopause, stress, sleep, and pregnancy history raise cardiovascular risk and demand personalized prevention

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117. Dr. Steven Gundry: The Microbiome War Shaping Your Mind Dec 02, 2025

Show notes

Most people think about the gut as a digestive system, yet emerging research shows it functions more like a command center shaping immunity, metabolism, mood, and even coronary artery calcification. The surprising twist is that your gut may be influencing your brain more than your brain influences your gut.

In this episode of Extend, we sit down with Dr. Steven Gundry, cardiac surgeon and world leading expert on the microbiome, to uncover how gut bacteria communicate with your mitochondria and brain, why leaky gut silently drives inflammation throughout the entire body, and how keystone species like Akkermansia help rebuild the gut barrier. We break down the role of vitamin D in activating gut stem cells, the impact of glyphosate on serotonin producing bacteria, and why pasteurized or even dead bacteria can modulate the ecosystem just as powerfully as live strains.

We also explore how gut derived signals from short chain fatty acids, gasotransmitters, and microbial messenger RNA shape mood, cognition, vascular health, and long term aging trajectories.

Dr. Steven Gundry is a renowned heart surgeon, bestselling author, and pioneering researcher in microbiome science whose work has transformed our understanding of gut driven inflammation, autoimmune disease, and the gut brain axis.

What's Discussed:

(04:10) Why the gut acts as the body's first brain
(07:45) How good and bad microbes compete for control of your cravings and mood
(12:30) Why Akkermansia and other keystone species determine gut wall integrity
(16:55) How dead and pasteurized bacteria still shape the microbiome
(21:20) The link between leaky gut, coronary calcification, and systemic inflammation
(27:40) How vitamin D activates gut stem cells to repair the intestinal barrier
(32:15) How microbial gasotransmitters, short chain fatty acids, and mRNA communicate with the brain
(38:50) Why glyphosate disrupts serotonin producing bacteria and impacts mental health

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Learn more about Dr. Shah:

Website: https://www.drshah.com/

Clinic: https://www.next-health.com/

Instagram:@darshanshahmd

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116. Dr. Stephanie Venn-Watson: The New Essential Fatty Acid Nov 27, 2025

Show notes

Most people hear "saturated fat" and think of something harmful, yet emerging research reveals that one specific fatty acid supports stronger cell membranes, healthier metabolic function, and better long-term resilience. C15 plays a unique role in the biology of aging and may help explain why certain populations experience longer, healthier lives.

In this episode of Extend, we sit down with Dr. Stephanie Venn-Watson, veterinary epidemiologist and co-founder of Fatty15, to uncover how Navy dolphin research led to the discovery of C15 as the first essential fatty acid identified in nearly a century. We unpack why odd chain fats behave differently than traditional dietary fats, how C15 stabilizes cellular aging pathways, and why declining levels in the modern diet may be contributing to metabolic and cognitive decline.

We also explore how C15's effects on ferroptosis, inflammation, liver markers, and mitochondrial efficiency offer a new way to support healthspan at the cellular level.

Dr. Stephanie Venn-Watson is a leading veterinary epidemiologist whose groundbreaking research on marine mammals revealed the essential role of C15 in aging, metabolism, and cellular integrity, ultimately leading to the development of the concentrated and clinically studied Fatty15 formulation.

What's Discussed:

(07:20) How Navy dolphin research led to the discovery of C15
(11:45) Why C15 functions differently from traditional saturated fats
(15:10) The link between C15, cell membrane stability, and aging
(19:40) How declining C15 levels influence metabolic and inflammatory markers
(24:00) The science of ferroptosis and why it accelerates aging
(28:30) How C15 interacts with AMPK, PPAR, mTOR, and mitochondrial pathways
(33:10) The challenge of getting enough C15 through modern diets
(38:25) How Fatty15 provides a bioavailable source of this essential fatty acid

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Clinic: https://www.next-health.com/

Instagram:@darshanshahmd

Learn more about Dr. Stephanie Venn-Watson:

Website : https://fatty15.com/

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115. Dr. Shivani Gupta: Heal Inflammation Through Ayurvedic Science Nov 25, 2025

Show notes

Most of us think inflammation is something we can fix with supplements, lab tests, or the latest diet trend. But what if the real solution comes from ancient wisdom that modern science is finally catching up to?

In this episode of Extend, we sit down with Dr. Shivani Gupta, Ayurvedic practitioner, author, and founder of Fusionary Formulas, to explore how Ayurveda bridges timeless principles with modern longevity science. We break down how your dosha or "elemental design" shapes digestion, energy, and stress, and why aligning your daily rhythm with your biology can lower inflammation and optimize performance.

We also explore the science behind Ayurvedic rituals that calm inflammation from the inside out, from cooking with healing spices like turmeric and ginger to grounding, tongue scraping, and creating simple routines that support recovery and resilience.

Dr. Shivani Gupta is an Ayurvedic expert and founder of Fusionary Formulas, a modern supplement line combining ancient herbal medicine with clinical research. Her upcoming book, The Inflammation Code, reveals how to decode inflammation through food, lifestyle, and ritual to live longer and stronger.

What's Discussed:

(06:15) The hidden link between chronic inflammation and modern lifestyle
(10:40) How Ayurveda defines balance through the three doshas
(14:20) Understanding your "elemental design" and what it means for digestion, stress, and sleep
(18:45) Why syncing your habits with circadian rhythm lowers inflammation
(23:10) The science behind turmeric, ginger, and other Ayurvedic anti-inflammatories
(28:00) Rituals that regulate your nervous system and calm "mental inflammation"
(33:25) How to integrate grounding, tongue scraping, and oil pulling into your daily routine
(38:00) Ayurvedic detox principles for modern longevity
(43:10) Common myths about Ayurveda and how to apply it practically
(47:30) Dr. Gupta's top daily habits for inflammation-free living

Thank You for Our Sponsors:

Learn more about Dr. Shah:

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Clinic: https://www.next-health.com/

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Website : https://shivanigupta.com/

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114. Julia Putzeys: The App That Decodes Your Food Lies Nov 20, 2025

Show notes

Most of us grew up thinking anything sold at the grocery store was safe to eat. But behind every "heart healthy," "high protein," or "low fat" label lies a different truth one built on ultra-processed ingredients, chemical additives, and marketing tricks.

In this episode of Extend, we sit down with Julia Putzeys, founder of the Trash Panda App, to uncover what's really in our food and how to make smarter choices that protect our long-term health. We break down what defines an ultra-processed food, why seed oils, food dyes, and artificial sweeteners disrupt metabolism and gut health, and how ingredient literacy can literally change your biology.

We also explore how small, consistent choices like swapping one product at a time can help you shift from calorie counting to nutrient density and teach your kids the same.

Julia Putzeys is a software developer turned nutritionist and creator of Trash Panda, the viral app helping millions of people decode food labels, identify hidden additives, and choose real, whole ingredients.

What's Discussed:

(09:00) How Ultra-Processed Foods Impact Longevity and Chronic Disease
(12:30) The Psychology and Science Behind Food Addiction
(20:00) Why "Low-Fat" and "Sugar-Free" Often Mean More Toxic
(29:50) The Real Problem With Seed Oils and Food Dyes
(18:00) How to Retrain Your Taste Buds and Microbiome
(32:00) Practical Swaps for Clean, Nutrient-Dense Eating

Thank You for Our Sponsors:

Timeline: 20% off your order. Go to timeline.com/drshah. That's timeline.com/drshah. Function Health: Learn more and join using functionhealth.com/drshah. The first 1000 get a $100 credit toward their membership. Visit www.functionhealth.com/drshah or use gift code DRSHAH100 at sign-up to own your health.

Learn more about Dr. Shah:

Website: https://www.drshah.com/

Clinic: https://www.next-health.com/

Instagram:@darshanshahmd

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Trash Panda on Instagram: @trashpanda_app

113. Dr. Karan Rajan: Why Gut Health Shapes Your Longevity Nov 18, 2025

Show notes

You can eat healthy, exercise daily, and still struggle with fatigue, inflammation, or brain fog. Why? Because every system in your body is connected. The gut, brain, and immune system are constantly communicating, and most health plans ignore that network.

In this episode of Extend, I sit down with Dr. Karan Rajan to explore how the gut microbiome shapes everything from digestion and immunity to mood, skin, and longevity. We unpack the science behind leaky gut, fiber diversity, fermented foods, and the connection between microbiome imbalance and chronic inflammation.

We also dive into practical steps such as how to feed all three layers of your colon, the right way to use fiber supplements, the truth about probiotics, and how daily habits like sleep timing, stress, and even phone use in the bathroom affect gut health.

Dr. Karan Rajan is a surgeon, educator, and gut health expert with more than five million followers across social media. His research in microbiome science and human health has made him one of the most trusted voices translating complex medicine into actionable steps for modern life.

What's Discussed:

(00:00) From Surgery to the Science of the Microbiome
(05:18) How Fiber Diversity Fuels a Healthy Gut
(12:14) The Link Between Leaky Gut, Skin, and Inflammation
(19:49) What Destroys the Microbiome and How to Rebuild It
(27:56) Poop, Circadian Rhythms, and Real Gut Health Markers
(40:13) Fiber Supplements, Fermented Foods, and Smart Probiotics
(54:05) Inside the Future of Gut Health and the Loam Project

Thank You to Our Sponsors:

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Learn more about Dr. Shah:

Website: https://www.drshah.com/

Clinic: https://www.next-health.com/

Instagram:@darshanshahmd

Learn more about Dr. Karan Rajan:

Instagram: drkaranrajan

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112. Josh Clemente: Why Energy Crashes Keep Happening and How to Stop Them Nov 13, 2025

Show notes

What if the future of medicine isn't about diagnosing disease, but preventing it entirely? For decades, our healthcare system has only reacted once things go wrong. We measure when there are symptoms. We intervene when there is a crisis. But what if we could see the shift before it becomes an illness?

In this episode of EXTEND, I'm joined by Josh Clemente, founder of Levels and former SpaceX engineer, to explore how continuous health monitoring is about to change human health at scale. Josh shares how engineering principles—not traditional medicine—first revealed the hidden metabolic patterns that were draining his energy, affecting his cognition, and pushing him toward disease long before any lab test reflected it.

We discuss why continuous glucose monitoring is only the first step in this revolution, how data empowers individuals instead of the healthcare system, and why the next era of health will be defined by observability—real-time insight that lets you adjust, course-correct, and optimize your biology every single day.

Josh Clemente is the co-founder of Levels, a metabolic health platform bringing continuous glucose monitoring and real-time lifestyle coaching to the mainstream. Previously, he led life support systems engineering at SpaceX, where he developed safety technology for astronauts aboard the Crew Dragon spacecraft.

What's Discussed:

(00:00) Why You Should Own Your Health Data — Not Your Doctor (05:50) The Tech That's About to Replace Annual Checkups (17:47) The Medical System Won't Fix Chronic Disease — You Will (26:02) AI + Biology: The Turning Point We've Been Waiting For (35:15) Learning to "Read" Your Body in Real Time (45:54) How Small Daily Inputs Create (or Reverse) Disease (57:05) What's Coming Next in Wearable Health Tech (01:06:57) Continuous Monitoring: The Future of Metabolic Health (01:13:57) Metabolic Health = Energy. And Energy = Life. (01:27:11) Final Takeaways: Empowerment, Data, and Ownership

Thank You for Our Sponsors:

NextHealth: Your destination for cutting-edge health optimization—from IV therapy to hormone balancing. Explore at https://www.next-health.com/

Learn more about Dr. Shah:

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Clinic: https://www.next-health.com/

Instagram:@darshanshahmd

Learn more about Josh Clemente:

Instagram: @levels Instagram: @josh.f.clemente

Website: https://www.levels.com/

111. Dr. Amir Vookshoor: Neurosurgeon Secrets For Bulletproof Brain Health Nov 11, 2025

Show notes

What if the real key to longevity has nothing to do with your workouts or supplements, but with how well your brain is wired to adapt, repair, and thrive?

In this episode of EXTEND, I sit down with Dr. Amir Vookshoor, a board-certified neurosurgeon and founder of NeuroVella Brain Spa, to explore how modern neuroscience and biohacking are merging to shape the future of brain health.

We dive into how trauma, inflammation, and stress rewire the nervous system and how to reset it. From neurofeedback and TMS to breathwork, sleep, and emerging tools like plasmapheresis and light-based neuromodulation, this conversation reveals the most powerful, science-backed ways to reprogram the brain for focus, resilience, and longevity.

Dr. Amir Vookshoor is a pioneering neurosurgeon integrating modern neuroscience with holistic medicine to help patients achieve optimal brain function. His work bridges surgery, neuroplasticity, and mind-body science to unlock new pathways for healing and human potential.

What's Discussed:

(00:00) From Neurosurgery to the Future of Brain Health
(10:42) How Stress and Trauma Rewire the Nervous System
(19:58) Neurofeedback, Brain States, and Consciousness
(31:25) Advanced Imaging and Early Alzheimer's Prevention
(40:16) Plasmapheresis and the Science of Brain Renewal
(50:27) Breathwork, Sleep, and the Brain-Body Connection

Thank You for Our Sponsors:

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110. Dr. Josh Axe: The Hidden Connection Between Faith, Emotion, and Aging Nov 06, 2025

Show notes

What if the key to living longer and feeling younger has been hidden in ancient medicine all along? Long before supplements, peptides, or wearables, healing was about restoring balance through food, movement, belief, and nature. Today, those same principles are being shown by modern science to protect your cells, extend your healthspan, and reverse root causes of disease.

In this episode of EXTEND, I'm joined by Dr. Josh Axe and we explore how ancient healing systems like Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine intersect with today's most advanced longevity research. We dive into the biology of faith and mindset, how chronic stress and emotion impact gene expression, and the connection between gut health, inflammation, and aging.

We also discuss how to bridge natural and modern medicine, the surprising role of peptides and stem cells in regeneration, and why true longevity begins with the everyday habits you practice, not just the protocols you chase.

Dr. Josh Axe, DC, DNM, CNS, is a doctor of chiropractic and natural medicine, a clinical nutritionist, and the co-founder of Ancient Nutrition. He is also the host of the podcast The Dr. Josh Axe Show and the bestselling author of Ancient Remedies and The Biblical Diet.

We Also Discuss: (00:04) Traditional vs. Western medicine and where real healing happens (08:51) Ancient nutrition and the science of longevity (14:31) The emotional biology of healing in Eastern medicine (25:55) Biblical health codes and the roots of longevity (38:06) Mold toxicity, early signs, triggers, and recovery (52:26) Illness, purpose, and the path to healing (01:12:38) Regenerative therapies using peptides and stem cells (01:27:59) The future of wellness through ancient wisdom and modern science

Thank You to Our Sponsors:

Timeline: Go to timeline.com/drshah to get 20% off your order.

Function Health: Learn more and join using functionhealth.com/drshah. The first 1000 get a $100 credit toward their membership. Visit www.functionhealth.com/drshah or use gift code DRSHAH100 at sign-up to own your health.

Learn more about Dr. Shah:

Website: https://www.drshah.com/

Clinic: https://www.next-health.com/

Instagram:@darshanshahmd

Learn more about Dr. Josh Axe:

Website: www.draxe.com

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109. Dr. Gladys McGarey: What 103 Years of Life Can Teach Us About Longevity Nov 04, 2025

Show notes

What if the real secret to longevity isn't found in science alone, but in how we choose to live, love, and connect every day?

In this special posthumous episode of EXTEND, I revisit one of the most meaningful conversations I've ever had — with Dr. Gladys McGarey, the 103-year-old physician known as the Mother of Holistic Medicine and author of The Well-Lived Life. Before her passing, Dr. McGarey shared a century's worth of wisdom on what truly heals us, from the inside out.

We talk about how she helped create the holistic medicine movement, the deeper meaning behind her "Five L's" — love, life, laughter, labor, and listening — and how energy, purpose, and community shape both health and happiness. She also shares powerful stories from her early life in India, her encounter with Gandhi, and how compassion became the foundation of her medical practice.

Dr. Gladys McGarey reminds us that medicine isn't just about curing disease — it's about nurturing the human spirit, and remembering that love itself is one of the most powerful healing forces we have.

We Also Discuss:

(00:00) A Century of Healing: The Life and Legacy of Dr. Gladys McGarey

(09:45) Growing Up in India and Meeting Gandhi

(20:23) How Holistic Medicine Was Born, and Why It Still Matters

(25:32) The Physician Within: What True Healing Really Means

(27:20) Energy, Purpose, and the Secret to Staying "Alive" at Any Age

(33:55) Turning Setbacks into Teachers: Finding Growth in Pain

(37:46) Why Community Is the Medicine We're Missing

(43:54) The Vision for a Healing Village, Where Love and Life Lead Medicine

Thank You to Our Sponsor:

IM8: Try IM8 today with a 30-day money back guarantee. You can get 10% off your first order with code DRSHAH at https://im8health.com/discount/DRSHAH .

Learn more about Dr. Shah:

Website: https://www.drshah.com/

Clinic: https://www.next-health.com/

Instagram:@darshanshahmd

Learn more about Dr. Gladys McGarey:

Website:https://gladysmcgarey.com/Instagram: @livingmedicinedr