Extend Podcast with Darshan Shah, MD

Latest Episodes:

58. Ricky Silver: What the Food Companies Don't Want You to Know May 01, 2025

Show notes

What if our food system wasn't designed for our health, but for shelf life, convenience, and corporate profit?

In today's episode of Extend, I'm joined by Ricky Silver, CEO of Daily Harvest, who brings a rare inside-the-industry view of how our food system really works, and how we can change it. We explore how government subsidies, processed foods, and industrial farming practices have led to the chronic disease crisis we're facing today.

We dig into why frozen organic produce is a nutritional powerhouse, what regenerative agriculture actually means, and how everyday consumers like you and me can help shift the food industry toward something more nourishing, for people and the planet.

Whether you're someone who shops organic or you're just beginning to question what's really in your food, this episode will empower you to make smarter choices and push for systemic change.

Ricky Silver is the CEO of Daily Harvest, a company focused on making organic, plant-based meals accessible and convenient. He brings a unique perspective on the intersection of science, food, and health.

Let's get into it.

We Also Discuss:

Why "Organic" Isn't Just a Label—It's a System Shift
How Your Grocery Cart Can Change the Food Industry
The Real Reason Our Food Is Making Us Sick
From Profit to Purpose: Rethinking the Food System's North Star
What Farmers Really Want—and Why We Should Listen
The Untold Truth About Gluten, Glyphosate, and Gut Health

Thank You for Our Sponsors:

Deliverance: Give your liver the care it deserves! Deliverance is a powerful plant-based formula designed to support and restore liver health. Get 10% off your first order with code DRSHAH at loveyourliver.com
Timeline: Upgrade your energy from within! MitoPure by Timeline helps power up your cells, supporting muscle strength, mental clarity, and overall vitality. Stay active, sharp, and strong at any age! Claim 10% off your first order now at timeline.com/DrShah

Learn more about Dr. Shah:

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

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

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/darshanshahmd/

Learn more about Ricky Silver:

Website: https://www.dailyharvest.com Instagram: @dailyharvestInstagram: @rickyjsilver

57. Shawn Wells: Shocking Truth About Supplements: Most Are Useless Apr 29, 2025

Show notes

What if the reason your supplements aren't working has nothing to do with your body—and everything to do with what's in the bottle?

In this episode of Extend, I'm joined by biochemist and ingredient formulator Shawn Wells, a leading voice in evidence-based supplementation and mitochondrial health. Together, we uncover why so many products fail to deliver results, how to build a smarter, personalized stack, and what most people get completely wrong about vitamins, probiotics, and biohacking.

We get into the dangers of proprietary blends, why over 80% of supplements on Amazon may be underdosed or inactive, and what blood tests and wearables really reveal about your health. Shawn also shares his foundational stack—from GLP-1 agonists to mitochondrial protectors—and explains why dosing and timing matter more than you think.

If you're relying on guesswork when it comes to supplements, this episode will change your approach for good.

We Also Discuss:

The Supplement Lies You've Been Told
Why Bio-Individuality Changes Everything
How to Spot a Scam Supplement
The Foundational Stack You Actually Need
Muscle, Brain & Bone: The Smart Stack
Upgrade Your Brain: Next-Gen Nootropics
The New Science of Sleep Support
Immunity, Mitochondria & Microbiome Hacks

Thank You to Our Sponsors:

TruNiagen: Whether you are looking to stay sharp, feel more energized or simple age better, go to https://www.truniagen.com/
IFit: If you are looking to elevate your home gym fitness experience with the best in fitness tech, choose IFIT. Go to https://www.ifit.com/
NextHealth: Your destination for cutting-edge health optimization—from IV therapy to hormone balancing. Explore at https://www.next-health.com/
Vitaboom: For supplements you can trust and wellness solutions tailored to your health, visit https://vitaboom.com/

Learn more about Dr. Shah:

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

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

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/darshanshahmd/

Learn more about Shawn Wells

Website: www.shawnwells.com Instagram: @shawnwells

YouTube: Shawn Wells

56. Zora Benhamou: Struggling with Menopause? Here's the Solution You Need Apr 24, 2025

Show notes

What if menopause didn't have to be a challenge, but an opportunity?

In this episode of Extend, I'm joined by Zora Benhamou, host of the Hack My Age podcast, to challenge the common narrative around menopause. Zora shares a refreshing perspective that empowers women to see this stage of life as a chance for reinvention, growth, and better health.

We discuss the science behind hormone therapy, the importance of muscle-building and stress management, and how women can navigate menopause without feeling defeated. Together, we dive deep into practical, science-backed insights on how women can not only reduce symptoms but optimize their health for the long run.

Zora Benhamou is a gerontologist and health and longevity expert, dedicated to helping women navigate aging confidently. As the host of Hack My Age, she educates listeners on biohacking, menopause, and anti-aging strategies.

We Also Discuss:

Podcast Interview on Women's Health
Global Attitudes Towards Menopause
Optimizing Menopausal Health Through Biohacking
Mastering Parasympathetic Balance and Hormone Replacement
Post-Surgery Supplement Hacks for Recovery
Surgery Gratitude and Recovery Hacks

Thank you for our Sponsors:

Deliverance: Give your liver the care it deserves! Deliverance is a powerful plant-based formula designed to support and restore liver health. Get 10% off your first order with code DRSHAH at loveyourliver.com Timeline: Upgrade your energy from within! MitoPure by Timeline helps power up your cells, supporting muscle strength, mental clarity, and overall vitality. Stay active, sharp, and strong at any age! Claim 10% off your first order now at timeline.com/DrShah

Learn more about Dr. Shah:

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

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

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/darshanshahmd/

Learn more about Zora Benhamou:

Website: Hack My Age
Instagram: @hackmyage
Facebook: Hack My Age
YouTube: Hack My Age
TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@hackmyage
Membership Group: https://hackmyage.com/biohacking-menopause-membership/
Menopause Quiz: https://quiz.tryinteract.com/#/661e9e6786298f2031ac25ba

55. Jim Kwik: The Real Reason You're Tired, Distracted, and Forgetful Apr 22, 2025

Show notes

Brain fog, forgetfulness, and lack of focus are becoming the norm, but they don't have to be. In this episode of Extend, I'm joined by Jim Kwik, a world-renowned brain coach and author of the bestselling book Limitless, to uncover how to unlock your brain's full potential.

We dive into the science of neuroplasticity, daily habits that sabotage your memory, and how to reclaim focus in a world of constant distraction. Jim shares actionable tools to improve learning, strengthen cognitive performance, and boost mental energy, without relying on caffeine or willpower.

We also explore the impact of gut health, sleep, HRV, and nootropics on brain function, and how to build a sharper, more resilient mind at any age.

Jim Kwik is a world-renowned brain coach, best-selling author of Limitless, and expert in memory, focus, and accelerated learning.

Thank You to Our Sponsors:

TruNiagen: Whether you are looking to stay sharp, feel more energized or simple age better, go to https://www.truniagen.com/
IFit: If you are looking to elevate your home gym fitness experience with the best in fitness tech, choose IFIT. Go to https://www.ifit.com/
NextHealth: Your destination for cutting-edge health optimization—from IV therapy to hormone balancing. Explore at https://www.next-health.com/
Vitaboom: For supplements you can trust and wellness solutions tailored to your health, visit https://vitaboom.com/

Learn more about Dr. Shah:

Website: https://www.drshah.com/
Clinic: https://www.next-health.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/darshanshahmd/

Learn more about Jim Kwik:

Instagram: @jimkwik
Facebook: @jimkwikofficialLog in or sign up to view
Twitter: @jimkwik
YouTube: Jim Kwik

54. What If High Blood Pressure Is Slowly Killing You? Apr 17, 2025

Show notes

In today's episode of Extend, we're tackling a crucial health issue: high blood pressure. Often called the "silent killer," high blood pressure increases your risk for heart attacks, strokes, kidney disease, and more. But what if you could prevent these risks before they escalate?

I'll break down why measuring your blood pressure at home is far more effective than relying on a single doctor's visit. You'll also learn about the SPRINT trial and why keeping your blood pressure at 120/70 can significantly improve long-term health.

We'll explore practical steps to manage high blood pressure, including improving your sleep, reducing stress, optimizing metabolic health, and incorporating strength training. Plus, I'll discuss how new medications and emerging technologies like continuous blood pressure monitoring are transforming care.

This episode is all about prevention and early intervention—two key elements to living a longer, healthier life. If you've been ignoring your blood pressure, now's the time to take control. Tune in!

I Also Discuss:

Understanding High Blood Pressure As A Silent Killer
The Importance Of At-home Blood Pressure Monitoring
How The Sprint Trial Revolutionized Blood Pressure Management
Effective Lifestyle Changes To Control High Blood Pressure

Thank you for our Sponsors:

Deliverance: Give your liver the care it deserves! Deliverance is a powerful plant-based formula designed to support and restore liver health. Get 10% off your first order with code DRSHAH at loveyourliver.com
Timeline: Upgrade your energy from within! MitoPure by Timeline helps power up your cells, supporting muscle strength, mental clarity, and overall vitality. Stay active, sharp, and strong at any age! Claim 10% off your first order now at timeline.com/DrShah

Sources:

SPRINT Study https://www.sprinttrial.org

Learn more about Dr. Shah:

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

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

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/darshanshahmd/

53. Dr. Alok Trivedi: You're Not Lazy—You're Wired That Way (Here's How to Change It) Apr 15, 2025

Show notes

Ever feel stuck, even when you're doing all the right things? In this episode, Dr. Shah sits down with Dr. Alok Trivedi, also known as Dr. Rewire, to explore how our unresolved traumas, subconscious beliefs, and identity patterns silently shape our health, habits, and happiness.

You'll discover how trauma wires into the nervous system, why mindset work often fails without deeper emotional integration, and how behavioral reprogramming can unlock personal and professional breakthroughs. Dr. Trivedi breaks down the neuroscience of change, helping us understand how to stop repeating old cycles and start rewiring for resilience, clarity, and growth.

Whether you're navigating stress, burnout, or simply ready to evolve, this episode delivers science-backed insights with real-world tools to shift your life from the inside out.

Dr. Alok Trivedi is a leading expert in performance psychology, founder of the Rewire system, and has helped thousands reprogram their minds for lasting transformation.

We Also Discuss:

How trauma silently influences your behavior, health, and identity
Why mindset work alone isn't enough for real transformation
The science of "rewiring" your brain to break free from subconscious patterns
How emotions get stored in the nervous system—and how to release them
Why personalized healing depends on the type of trauma you've experienced
Real-world strategies to shift out of survival mode and into aligned action

Learn more about Dr. Shah:

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

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

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/darshanshahmd/

Learn more about Dr. Alok Trivedi:

Website: https://drrewiretest.com/ Instagram: @dr.rewireLinkedIn: Dr. Alok Trivedi

Thank You to Our Sponsors:

TruNiagen: Whether you are looking to stay sharp, feel more energized or simple age better, go to https://www.truniagen.com/IFit: If you are looking to elevate your home gym fitness experience with the best in fitness tech, choose IFIT. Go to https://www.ifit.com/NextHealth: Your destination for cutting-edge health optimization—from IV therapy to hormone balancing. Explore at https://www.next-health.com/Vitaboom: For supplements you can trust and wellness solutions tailored to your health, visit https://vitaboom.com/

Books: Wired for Wealth: Unlocking Your Brain for Financial Success Chasing Success: Lessons in Aligned Performance

52. Dr. Greg Kelly: Stop Wasting Money on Supplements! Here's What Actually Works… Apr 10, 2025

Show notes

With shelves full of flashy promises, it's time to cut through the noise. In this episode, Dr. Shah and Dr. Greg Kelly explore what science actually says about supplements—and what your body truly needs to perform at its best.

You'll learn how nootropics, adaptogens, and probiotics influence brain health, stress resilience, and longevity. Backed by clinical research, Dr. Kelly unpacks the key mechanisms behind compounds that support cognitive performance, neuroplasticity, and the gut-brain connection—revealing how your microbiome plays a central role in mood, immunity, and energy regulation.

Whether you're aiming for sharper focus, better digestion, or long-term health, this episode delivers a practical roadmap to optimize your supplement strategy—minus the hype.

Dr. Greg Kelly is a licensed naturopathic physician and leading authority in nootropics and human optimization. He's the Director of Product Development at Neurohacker Collective and author of Shape Shift.

We Also Discuss:

The overwhelming number of supplements on the market
How to optimize brain health and performance with the right compounds
Enhancing resilience with supplements
The link between nootropics and gut health
How symbiotics support gut health

Learn more about Dr. Shah:

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

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

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/darshanshahmd/

Learn more about Dr. Greg Kelly

Instagram: Qualia Life Sciences

LinkedIn: Gregory Kelly - Qualia Life Sciences Book: Shape Shift Intelligence Solution

Sources:

https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/abs/10.1089/acm.2007.7117?journalCode=acm

https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/10408398.2021.2021137

https://www.drashwame.ie/ashwagandha-journal/ashwagandha-lions-mane/

https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2023.1164676/full https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/16/22/3955

Thank You To Our Sponsors:

Deliverance: Give your liver the care it deserves! Deliverance is a powerful plant-based formula designed to support and restore liver health. Get 10% off your first order with code DRSHAH at loveyourliver.com
Timeline: Upgrade your energy from within! Timeline helps power up your cells, supporting muscle strength, mental clarity, and overall vitality. Stay active, sharp, and strong at any age! Claim 10% off your first order now at timeline.com/DrShah

51. Dr. Navaz Habib: Your Nervous System is Under Attack—Here's How to Fix It Apr 08, 2025

Show notes

Inflammation drives nearly every chronic disease, yet most people overlook a key player in regulating it: the vagus nerve. This critical nerve connects brain to body, controlling digestion, heart rate, immunity, and recovery. But chronic stress shuts it down, leading to poor vagal tone, dysregulated inflammation, and reduced resilience.

In this episode of Extend, I sit down with Dr. Navaz Habib to explore how vagus nerve activation can reduce inflammation and improve healthspan. We dive into practical strategies to improve vagal tone, from breathwork and cold exposure to high-tech biohacking tools. We also unpack how HRV (heart rate variability) can be your secret weapon for tracking nervous system health, and why it's the future of longevity science.

Dr. Navaz Habib is a functional medicine practitioner, speaker, and author specializing in nervous system regulation and inflammation. His work empowers people to take control of their health by optimizing vagal tone and HRV.

We Also Talk About:

Unlocking Health Through the Vagus Nerve
Understanding Chronic Inflammation and Immune Responses
Regulating Inflammation Through Vagus Nerve
Optimizing Health With Heart Rate Variability
Mastering HRV Through Breathwork
Exploring Vagus Nerve Health Indicators
Exploring Vagus Nerve Stimulation Devices

Thank You to Our Sponsors:

TruNiagen: Whether you are looking to stay sharp, feel more energized or simple age better, go to https://www.truniagen.com/
IFit: If you are looking to elevate your home gym fitness experience with the best in fitness tech, choose IFIT. Go to https://www.ifit.com/
NextHealth: Your destination for cutting-edge health optimization—from IV therapy to hormone balancing. Explore at https://www.next-health.com/
Vitaboom: For supplements you can trust and wellness solutions tailored to your health, visit https://vitaboom.com/

Learn more about Dr. Shah:

Website: https://www.drshah.com/
Clinic: https://www.next-health.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/darshanshahmd/

Learn more about Dr. Navaz Habib:

Instagram: @drnavazhabib
Facebook: Dr. Navaz Habib
YouTube: Dr. Navaz Habib

50. 50% of Heart Disease Is Diagnosed Too Late—Here's How to Avoid It Apr 03, 2025

Show notes

Heart disease is still the number one cause of death, yet most people don't realize how preventable it actually is.

In this solo episode of Extend, I'm kicking off our new series on preventative medicine by breaking down the essential tests and metrics you need to know to protect your heart. I'll walk you through the four key areas I evaluate in every patient—ischemia, blood pressure, electrical function, and cardiac capacity—and explain how you can assess your own risk starting today.

You'll also learn about the most underutilized tests in cardiology, including the coronary calcium score, CLEARLY CT angiogram, Holter monitors, and VO2 max. These tools can help you detect heart disease decades before symptoms appear—and long before it's too late.

This episode is your roadmap to taking control of your cardiovascular health, starting now. If you're over 40 (or even younger with risk factors), this is a conversation you can't afford to miss.

I Also Discuss:

Preventing Heart Disease for Longevity
Advanced Heart Health Screening Options
Preventing Heart Disease Through Testing
The 4 Hidden Heart Risks You Shouldn't Ignor

Learn more about Dr. Shah:

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

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

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/darshanshahmd/

49. Andrew Lacy: The Key to Catching Major Health Issues Early (And Why Most People Miss It) Apr 01, 2025

Show notes

Most people don't think about their health until something goes wrong—but what if you could catch potential issues before they become a problem? Studies show that up to 70% of serious health conditions are preventable with early detection, yet traditional healthcare often focuses on treating symptoms rather than identifying root causes. Taking a proactive approach to your health could mean adding years to your life—and life to your years.

In this episode, I sit down with Andrew Lacy, the founder of Prenuvo, to explore how cutting-edge whole-body MRI technology is changing the game in preventative health. Andrew explains how early detection can help you get ahead of major health issues and why staying informed about your body's internal health is one of the most powerful things you can do for longevity and overall well-being. We'll also dig into metabolic health, inflammation, and why it's never too early to start taking charge of your health.

Andrew Lacy is a seasoned entrepreneur with a background in health and technology. Before founding Prenuvo, he created ZapTravel and Tapulous (the creators of Tap Tap Revenge), one of the earliest hits in the App Store. He holds an MBA from Stanford and a Law degree from the University of Melbourne. Now, he's focused on transforming healthcare by shifting the focus from treatment to prevention through advanced imaging technology.

We Also Discuss:

The Importance of Full Body MRI

Early Detection of Cancer With MRI

Advances in Cancer Screening Technologies

Advancements in Full Body MRI

Musculoskeletal Degeneration and Fat Infiltration

Biomarkers and Advanced Imaging in Health

Assessing Cardiovascular Health With MRI

Advancements in Radiology and Preventative Health

Future Imaging Advancements With Brain Scan

Thank You to Our Sponsors:

TruNiagen: Whether you are looking to stay sharp, feel more energized or simple age better, go to https://www.truniagen.com/
IFit: If you are looking to elevate your home gym fitness experience with the best in fitness tech, choose IFIT. Go to https://www.ifit.com/
Nexthealth: NextHealth: Your destination for cutting-edge health optimization—from IV therapy to hormone balancing. Explore at https://www.next-health.com/
Vitaboom: Vitaboom: For supplements you can trust and wellness solutions tailored to your health, visit https://vitaboom.com/

🔗 Links & Resources:

Learn more about Dr. Shah:

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

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

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/darshanshahmd/

Learn more about Andrew Lacy

Website: https://andrewlacy.com/

https://prenuvo.com/

X: https://x.com/andrewlacy