Extend Podcast with Darshan Shah, MD

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147. Dr. David Luu: How AI Is Reshaping Preventive Care Mar 17, 2026

Show notes

Most people think medicine is about treating disease. What if the real future of healthcare is preventing illness and optimizing human potential long before symptoms appear.

In this episode of Extend, we sit down with Dr. David Luu, physician, former pediatric cardiac surgeon, and founder of the Longevity Docs movement. Dr. Luu shares his journey from high intensity surgery to longevity medicine, shaped by firsthand exposure to preventable disease, global health missions, and the realization that the current medical system is built for sick care, not health.

We explore where longevity medicine is today, where it is heading, and why AI, wearables, and data access are transforming how people manage their health. Dr. Luu breaks down the shift from biohacking to bioliteracy, the need to train doctors as educators, and his Longevity Canvas framework for building a life that prioritizes both time and vitality.

What We Discuss:

(00:00) From surgery to longevity medicine and why sick care is broken (06:30) A global health mission that changed Dr. Luu's view on prevention (12:30) Bringing medicine closer to patients through technology (18:30) COVID, wearables, and the rise of proactive health monitoring (25:30) Why longevity medicine targets aging, not just disease (32:30) The shortage of preventive doctors and the future of medical training (40:30) AI, wearables, and why patients must become CEOs of their health (47:30) Biohacking vs bioliteracy and the role of physician education (54:30) The Longevity Canvas and designing a life worth living (01:01:30) Community, purpose, and legacy as pillars of longevity (01:07:30) Optimizing human potential and the next era of healthcare

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Learn more about Dr. Shah:

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146. Dr. Joel Warsh: Vaccines, Ultra-Processed Foods for Kids, Screen Time, and the Modern Parent's Playbook Mar 12, 2026

Show notes

Raising healthy children today requires more discernment than ever. Between conflicting vaccine guidance, ultra processed food marketing, and the explosion of screen exposure, modern parents are navigating a landscape filled with noise and strong opinions.

In this episode of Extend, we sit down with Dr. Joel Warsh, board certified pediatrician and founder of Integrative Pediatrics, to unpack how parents can think critically about vaccine schedules, evaluate medical credentials online, and make informed decisions rooted in both data and context. We break down the evolving CDC recommendations, shared clinical decision making, the food pyramid reset, ultra processed food exposure, sugar overload, seed oil debates, dairy questions, allergy desensitization, screen time guardrails, and the real risks of repetitive head injuries in youth sports.

We also explore how practical changes at home such as reducing added sugar, setting clear screen boundaries, prioritizing real food, and fostering open medical conversations can meaningfully shape a child's long term metabolic and neurological health.

Dr. Joel Warsh, also known as DrJoelGator, is a board certified pediatrician based in Los Angeles specializing in parenting, wellness, and integrative medicine. He holds a Master's degree in Epidemiology, trained at Children's Hospital of Los Angeles, and is the author of Between a Shot and a Hard Place, where he tackles complex vaccine questions with balance, data, and clarity.

What We Discuss:

(00:00) The Information War in Parenting and Why Nuance Matters
(06:00) Trust, Government Agencies, and Rebuilding Medical Credibility
(10:00) Credentials on Social Media and How to Vet Health Advice
(15:05) The Updated Vaccine Schedule and Shared Clinical Decision Making
(19:30) Vaccine Risk Assessment, Communicability, and Mechanism of Action
(24:30) The New Food Pyramid and the Case Against Ultra Processed Foods
(28:00) Chronic Disease in Kids and Practical Nutrition Shifts at Home
(32:10) Dairy, Alternatives, and What to Replace It With
(35:00) Allergies, Immune Dysregulation, and Desensitization Therapy
(38:10) The Seed Oil Debate and What the Research Actually Shows
(45:20) Sugar Overload, Refined Grains, and Metabolic Consequences
(52:15) Screen Time, Dopamine, and Social Media Guardrails
(56:50) Gaming, Attention, and Real World Social Development
(59:25) Youth Sports, Concussions, and Long Term Brain Health Risk

Thank You to Our Sponsors:

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:

Instagram:@darshanshahmd

Learn more about Dr. Joel Warsh

Website: www.theshotbook.com

Instagram: @drjoelgator

145. Dr. Dave Rabin: HRV, Vagal Tone, and the Science of Safety for Performance and Mental Health Mar 10, 2026

Show notes

Chronic stress is quietly reshaping how we think, perform, sleep, and recover. In a world optimized for productivity, we rarely prioritize the one variable that determines long term resilience: recovery.

In this episode of Extend, we sit down with Dr. Dave Rabin, neuroscientist, psychiatrist, and co founder of Apollo Neuro, to unpack the science of vagal tone, heart rate variability, and how safety signals in the body drive peak performance and mental health. We break down the difference between eustress and distress, how unresolved trauma suppresses recovery, why HRV may be the most powerful biomarker of resilience, and how tools like breath, environment design, and wearable neurotechnology can retrain the nervous system in real time.

We also explore how psychedelic assisted therapies such as ketamine and MDMA are reshaping psychiatry, why safety is the foundation of trauma healing, and how small daily practices can restore autonomic balance and unlock human potential.

Dr. Dave Rabin, MD, PhD, is Executive Director of The Board of Medicine and a psychiatrist and neuroscientist specializing in chronic stress and treatment resistant illness. He has spent 15 years researching non invasive therapies including MDMA assisted treatment for severe PTSD, and is the author of the upcoming book A Simple Guide to Being Alive, a science backed framework for navigating burnout and reclaiming mental clarity in the modern world.

Pre-order Dr. Rabin's book "A Simple Guide to Being Alive" here: http://www.simpleguide.life

What We Discuss:

(00:00) Performance Culture vs Recovery Deficit
(05:05) Evolutionary Stress and the Modern Nervous System
(09:30) Eustress vs Distress and Early Warning Signs
(20:35) HRV as a Biomarker of Vagal Tone and Resilience
(27:24) Baseline Tracking and Using Wearables Intelligently
(37:34) Environment, Ambience, and Nervous System Regulation
(41:37) Breath as a Choice and Reclaiming Autonomic Control
(49:23) Micro Moments of Recovery Throughout the Day
(54:12) Apollo Neuro and Vagus Nerve Modulation
(1:04:22) Trauma, Safety, and Healing the Stress Imprint
(1:09:16) Ketamine and the Future of Psychedelic Assisted Therapy
(1:15:01) MDMA, Meaning Making, and the Possibility of Cure

Thank You to Our Sponsors:

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144. Dr. Mao Shing Ni: Fertility Optimization, Egg Freezing, and Menopause as "Second Spring" Mar 05, 2026

Show notes

Fertility is declining while menopausal symptoms are appearing earlier. Metabolic dysfunction, chronic stress, and environmental exposures are reshaping reproductive health for both women and men.

In this episode of Extend, we sit down with Dr. Mao Shing Ni, co founder of Tao of Wellness and Yo San University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, to unpack how Eastern medicine and modern science can work together to optimize fertility, support egg freezing outcomes, and reframe menopause as a powerful Second Spring. We break down sympathetic versus parasympathetic signaling, how stress suppresses ovulation, why metabolic health drives PCOS and sperm quality, and how acupuncture, targeted herbs, infrared therapy, and nutrition strategies can increase live birth rates and extend hormonal vitality.

We also explore how tools like continuous glucose monitoring, berberine, GLP 1 support, Tai Chi, sleep optimization, and strategic hormone therapy can shift reproductive biology at any stage, from preconception to menopausal transition.

Dr. Mao Shing Ni, DOM, PhD, LAc, is a 38th generation doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine with over 40 years of clinical experience in integrative longevity, reproductive, and anti aging medicine. He is the bestselling author of more than 20 books, including Secrets of Longevity, co founder of Tao of Wellness and Yo San University, and an internationally recognized speaker in reproductive, hormonal, and longevity medicine.

What We Discuss:

(00:00) Fertility Decline and Earlier Menopausal Symptoms
(06:05) Stress, Cortisol, and the Reproductive Axis
(13:03) Foundational Fertility Protocol: Diet, Sleep, and Exercise
(16:26) Key Supplements and Herbs for Egg Quality
(22:46) Acupuncture and Live Birth Rate Data
(26:00) Tai Chi, Qigong, Massage, and Blood Flow Optimization
(30:48) Metabolic Health, GLP 1, and Ozempic Pregnancies
(31:34) PCOS as a Metabolic Disorder and CGM Strategies
(33:41) Male Fertility, Testosterone, and Sperm Quality
(37:39) Hormone Replacement Therapy and the First Five Years of Menopause
(40:19) Gut Health, SIBO, and Hormone Conversion
(46:27) East West Collaboration in Longevity and Reproductive Care

Thank You to Our Sponsors:

Nexthealth: 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:

Instagram:@darshanshahmd

Learn more about Dr. Mao Shing Ni

Website: https://www.taoofwellness.com/

Website: https://askdrmao.com/

143. The Teen Health Revolution: Raising Resilient Teens in Digital Chaos Mar 03, 2026

Show notes

Teen mental health is deteriorating in real time, fueled by ultra processed food, chronic stress, and constant screen exposure. The earlier we intervene, the more resilient the biology and brain become.

In this episode of Extend, we sit down with Abdullah, Zain, Emaad, and Qasim Ansari, hosts of The Holistic Kids' Show and co authors of The Teen Health Revolution, to unpack how simple lifestyle shifts can radically improve youth mental, metabolic, and emotional health. We break down their REVOLUTION framework, why gut health drives brain chemistry, how tech limits protect dopamine pathways, and why sleep, nature, gratitude, and purpose must be installed early to build lifelong resilience.

We also explore how practical tools like breathwork before exams, ingredient label literacy, device boundaries, and daily gratitude rituals can rewire stress responses and help teens reclaim focus, confidence, and long term vitality.

Abdullah, 18, Zain, 15, Emaad, 12, and Qasim Ansari, 10, are national youth speakers, A4M faculty, and co authors of the best selling book The Teen Health Revolution: Unlocking Lifestyle Secrets for the Mind, Body, and Soul, with over 200 podcast episodes featuring leading physicians, Harvard professors, New York Times bestselling authors, and global health leaders.

What We Discuss:

(00:00) Why Teen Health Is in Crisis
(02:17) The REVOLUTION Framework Explained
(07:28) Gut Health and the Brain Connection
(09:20) Ultra Processed Foods and Label Literacy
(14:52) Toxins, Microplastics, and EMFs
(18:39) Stress in Teens and Breathwork Tools
(21:59) Nature Exposure and Mental Health
(25:01) Social Connection and Tech Limits
(29:55) Sleep, Dopamine, and Screen Addiction
(35:32) Gratitude, Purpose, and Mindfulness for Teens

Thank You to Our Sponsors:

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

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Learn more about Dr. Shah:

Instagram:@darshanshahmd

Learn more about Abdullah, Zain, Emaad, and Qasim Ansari

Website: https://theholistickidsshow.com/

Podcast: https://theholistickidsshow.com/

Instagram: @holistickidsshow

@holisticmommd

142. Dr. Tommy Wood: The Science of Brain Performance Optimization Feb 26, 2026

Show notes

Most conversations about brain health focus on intelligence or genetics. True cognitive performance depends on how the brain is trained, supported, and allowed to recover across decades of life.

In this episode of Extend, we sit down with Dr. Tommy Wood, neuroscientist and performance expert working at the intersection of elite motorsport and clinical brain research, to uncover how the brain adapts under extreme cognitive demand and how those same principles apply to long term brain health. We break down the 3S model of Stimulus, Supply, and Support, why recovery matters as much as training, and how sleep, nutrition, and blood flow shape both performance and dementia risk.

We also explore how learning cadence, focused work, brain injury prevention, blood pressure control, and targeted nutrients influence cognitive resilience from early development through aging.

Dr. Tommy Wood is an Associate Professor of Pediatrics and Neuroscience at the University of Washington, where his research focuses on brain health across the lifespan, from newborn brain injury to adult trauma and cognitive decline. He also serves as Head Scientist for Motorsport at Hintsa Performance, Chief Science Officer at BetterBrain, Head of Research for the dementia prevention charity Food for the Brain, co host of the Better Brain Fitness podcast, and author of the forthcoming book The Stimulated Mind.

What We Discuss:

(00:00) Neurocognitive Demands of Formula One Drivers
(08:19) The 3S Model for Brain Performance and Longevity
(13:40) How Learning Cadence Builds Cognitive Reserve
(18:46) Why Multitasking Increases Cognitive Stress
(33:31) Sleep Opportunity, Regularity, and Brain Recovery
(39:50) Nutrition, Energy Balance, and Brain Fuel
(48:52) Blood Pressure as a Major Dementia Risk Factor
(52:03) Brain Injury, Concussion Recovery, and Long Term Risk
(59:11) Creatine, Omega 3s, and Nutrients for Brain Repair
(1:11:02) Brain Biomarkers and Limits of Early Testing

Thank You to Our Sponsors:

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:

Instagram:@darshanshahmd

Learn more about Dr. Tommy Wood:

Website: https://www.drtommywood.com/

Podcast: https://betterbrain.fitness/

Instagram: @drtommywood

141. Dr. Amy Shah: Hormone Havoc, Gut Health, and the New Menopause Playbook Feb 24, 2026

Show notes

Most women are taught to accept fatigue, weight gain, brain fog, and mood changes as a normal part of aging. What if the real issue has been overlooked gut health, muscle loss, and a medical system that failed to prioritize women's hormones.

In this episode of Extend, we sit down with Dr. Amy Shah, MD, double board certified physician in internal medicine and immunology, to unpack the powerful connection between the gut microbiome, hormone balance, and long term health. We break down the estrobolome, why fiber and fermented foods regulate estrogen metabolism, how 30 grams of morning protein stabilizes insulin and cravings, and when hormone therapy truly becomes indicated.

We also explore strength training for midlife, sprint intervals for cardiovascular resilience, early DEXA scanning, ferritin testing, and how small daily inputs build the physiological reserve that protects bone, brain, and metabolic health through perimenopause and beyond.

Dr. Amy Shah is a physician, nutrition specialist, bestselling author of I'm So Effing Hungry and I'm So Effing Tired, and founder of a global wellness education platform focused on evidence based lifestyle medicine. Through clinical practice, research translation, and her new book Hormone Havoc, she empowers women to take control of their health using nutrition, movement, and targeted medical intervention when necessary.

What We Discuss:

(02:15) Why perimenopause is underserved in medicine
(06:40) The estrobolome and estrogen metabolism
(11:20) Pre, pro, and postbiotics explained
(18:05) 30 grams of fiber and morning protein
(24:30) Protein timing and insulin sensitivity
(30:10) Strength, sprints, and midlife training
(36:45) Cortisol, recovery, and overtraining
(42:20) Ferritin and vitamin D testing
(47:55) Early DEXA scans and body composition
(52:10) Clear indications for hormone therapy
(57:30) Women's heart disease differences
(01:02:15) Redefining midlife performance

Thank You to Our Sponsors:

Function Health: Learn more and join using my link. Visit www.functionhealth.com/drshah and use gift code DRSHAH25 for a $25 credit toward your membership.

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

Learn more about Dr. Shah:

Instagram:@darshanshahmd

Learn more about Dr. Amy Shah:

Website: https://amymdwellness.com/

IG: @dramyshah

TikTok: @dramyshah

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@dramyshah

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amyshahmd/

Podcast: https://amymdwellness.com/pages/podcast

140. Dr. Kelly Casperson: The Hormone Truth About Women's Longevity Feb 19, 2026

Show notes

Most women are taught that aging means decline, less energy, less strength, and less desire. What if the real problem has never been age itself, but untreated hormone loss and outdated medical narratives.

In this episode of Extend, we sit down with Dr. Kelly Casperson, urologist, hormone expert, and leading voice in women's sexual health, to uncover how hormones shape longevity, muscle, brain health, and quality of life across midlife and beyond. We break down why estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone matter far beyond symptom relief, how the WHI was misinterpreted, and why modern hormone therapy changes the trajectory of aging.

We also explore how mindset, muscle preservation, vaginal estrogen, blood flow, wearables, and responsive desire redefine what healthy aging and sexual health can look like for women in their 40s, 50s, and beyond.

Dr. Kelly Casperson is a board certified urologist, author of You Are Not Broken and The Menopause Moment, and host of the You Are Not Broken podcast. Through clinical care, education, and media, she helps women reclaim agency over their hormones, sexuality, and long term health with science driven, compassionate guidance.

What We Discuss:

(02:22) Why aging is driven by hormone and muscle loss, not age
(05:30) How mindset shapes longevity, vitality, and sexual health
(08:15) Why estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone affect the entire body
(12:40) The WHI study, fear based medicine, and what the data actually shows
(18:20) Muscle, hormones, and their role in bone, brain, and metabolic health
(23:40) Perimenopause, menopause, and why symptoms are often dismissed
(30:10) Vaginal estrogen, pelvic health, and preventing long term decline
(36:50) Wearables, biomarkers, and how data empowers better decisions
(42:30) Exercise, blood flow, and preserving sexual function with age
(48:15) Responsive desire, desire mismatch, and the orgasm gap
(55:40) Why sexual health is biopsychosocial, not just hormonal
(01:02:20) How education, communication, and prevention redefine women's longevity

Thank You to Our Sponsors:

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.

Nexthealth: 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:

Learn more about Dr. Kelly Casperson:

Website: https://kellycaspersonmd.com/

Podcast: https://kellycaspersonmd.com/you-are-not-broken-podcast/

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/youarentbroken/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@kellycaspersonmd

139. JJ Virgin: Muscle Over Weight Loss Feb 17, 2026

Show notes

Most people are told to lose weight to get healthy. What if that mindset is the reason metabolic health keeps getting worse, muscle keeps disappearing, and fat loss never lasts.

In this episode of Extend, we sit down with JJ Virgin, triple board certified nutrition expert and Fitness Hall of Famer, to unpack why muscle, not weight loss, is the true driver of metabolic health and longevity. We break down why calorie counting and macro percentages fail, how protein first nutrition reshapes metabolism, and why building muscle changes insulin sensitivity, fat loss, and aging at every stage of life.

We also explore how simple strength tests, time efficient training structures, and a muscle first framework can reverse metabolic decline, guide safe GLP-1 use, and help people stop dieting and start rebuilding their health.

JJ Virgin is a New York Times bestselling author, media personality, and founder of multiple multimillion dollar health brands, including the Mindshare Collaborative. As host of the Well Beyond 40 podcast and a leader in nutrition, fitness, and longevity, she has helped millions rethink aging, build resilient bodies, and optimize healthspan through science driven strategies.

What We Discuss:

(04:10) Why weight loss focused thinking worsens metabolic health
(09:05) The difference between losing weight and losing muscle
(14:00) Why the scale is the wrong metric for health
(18:45) Muscle mass, strength, and metabolic resilience
(23:10) Simple strength tests that predict longevity
(30:00) Time efficient training using push pull hinge frameworks
(36:40) Why steps and daily movement matter more than people think
(41:50) HIIT vs zone two and how to prioritize exercise
(47:10) Protein first nutrition and why macro percentages fail
(55:00) GLP-1s, muscle loss, and how to use them safely
(01:06:30) Hormones, thyroid health, and recognizing early warning signs
(01:14:20) Why improving metabolic health leads to sustainable fat loss

Thank You to Our Sponsors:

Function Health: Learn more and join using my link. Visit www.functionhealth.com/drshah and use gift code DRSHAH25 for a $25 credit toward your membership.

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

Learn more about Dr. Shah: