The Peter Attia Drive

Latest Episodes:

#127 - AMA #3 with sleep expert, Matthew Walker, Ph.D.: Fasting, gut health, blue light, caffeine, REM sleep, and more Sep 07, 2020

Show notes

In this special episode, Matthew Walker returns for his third AMA episode to provide his expert insight into numerous sleep-related questions directly from listeners. He explains how he adjusted his hypotheses on topics like blue light and caffeine, and why he is more bullish on the importance of REM sleep. Matt also answers questions about sleep wearables, how fasting affects sleep, how sleep deprivation impacts gut health, and magnesium as a sleep aid. Finally, Matt reveals what he believes is the next evolution in sleep science and technology. If you're a subscriber, you can now listen to this full episode on your private RSS feed or on our website on the show notes page.

We discuss:

Matt's framework for changing his mind when faced with new information [1:30];
Blue light—How Matt shifted his thinking [5:45];
Caffeine—How Matt has adjusted his hypothesis [12:00];
REM sleep—Why Matt is more bullish on the importance of dream sleep [16:30];
How to increase REM sleep [27:30];
Sleep tracking wearables—criteria for evaluation, and why Matthew favors Oura [35:00];
Does the electromagnetic force of devices have any impact on sleep? [40:15];
The relationship between fasting and sleep [46:15];
Restless leg syndrome [58:10];
Magnesium supplementation as a sleep aid [1:03:00];
The relationship between sleep deprivation and gut health [1:08:30];
The next evolution in sleep science and technology [1:16:30];
Questions Matt would like to explore if money was no issue [1:24:15]; and
More.

Learn more: https://peterattiamd.com/ Show notes page for this episode: https://peterattiamd.com/matthewwalkerama3 Subscribe to receive exclusive subscriber-only content: https://peterattiamd.com/subscribe/ Sign up to receive Peter's email newsletter: https://peterattiamd.com/newsletter/ Connect with Peter on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram.

#126 – Matthew Walker, Ph.D.: Sleep and immune function, chronotypes, hygiene tips, and addressing questions about his book Aug 31, 2020

Show notes

In this episode, sleep expert Matthew Walker returns by popular demand to dive deeper into many sleep-related topics, starting with what we've learned about sleep through the lens of the COVID-19 pandemic and how sleep impacts the immune system. He then covers topics such as how dreaming affects emotional health, the different sleep chronotypes, the best sleep hygiene tips, and the pros and cons of napping. Matthew finishes by addressing several of the errors that readers have pointed out in his book, Why We Sleep.

We discuss:

Three ways the coronavirus pandemic impacts sleep [3:30];
The importance of dreaming for emotional health, and how the coronavirus pandemic increases dreaming [11:45];
The impact of alcohol consumption on sleep quality and stress levels [20:00];
Sleep's impact on the immune system and implications for a future COVID-19 vaccine [27:45];
What determines how much deep sleep and REM sleep you need? [36:30];
Pros and cons of napping, and insights from the sleep habits of hunter-gatherer tribes [42:15];
Sleep hygiene, wind-down routine, and tips for better sleep [56:45];
Understanding sleep chronotypes and how knowing yours can help you [1:06:00];
Night terrors in kids—what they are and why they happen [1:16:30];
Addressing errors found in Matt's book, Why We Sleep [1:20:45]; and
More.

Learn more: https://peterattiamd.com/ Show notes page for this episode: https://peterattiamd.com/matthewwalker4 Subscribe to receive exclusive subscriber-only content: https://peterattiamd.com/subscribe/ Sign up to receive Peter's email newsletter: https://peterattiamd.com/newsletter/ Connect with Peter on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram.

#125 - John Arnold: The most prolific philanthropist you may not have heard of Aug 24, 2020

Show notes

John Arnold is widely regarded as the greatest natural gas trader of all time, but in his late 30's he walked away from it all and turned full-time philanthropist. He and his wife have committed to strategically give away most of their vast fortune in their lifetime and are already doing so at a staggering pace of nearly a half billion dollars a year. In this episode, John explains his quest to address the most challenging social programs plaguing the country, including criminal justice, health care policy, and K-12 education. John also shares self-identified attributes that contributed to his success in natural gas trading and how those same traits have translated to his philanthropic aspirations.

We discuss:

John's background, upbringing, and early entrepreneurial tendencies [3:50];
John's time and rise at Enron [16:45];
Characteristics that made John an exceptional natural gas trader and how they translate to his philanthropic work [27:30];
The collapse of Enron [35:00];
The success of John's hedge fund, and his early interest in philanthropy [40:30];
The infamous 2006 trade that brought down Amaranth Advisors [55:45];
John's analytical prowess and emphasis on fundamentals [1:02:15];
The decision to become a full-time philanthropist and the founding of Arnold Ventures [1:09:00];
Education—John's quest to fundamentally change K-12 education [1:18:45];
Strategic philanthropy—preventing problems by attacking root causes and creating structural change [1:24:30];
The criminal justice system—structural changes needed to address mass incarceration, policing practices, and recidivism [1:31:45];
Re-imagining prisons to reduce recidivism [1:49:00];
US health care policy—John's focus on drug prices, and the severe consequences of not making system changes [1:56:15];
Climate change—the bipartisan role of John's foundation [2:13:45];
Advice for young adults interested in philanthropy [2:17:45]; and
More

Learn more: https://peterattiamd.com/ Show notes page for this episode: https://peterattiamd.com/JohnArnold Subscribe to receive exclusive subscriber-only content: https://peterattiamd.com/subscribe/ Sign up to receive Peter's email newsletter: https://peterattiamd.com/newsletter/ Connect with Peter on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram.

#124 - AMA #15: Real-world case studies—metabolic dysregulation, low testosterone, menopause, and more Aug 17, 2020

Show notes

As a follow up to AMA #14 where Peter explained his framework for analyzing labs, this "Ask Me Anything" (AMA) episode focuses on a number of real-world case studies exploring metabolic dysregulation, low testosterone, menopause, hypothyroidism, elevated uric acid, and more. From the examples discussed, you can follow along how our clinical team goes about interpreting diagnostic measures and applying relevant research findings. Once again, Bob Kaplan, Peter's head of research, will be asking the questions. If you're a subscriber, you can now listen to this full episode on your private RSS feed or on our website at the AMA #15 show notes page.

We discuss:

Should you stop taking supplements before getting a lab test? [2:45];
Family history—Questions to ask and what to look for [5:30];
The purpose of an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) [12:15];
Case study—Insufficient muscle mass for proper glucose disposal [17:15];
Why hemoglobin A1c is a relatively unhelpful metric [24:00];
Case study—Exceeding carbohydrate tolerance [26:30];
Case study—Metabolic dysfunction and a framework for metabolic health [33:30];
Peter's ideal tracking of metabolic health for all his patients [43:30];
Contrasting presentations of hypogonadism—Low free testosterone [45:00];
How sleep, exercise, and alcohol affect testosterone levels? [56:20];
Case study—Surprisingly fast onset of menopause [59:25];
Case study—Hypothyroidism and high cholesterol [1:07:00];
Case study—Elevated uric acid and hypertension [1:10:55]; and
More.

Learn more: https://peterattiamd.com/ Show notes page for this episode: https://peterattiamd.com/ama15 Subscribe to receive exclusive subscriber-only content: https://peterattiamd.com/subscribe/ Sign up to receive Peter's email newsletter: https://peterattiamd.com/newsletter/ Connect with Peter on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram.

#123 - Joan Mannick, M.D. & Nir Barzilai, M.D.: Rapamycin and metformin—longevity, immune enhancement, and COVID-19 Aug 10, 2020

Show notes

In this episode, Joan and Nir discuss their extensive research into rapamycin (including the category of analogs to rapamycin known as rapalogs) and metformin, respectively. Based on his work with metformin, Nir shares how he believes it could be a pro-longevity drug and the clinical trial he's leading to test this belief. Joan discusses her work with rapalogs, their ability to suppress the immune system as well as provide immune-enhancement, and the clinical trials she has led that inform her insights. We also talk about the potential beneficial roles of both metformin and rapamycin in reducing mortality from COVID-19, reducing the risk of neurodegenerative diseases, and delaying aging as well as its related diseases.

We discuss:

Joan's career, interest in aging, and work with rapamycin analogs [3:45];
When Nir became convinced metformin could be a pro-longevity agent [15:00];
How metformin and rapamycin impact the hallmarks of aging and extend lifespan [24:15];
Enhancing the immune system with rapalogs and metformin [34:15];
Potential of metformin and rapamycin in reducing mortality from COVID-19 [41:30];
Insights from Joan's studies investigating the immune-enhancing effects of rapalogs [59:30];
Vaccines and treatments strategies for COVID-19, and the likelihood of long-term immunity [1:08:15];
The potential role of rapalogs and metformin in neurodegenerative disease [1:14:30];
Nir's TAME trial—primary objectives and latest updates [1:18:00];
Potential synergistic effect when combining metformin with rapamycin [1:25:45];
Why Peter stopped taking metformin and started taking rapamycin [1:27:30];
Story from Nir's book that demonstrates the challenge of doing good scientific studies [1:37:30];
The biology of aging—epigenetic clocks, proteomics, and Nir's centenarian data [1:42:00];
Joan's dream experiment to test immune-enhancing effect of RTB101 [1:57:15];
Concluding thoughts on COVID-19 [1:59:45]; and
More.

Learn more: https://peterattiamd.com/ Show notes page for this episode: http://peterattiamd.com/joanmannick-nirbarzilai/ Subscribe to receive exclusive subscriber-only content: https://peterattiamd.com/subscribe/ Sign up to receive Peter's email newsletter: https://peterattiamd.com/newsletter/ Connect with Peter on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram.

#122 - Lori Gottlieb: Understanding pain, therapeutic breakthroughs, and keys to enduring emotional health Aug 03, 2020

Show notes

Lori Gottlieb is a psychotherapist and the bestselling author of Maybe You Should Talk to Someone. In this episode, Lori extracts important lessons from her experiences as both a therapist and a patient. The stories Lori shares has provided her the material for insights into living a more fulfilling life. In our conversation, Lori also dispels some misconceptions about therapy, explains the process of big therapeutic breakthroughs, and reveals the most important steps for enduring emotional health.

We discuss:

Lori's unique path to becoming a therapist [3:00];
Dissecting cadavers—a profound experience during med school [12:30];
The sunk cost fallacy—How Lori was able to walk away from med school [17:15];
Being aware of the gift of life, and other lessons from Lori's terminally ill patient [24:00];
How underlying pain can manifest in obnoxious behavior [32:45];
Counseling versus therapy [36:15];
The story of John—why men hide their feelings, breaking down his shield, and uncovering his pain [38:30];
"Breaking open"—A shocking revelation about John that tests Lori's resolve as a therapist [46:30];
Rewriting your story, the recovery process, and the most important step for lasting change [49:00];
The process of many big therapeutic breakthroughs [56:00];
The 2 types of suicidal thoughts, and the importance of talking about it [1:01:00];
The most common issues that bring patients to therapy with Lori [1:02:45];
Clinging to the familiar—why change is so hard [1:05:15];
A story of shame, lack of self-compassion, and self-sabotage [1:07:00];
The importance of managing mental health to reduce unnecessary suffering [1:15:45];
Dispelling the misconceptions about therapy [1:23:15]; and
More.

Learn more: https://peterattiamd.com/ Show notes page for this episode: https://peterattiamd.com/LoriGottlieb Subscribe to receive exclusive subscriber-only content: https://peterattiamd.com/subscribe/ Sign up to receive Peter's email newsletter: https://peterattiamd.com/newsletter/ Connect with Peter on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram.

#121 - Azra Raza, M.D.: Why we're losing the war on cancer Jul 27, 2020

Show notes

Azra Raza is a physician, scientist, author, and outspoken advocate for reconfiguring the current model of research in cancer. In this episode, Azra discusses the content of her book, The First Cell, which takes a critical look at the outdated models being used to study cancer resulting in a lack of progress in survival rates for cancer patients. Azra offers a solution which focuses on early detection and prevention, and she concludes with an optimistic outlook for the future of cancer research. We discuss:

Azra's upbringing, interest in oncology, and the basis for writing her book [3:30];
The lack of progress in cancer treatment over the decades [18:45];
What is holding the oncology field back? [33:15];
Do the purported advances in oncology reflect the billions of dollars spent on cancer research? [40:00];
Economics of new cancer drugs—how small increases in survival come with staggering financial burdens [47:00];
How good intentions can still lead to misaligned incentives and a broken system [1:03:00];
Why 95% of new cancer drugs fail—a critical review of the cancer research model [1:11:15];
Early detection and prevention—a potential solution to the cancer problem [1:22:30];
Coping with the loss of her husband to cancer [1:46:00];
Azra's optimistic view of the future [1:49:30]; and
More.

Learn more: https://peterattiamd.com/ Show notes page for this episode: https://peterattiamd.com/azraraza Subscribe to receive exclusive subscriber-only content: https://peterattiamd.com/subscribe/ Sign up to receive Peter's email newsletter: https://peterattiamd.com/newsletter/ Connect with Peter on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram.

#120 - AMA with Dom D'Agostino, Ph.D., Part II of II: Ketosis for cancer and chronic disease, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, and the effect of ketosis on female health Jul 20, 2020

Show notes

In part 2 of this special AMA episode, ketosis expert Dom D'Agostino once again joins Bob Kaplan, Peter's Head of Research, to discuss the impact of ketosis on various chronic diseases as well as the latest research on the metabolic management of cancer. Dom also discusses the numerous applications of hyperbaric oxygen therapy, provides insights into the application of ketosis on female health and performance, and much more. If you're not a subscriber and listening on a podcast player, you'll only be able to hear a preview of the AMA. If you're a subscriber, you can now listen to this full episode on your private RSS feed or on the website show notes page.

We discuss:

Update on Dom's Press-pulse therapeutic strategy for the metabolic management of cancer [2:05];
Potential role for vitamin C in cancer treatment [12:45];
Glutamine targeting in cancer therapy—evidence that the mitochondria in cancer are damaged? [17:45];
Can a ketogenic diet lessen the toxicity of cancer therapies? [24:45];
3BP—a promising agent in cancer therapy [26:45];
The relationship between cancer and ketogenic diets [29:30];
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT)—primer, protocols, and therapeutic uses [33:30];
Is there a potential role for HBOT in treating COVID-19 patients? [44:15];
Non-cancer applications of HBOT [47:30];
The inverse relationship between glucose and ketones [50:30];
Is a ketogenic diet appropriate for type 1 diabetics? [54:00];
How ketosis may reduce the risk for Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease [1:00:30];
Ketosis for females—considerations, fertility, performance, and the latest research [1:11:00];
Low-carb diets during pregnancy and postpartum [1:17:00];
A high-protein diet to counteract common hormonal issues associated with the ketogenic diet [1:21:15];
Nutritional tips for remaining metabolically flexible [1:22:45];
What is one belief Dom has changed his mind about? [1:26:45];
In utero experiments, and other interesting questions Dom wants to explore [1:29:45];
The anti-catabolic effect of ketones, cancer cachexia, and nutritional interventions for cancer patients [1:38:30];
What is the one interesting experiment Dom would do if money and time were not a barrier? [1:46:25]; and
More.

Learn more: https://peterattiamd.com/ Show notes page for this episode: https://peterattiamd.com/domdagostinoama02/ Subscribe to receive exclusive subscriber-only content: https://peterattiamd.com/subscribe/ Sign up to receive Peter's email newsletter: https://peterattiamd.com/newsletter/ Connect with Peter on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram.

#119 - Terry Real: Breaking the cycle of shame, anger, and depression Jul 13, 2020

Show notes

Terry Real, a renowned family therapist and best-selling author, helps people create the connections they desire in their relationships. In this episode, Terry describes how his upbringing with an abusive father forged his path to become a therapist, develop his Relational Life Therapy (RLT) framework, and write I Don't Want to Talk About It—a book that reveals the hidden legacy of male depression. Terry discusses the link between childhood trauma and the deep-rooted shame, anger, and depression, which can result in feeling disconnected. Using real-life examples, Terry explains how he implements RLT to confront trauma, discover its origin, and teach the skills to break the cycle of pain, in order to live a satisfying life.

We discuss:

Terry's upbringing with a depressed and abusive father [3:15];
The importance of the repair process, after relational disharmony, to break the trauma cycle [15:15];
The impact of a patriarchal society, and relational growth as the next step for feminism [19:00];
Origins of deep-rooted shame, and the difference between feeling ashamed and feeling guilty [27:15];
Preventing the propagation of trauma without over-coddling kids [35:30];
The one-up/one-down cycle from grandiosity to shame [37:30];
Covert depression—Steps to fixing the secret legacy of male depression [40:00];
Three forms of false self-esteem [50:00];
Narcissism—A misunderstood concept [51:45];
The interplay of shame, anger, and grandiosity, and how to break the cycle [54:15];
The Relational Life Therapy framework [1:06:30];
How the adaptive child becomes the maladaptive adult [1:15:30];
Speaking the language of social relationships [1:21:45];
When does it make sense for a couple to separate? [1:26:30];
Witness abuse—Consequences of screaming at your partner in the presence of children [1:28:15];
Cases of instantaneous change, and other behavioral changes that may take more time [1:30:45];
Reconciling with his father—Terry's final conversation with his dad [1:33:45]; and
More.

Learn more: https://peterattiamd.com/ Show notes page for this episode: https://peterattiamd.com/terryreal Subscribe to receive exclusive subscriber-only content: https://peterattiamd.com/subscribe/ Sign up to receive Peter's email newsletter: https://peterattiamd.com/newsletter/ Connect with Peter on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram.

#118 - Lloyd Klickstein, M.D., Ph.D.: Rapamycin, mTOR inhibition, and the biology of aging Jul 06, 2020

Show notes

Lloyd Klickstein is the Chief Science Officer at resTORbio, a biopharmaceutical company that develops medications to target the biology of aging. In this episode, Lloyd discusses his company's clinical application of rapamycin and its derivatives. He also elucidates details of his 2014 paper—a paper that greatly influenced Peter's perspective of rapamycin in the context of longevity. Peter and Lloyd go on to discuss the dose-dependent effect of rapamycin on immune function and compare rapamycin, fasting, and caloric restriction. We discuss:

His background and decision to leave academia for translational medicine [6:15];
Translational medicine—bridging the gap between basic science and clinical medicine [10:30];
What prompted Lloyd to focus on mTOR inhibition? [18:00];
Defining mTOR, TORC1, and TORC2, and the consequences of inhibiting them with rapamycin [21:30];
Dose-dependent impact of rapamycin on immune function, mTOR inhibition, and toxicity [42:15];
Lloyd's 2014 experiment—mTOR inhibition improves immune function in the elderly [53:00];
Insights into autophagy, antigen presentation, and the pleiotropic benefits of a rapalog, and how it compares to fasting [1:13:00];
Lloyd's 2018 experiment—TORC1 inhibition enhances immune function and reduces infections in the elderly [1:18:45];
Creation of resTORbio, subsequent studies, and takeaways about dosing, TORC2 inhibition, and tissue selectivity [1:29:00];
Comparing the longevity effect of rapamycin, fasting, and caloric restriction [1:40:00];
Excitement around RTB101—resTORbio's mTOR inhibiting molecule [1:47:00];
Identifying rapalogs selective for TORC1 [1:56:15];
Treating depression with ketamine, an activator of mTOR [2:00:00];
Epigenetic clocks, rapalogs, and metformin [2:03:30]; and
More.

Learn more: https://peterattiamd.com/ Show notes page for this episode: https://peterattiamd.com/LloydKlickstein Subscribe to receive exclusive subscriber-only content: https://peterattiamd.com/subscribe/ Sign up to receive Peter's email newsletter: https://peterattiamd.com/newsletter/ Connect with Peter on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram.

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