Extend Podcast with Darshan Shah, MD

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137. Ariana Thacker: Mold Toxicity, Treatment Protocols + Genetic Susceptibility Feb 10, 2026

Show notes

Most people assume mold exposure causes allergies or respiratory issues. What if it is actually driving chronic inflammation, hormone disruption, and neurological symptoms that standard labs fail to detect.

In this episode of Extend, we sit down with Ariana Thacker, founder and CEO of Moldco, to uncover how mold toxicity operates as a systemic, cellular-level illness and why so many patients are misdiagnosed or dismissed. We break down how mold impacts mitochondrial energy, immune signaling, gut health, and hormones, and why genetics determine who gets sick even within the same household.

We also explore the real diagnostic pathway for mold related illness, from symptom cluster questionnaires and targeted biomarkers to home dust testing, and why healing only works when medical treatment and environmental remediation happen together.

Ariana Thacker is a chemical engineer turned health entrepreneur who built Moldco after toxic mold exposure nearly destroyed her own health, creating an accessible care model that combines testing, telemedicine, and treatment to address one of medicine's biggest blind spots.

What We Discuss:

(03:46) Mold toxicity as a systemic, whole-body illness

(07:03) Ariana's health crisis and discovering mold at home

(11:40) Toxins, colonization, and chronic inflammation

(16:02) Genetic susceptibility and the canary effect

(19:22) Why standard medical testing fails mold patients

(22:04) Symptom clusters, CIRS, and diagnostic pathways

(26:41) Home dust testing and identifying exposure

(32:14) Treatment protocols and telemedicine care

(36:58) Addressing mold, Lyme, and long COVID

(42:39) Recovery timelines and rebuilding health

(47:34) Patient advocacy and ending medical gaslighting

Thank You to Our Sponsors:

MoldCo: Home Test and Starter Panel: Use code NEXTHEALTH20 for 20% off any lab order at https://access.moldco.com/labs .

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136. Dr. Goodenowe: Plasmalogens and the Hidden Science of Longevity Feb 05, 2026

Show notes

Most people think brain aging is inevitable. What if the real future of longevity is protecting cellular health long before symptoms appear.

In this episode of Extend, we sit down with Dr. Dayan Goodenowe, neuroscientist and biochemist, to explore the hidden role of plasmalogens in brain health, aging, and all-cause mortality. Dr. Goodenowe shares how his work in advanced metabolomics revealed that declining plasmalogen levels can predict dementia, cancer recurrence, and shortened lifespan years before disease is diagnosed, reframing aging as a loss of health rather than a disease itself.

We explore how restoring cellular membrane integrity can reduce neuroinflammation, rebuild brain structure, and improve resilience, along with how advanced MRI and lipid-based blood testing now make it possible to measure, track, and optimize brain health in a proactive way.

What We Discuss:

(01:39) What plasmalogens are and why cell membranes matter

(11:23) Predicting dementia and mortality years in advance

(14:52) Why aging is about losing health, not getting disease

(16:03) The concept of prodromes and early loss of resilience

(19:13) Plasmalogens, cancer recurrence, and systemic aging

(27:35) Advanced MRI, brain inflammation, and cortical thickness

(36:40) Muscle, mobility, and restoring functional resilience

(40:14) The three M's of longevity: mental acuity, mobility, mood

(53:42) Measuring true brain health beyond standard biomarkers

(59:05) Designing a life focused on function, purpose, and vitality

Thank You to Our Sponsors:

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Learn more about Dr. Shah:

Learn more about Dr. Goodenowe:

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

Website: https://drgoodenowe.com/

Website: https://prodrome.com/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dayangoodenowe/

Keywords:

Longevity Medicine, Plasmalogens, Brain Health, Cellular Membrane Health, Preventive Care, Health Optimization, Aging Mechanisms, Neuroinflammation, Biomarkers, Advanced MRI, Metabolomics, Personalized Medicine, Proactive Health Monitoring, Functional Longevity, Human Potential Optimization, Extend Podcast, Episode 137, Dr. Dayan Goodenowe

135. Sarah Ann Macklin: Self-Compassion and Sustainable Behavior Change Feb 03, 2026

Show notes

Most people know what they should do to be healthy, yet still struggle to follow through. What if the real barrier is not discipline or knowledge, but mindset.

In this episode of Extend, we sit down with Sarah Ann Macklin, a nutritionist and health educator who blends nutrition science with psychology and self-compassion. Sarah shares her journey from high fashion modeling to nutritional science, and how burnout, illness, and neurodiversity shaped her approach to sustainable health.

We explore why health changes often fail when driven by restriction and scarcity, how self-compassion creates lasting behavior change, and why ultra-processed foods, stress, and comparison culture sabotage both physical and mental health. Sarah also breaks down practical tools to reconnect with hunger cues, build healthier habits, and shift from self-criticism to an abundance mindset so health no longer feels hard, rigid, or overwhelming.

What We Discuss:

(00:00) Why people struggle to get healthy despite good advice
(02:30) Self-compassion as the foundation of sustainable health
(07:30) From high fashion modeling to nutrition and a major health wake-up call
(14:30) Dyslexia, neurodivergence, and the first moment of self-compassion
(18:30) Food and mental health, the SMILES trial, and omega-3 research
(26:30) Body image, thinness myths, and the reality of the modeling industry
(31:30) Social media, comparison culture, and rising body dysmorphia
(38:30) The neuroscience of self-compassion and why positivity alone fails
(43:30) Optimizers vs lapses and the shared feeling of not being enough
(49:30) Clinical tools, mindful food journaling, and emotional awareness
(54:30) Crash dieting, quick fixes, and why habits matter more than diets
(01:00:00) Stress, mindset, and how rigid health plans backfire
(01:03:30) Practical self-compassion tools and book announcement

Thank You to Our Sponsors:

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134. Dr. Jessica Shepherd: Stop the Decline: Perimenopause Strategies Jan 29, 2026

Show notes

Most people assume losing strength, energy, and bone health is inevitable as we age. But what if maintaining muscle, optimizing hormones, and protecting bone density were about targeting the right systems early rather than treating symptoms later?

In this episode of Extend, we sit down with Dr. Jessica Shepherd, a board-certified OB/GYN and expert in midlife health and longevity. With years of experience merging clinical medicine with functional approaches, Dr. Shepherd shares how resistance training, hormone therapy, nutrition, and modern therapies like GLP-1 medications can work together to help women thrive through midlife and beyond.

We talk about why muscle is the "organ of longevity," how bone quality and hormonal balance impact strength and metabolism, and why small, consistent lifestyle changes such as squats, grip exercises, and functional movement can have massive long-term effects. Dr. Shepherd also explores strategies to boost energy, preserve functionality, and support overall health so you can age stronger, healthier, and more resilient.

What We Discuss:

(04:00) Why many physicians leave traditional medicine for longevity-focused care
(07:50) Menopause, the WHI study, and how hormone therapy was misunderstood for decades
(11:45) Perimenopause explained: early symptoms like brain fog, sleep disruption, and emotional changes
(18:45) When women should start thinking about perimenopause and why conversations should begin in the late 30s
(23:30) Patient autonomy: ruling out thyroid, mental health, stress, and nutrition before starting hormones
(27:40) Hormones as optimization fuel for brain, bone, muscle, and metabolic health
(30:15) Why muscle is the organ of longevity and how resistance training protects metabolism and strength
(33:00) Bone health beyond density: early DEXA scans, bone quality, and osteoporosis prevention
(36:30) Functional longevity tests: sit-to-stand, grip strength, farmer's carry, and real-world strength
(39:50) Motivation and quick wins: how HRT and GLP-1 therapies can accelerate lifestyle change
(41:15) The synergy between hormone therapy and GLP-1 medications in perimenopause
(44:40) The future of hormone therapy: individualized delivery and integrated longevity care models
(46:45) Creating a well space for proactive health instead of reactive disease treatment

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.

Learn more about Dr. Shah:

Instagram:@darshanshahmd

Learn more about Dr. Jessica Shepherd:

Instagram: jessicashepherdmd

Website: https://www.jessicashepherdmd.com/

Linkedin: Jessica Shepherd, MD, MBA, FACOG

133. Dr. Abid Husain: The Hidden Drivers of Heart Disease Jan 27, 2026

Show notes

Most people focus on cholesterol and plaque when thinking about heart health. The truth is, there are hidden drivers that can silently damage your arteries and increase cardiovascular risk.

In this episode of Extend, we sit down with Dr. Abid Husain, cardiologist and expert in cardiometabolic health, to unpack how microvascular dysfunction, glycocalyx degradation, metabolic disease, and mental stress contribute to heart disease beyond traditional risk factors. We break down the role of nitric oxide, small dense LDL, clotting mechanisms, and the often overlooked impact of stress on cardiovascular health.

We also explore how lifestyle interventions, targeted supplements like nattokinase and chondroitin sulfate, and metabolic management with GLP-1 therapies can strengthen vascular health and reduce hidden cardiovascular risk.

Dr. Abid Husain is a cardiologist specializing in cardiometabolic medicine, who combines cutting-edge research with practical strategies to help patients optimize heart health, manage metabolic risk, and prevent cardiovascular disease.

What We Discuss:

(00:37) The glycocalyx: why it matters for cardiovascular health and how it protects arteries (08:50) Lifestyle strategies to strengthen the glycocalyx, including exercise and metabolic health (14:30) Supplements that support vascular integrity: nattokinase, lumbrokinase, chondroitin sulfate, and hyaluronic acid (22:10) Testing glycocalyx health: syndecan serum test and ultrasound visualization (28:45) Thrombotic risk assessment, aspirin considerations, and personalized cardiovascular strategies (36:20) Metabolic disease as a root cause of heart disease and the role of GLP-1 therapies (44:00) Hidden liver dysfunction and early detection with fibroscan and imaging (50:10) Mental health and cardiovascular risk: stress, sympathetic overdrive, and cortisol balance (55:30) Daily practices to support heart and overall health: breathing, reflection, exercise, and sleep

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

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Instagram: dr_abidhusain

Website: https://boulderlongevity.com/

You Tube: @DoctorAbidHusain

132. Nathalie Niddam: Reverse Aging Signals with Bioregulators and Peptides Jan 22, 2026

Show notes

Most people assume fatigue, low energy, and age-related decline are unavoidable. What if supporting your body, optimizing recovery, and enhancing longevity were about activating the right systems, rather than chasing symptoms?

In this episode of Extend, we sit down with Nathalie Niddam, holistic nutritionist, longevity educator, and host of the Longevity Podcast with Nathalie Niddam, to unpack how bioregulators, mitochondrial peptides, and targeted nutritional strategies can support cellular health, improve energy, and enhance resilience over time.

We also explore how bioregulators influence DNA expression, how mitochondrial peptides restore cellular function, and how small, consistent interventions in nutrition and lifestyle can amplify overall vitality and longevity.

Nathalie Niddam is a longevity educator and holistic nutritionist who hosts the Longevity Podcast, where she shares science-backed strategies, biohacking insights, and practical tools for optimizing health, energy, and long-term performance.

What We Discuss:

(00:00) Why Aging Isn't Inevitable and How Bioregulators Work

(06:12) The Russian Origins of Bioregulator Research and Key Studies

(13:45) How Bioregulators Support Organ Function and Longevity

(21:30) Integrating Bioregulators with Peptides for Maximum Benefit

(29:10) Mitochondrial Health: SS31, MOTS-C, Humanin, and Phospholipids

(36:55) Testing and Optimizing Fatty Acids and Deuterium for Cellular Energy

(44:40) Practical Protocols: Stacking Bioregulators for Liver, Cardiovascular, and Metabolic Support

(51:25) The Role of Lifestyle, Stress, and Nervous System in Aging Reversal

Thank You to Our Sponsors:

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Learn more about Dr. Shah:

Instagram:@darshanshahmd

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Linkedin: Nathalie Niddam

131. Dr. Elizabeth Yurth: The Science of Ketones, Hormones, and Faster Recovery Jan 20, 2026

Show notes

Most people assume joint pain, fatigue, and limited mobility are inevitable with age. But what if protecting your joints, optimizing recovery, and maintaining energy were about targeting the right systems early, rather than treating symptoms later?

In this episode of Extend, we sit down with Dr. Elizabeth Yurth, co-founder and chief medical officer of the Boulder Longevity Institute and a Stanford-trained sports and spine physician. With over 30 years of experience merging orthopedic expertise with longevity science, Dr. Yurth brings a unique perspective on preventing joint degeneration, accelerating healing, and supporting long-term metabolic and musculoskeletal health.

We talk about why most arthritis isn't caused by overuse, how the MEAT protocol replaces traditional approaches to injury, and why peptides, ketones, and regenerative therapies can dramatically improve recovery and joint function. We also explore strategies to protect joints before pain begins, maintain mobility over decades, and optimize overall energy and performance.

What We Discuss:

(00:00) Why Joint Pain, Fatigue, and Brain Fog Are Not Inevitable

(05:38) How Ketones Optimize Mitochondrial Function and Energy Production

(12:05) Hormone Balance for Joint, Bone, and Muscle Health

(19:42) Reducing Inflammation and Activating Stem Cells Naturally

(26:18) How Pentosan Polysulfate Can Regenerate Cartilage and Protect Joints

(33:50) Blood Flow Restriction, Red Light Therapy, and Recovery Tools

(40:27) Practical Strategies for Metabolic Flexibility and Long-Term Healing

(48:15) Common Mistakes in Hormone Replacement and Nutritional Optimization

Thank You to Our Sponsors:

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Learn more about Dr. Shah:

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@boulderlongevity

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130. Smarter Drinking: Cut Alcohol Without Sacrifice Jan 15, 2026

Show notes

How much control do you really have over your alcohol consumption and its effects on your health? Many people assume drinking is just part of social life, but science shows there are practical steps to reduce intake while still enjoying your routine.

In this solo episode of Extend, Dr. Darshan Shah, longevity expert and founder of Next Health, breaks down why smarter drinking is a key strategy for improving sleep, metabolism, and long-term wellbeing. He explains how alcohol impacts the body, from disrupting sleep and recovery to impairing executive function, metabolism, and reward pathways. Timing, pace, and intentional strategies are critical, and even small, consistent adjustments can create significant benefits over time.

Dr. Shah shares actionable, science-backed strategies that can be implemented without disrupting your lifestyle. These include stopping drinking hours before bed, slowing your pace, pre-deciding limits, using behavioral substitutions, pairing alcohol with meals, avoiding sugary mixers, tracking intake, and leveraging medical tools like naltrexone or GLP-1 receptor agonists when appropriate. Small, consistent changes over weeks and months can have a major impact on overall health and recovery.

What We Discuss:

(00:00) Introduction: Why Smarter Drinking Matters for Health and Recovery

(02:15) How Alcohol Impacts Sleep, Metabolism, and Reward Pathways

(06:40) Timing and Pace: Stop Drinking Before Bed and Space Drinks Strategically

(11:05) Pre-Deciding Limits and Using Behavioral Substitutions for Social Situations

(15:30) Pairing Alcohol with Meals and Avoiding Sugary Mixers

(20:12) Tracking Intake and Using Data to Make Sustainable Changes

(24:45) Medical Tools: Naltrexone and GLP-1 Receptor Agonists for Support

(29:30) Putting It All Together: Practical Strategies for Cutting Back Safely

(33:55) Long-Term Benefits: Improved Recovery, Energy, and Overall Health

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.

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