Doctor Reveals: The Dark Side of the Longevity Industry

Just back from the tour of the longevity world! In this episode, we discuss my recent travels to two major conferences: the high-end Longevity Investors Conference in Gstaad, Switzerland, and the academic GJAM Conference in Jena, Germany.We unpack the stark contrasts between these two worlds, from the venues and treatment of attendees to the fundamental divides in how people perceive and practice "longevity." I share my key takeaways on the growing chasm between real science and snake oil, the "apologist" perspective, and why I believe the term "Longevity Medicine" is already developing a bad reputation.We also cover:The ethical problem with using biological age clocks in clinical practice today.My experience going through the comprehensive health assessment at the Years Clinic in Berlin.Surprising VO2 Max results and a hilarious (and slightly alarming) story about getting a full-body MRI in Germany.The disconnect between academic geroscience and the biohacking community.My thoughts on the future of validated biomarkers.Timestamps:00:00:00 - Introduction & Travel Regrets00:02:11 - Rapid-Fire Health Check: Diet, Exercise, Sleep00:04:37 - Trip Overview: Longevity Investors Conference, Gstaad00:07:08 - The "Dark Side" of Longevity & Snake Oil00:09:08 - The Three Camps in Longevity00:13:39 - Upcoming Episodes: Jamie Justice & Brad Stanfield00:14:05 - The Problem with Biological Age Clocks00:17:55 - The Most Promising "Biological Age" Test (LINH2)00:19:26 - Key Takeaways from the Investors Conference00:20:53 - Longevity vs. Gym Bro Experimentation00:27:45 - Arrival at the Academic GJAM Conference, Jena00:31:07 - Stark Contrast: Academia vs. Investors00:33:15 - The Slow Pace of Academic Science00:34:03 - The Academic & Biohacker Disconnect00:36:23 - The "Longevity Celebrity" Phenomenon00:42:55 - Berlin & The Years Clinic00:44:54 - "Scientific Healthspan" vs. "Longevity Medicine"00:45:38 - The MRI Story in Berlin00:47:53 - VO2 Max & Health Data Results00:50:05 - Germany's Ban on Preventative DEXA Scans00:53:16 - Preview of Upcoming TravelDISCLAIMER: The information provided on the Optispan podcast is intended solely for general educational purposes and is not meant to be, nor should it be construed as, personalized medical advice. No doctor-patient relationship is established by your use of this channel. The information and materials presented are for informational purposes only and are not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We strongly advise that you consult with a licensed healthcare professional for all matters concerning your health, especially before undertaking any changes based on content provided by this channel. The hosts and guests on this channel are not liable for any direct, indirect, or other damages or adverse effects that may arise from the application of the information discussed. Medical knowledge is constantly evolving; therefore, the information provided should be verified against current medical standards and practices.More places to find us:Twitter: https://x.com/Optispan_IncTwitter: https://x.com/mkaeberlein Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/optispan/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/optispan_/  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@optispanhttps://www.optispan.life/

Alzheimer’s is often talked about but rarely understood in full. For decades, most research has focused on amyloid plaques, but what if that’s only part of the story? In this deep-dive, Dr. Cory, from the Institute for Systems Biology explains a new way of looking at Alzheimer’s: It is not simply a plaque problem, but as a breakdown in the brain’s “debris management” system, especially how it handles cholesterol. This perspective connects the dots between genes like ApoE4, the role of microglia, and everyday factors like sleep and stress. It also helps explain why current drugs give mixed results, and what might actually work in the future. Dr. Cory also shares practical insights on prevention and what a new era of treatment could look like .This video was produced by One Billion Media, an agency that specializes in YouTube virality for health brands and experts. Learn more about their work here: www.onebillionmedia.comIf you want to understand where the future of Alzheimer’s prevention and treatment is headed, watch this podcast now!

Ever wondered how simple, consistent practices can transform your health? In this episode, Kayla Barnes shares her personal journey from growing up on a standard diet to discovering the science-backed habits that help manage toxin exposure, support heart and brain health, and reduce stress.She talks about:• How her environment affected her toxin levels and what helped bring them down• The surprising benefits of sauna and why long-term practices matter• The early health choices that set her up for performance and longevityAnd much more!Timestamps:00:00:00 – Kayla’s Journey From Performance Geek to Longevity Clinician00:05:23 – Decoding Biomarkers & The Business of Longevity Medicine00:19:31 – Lifestyle is First: Sleep, Exercise & Real Food as Medicine00:31:41 – Beyond Basics: Detox, Saunas & Cutting-Edge Therapies00:37:18 – Deep Dive on Detox: Therapeutic Plasma Exchange (TPE)00:44:13 – Hyperbaric Oxygen & Red Light Therapy: Protocols and Benefits00:50:29 – A Critical Look at Biohacking: Over-Extension & Self-Experimentation00:53:17 – Women's Health & Longevity: Unique Challenges and Excitement00:53:17 – The Female Longevity Gap: Hormones, Ovaries & Research Blind Spots00:59:37 – Closing Thoughts & Key TakeawaysDISCLAIMER: The information provided on the Optispan podcast is intended solely for general educational purposes and is not meant to be, nor should it be construed as, personalized medical advice. No doctor-patient relationship is established by your use of this channel. The information and materials presented are for informational purposes only and are not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We strongly advise that you consult with a licensed healthcare professional for all matters concerning your health, especially before undertaking any changes based on content provided by this channel. The hosts and guests on this channel are not liable for any direct, indirect, or other damages or adverse effects that may arise from the application of the information discussed. Medical knowledge is constantly evolving; therefore, the information provided should be verified against current medical standards and practices.More places to find us:Twitter: https://x.com/Optispan_IncTwitter: https://x.com/mkaeberlein Linkedin:   / optispan  Instagram:   / optispan_   TikTok:   / optispan  https://www.optispan.life/

Subscribe to our channel: https://www.youtube.com/@optispanGet Our Newsletter (It's Free): https://www.optispan.life/Most people take supplements without ever checking if their body actually needs them. Is that smart… or just expensive guesswork?In this podcast, Dr. Matt Kaeberlein sits down with Ryan Ware to unpack the truth about supplements, the rise of AI in medicine, and how people are consuming health information today. From internet “gurus” to tools like ChatGPT, they explore where people are searching for health answers, and whether those answers are truly helping or quietly harming.Along the way, they share critical reflections on the wellness industry’s blind spots, the limitations of blood tests, and what smarter, evidence-based health decisions really look like.Join the conversation to find out what really matters for your health, and what’s just hype!This video was produced by One Billion Media, an agency that specializes in YouTube virality for health brands and experts. Learn more about their work here:*www.onebillionmedia.com**Chapters*00:00 – ChatGPT vs. social media for health advice07:15 – Bloodwork, Dexa scans & functional testing14:30 – Proactive vs. reactive medicine21:45 – The doctor’s role in the AI era29:00 – Life-changing diagnostics: MRI, Dexa & CGM36:15 – Single biomarkers, noise & unreliable tests43:30 – Heavy metals, toxins & data challenges50:45 – HIPAA, biomedicine & broken data rules58:00 – AI bias, clinician oversight & misinformation01:05:15 – Pill mills, GLP-1s & hormone clinics01:12:30 – Scaling preventive care with AI01:19:45 – Why testing before symptoms mattersDISCLAIMER: The information provided on the Optispan podcast is intended solely for general educational purposes and is not meant to be, nor should it be construed as, personalized medical advice. No doctor-patient relationship is established by your use of this channel. The information and materials presented are for informational purposes only and are not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We strongly advise that you consult with a licensed healthcare professional for all matters concerning your health, especially before undertaking any changes based on content provided by this channel. The hosts and guests on this channel are not liable for any direct, indirect, or other damages or adverse effects that may arise from the application of the information discussed. Medical knowledge is constantly evolving; therefore, the information provided should be verified against current medical standards and practices.More places to find us:Twitter: https://x.com/Optispan_IncTwitter: https://twitter.com/mkaeberleinLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/optispanInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/optispan_/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@optispanhttps://www.optispan.life/Hi, I'm Matt Kaeberlein. I spent the first few decades of my career doing scientific research into the biology of aging, trying to understand the finer details of how humans age in order to facilitate translational interventions that promote healthspan and improve quality of life. Now I want to take some of that knowledge out of the lab and into the hands of people who can really use it.On this podcast I talk about all things aging and healthspan, from supplements and nutrition to the latest discoveries in longevity research. My goal is to lift the veil on the geroscience and longevity world and help you apply what we know to your own personal health trajectory. I care about quality science and will always be honest about what I don't know. I hope you'll find these episodes helpful!

Subscribe to our channel: https://www.youtube.com/@optispanGet Our Newsletter (It's Free): https://www.optispan.life/Many people taking creatine get alarming results on standard kidney function tests, suggesting their kidneys are failing. This video explains why the popular supplement can create a false positive, debunks the myth of kidney damage, and reveals a more accurate blood marker you should know about.0:00 - The Creatine Dilemma1:00 - My Alarming Blood Test Results1:37 - Creatinine & EGFR: The Standard Test4:40 - The Better Marker: Cystatin C Explained6:32 - Proof: The Follow-Up Test7:35 - Who Else Is at Risk for a False Positive?8:42 - Conclusion: Should You Be Concerned?Production: Nicholas Arapis, https://videocastproductions.comDISCLAIMER: The information provided on the Optispan podcast is intended solely for general educational purposes and is not meant to be, nor should it be construed as, personalized medical advice. No doctor-patient relationship is established by your use of this channel. The information and materials presented are for informational purposes only and are not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We strongly advise that you consult with a licensed healthcare professional for all matters concerning your health, especially before undertaking any changes based on content provided by this channel. The hosts and guests on this channel are not liable for any direct, indirect, or other damages or adverse effects that may arise from the application of the information discussed. Medical knowledge is constantly evolving; therefore, the information provided should be verified against current medical standards and practices.More places to find us:Twitter: https://x.com/Optispan_IncTwitter: https://twitter.com/mkaeberleinLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/optispanInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/optispan_/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@optispanhttps://www.optispan.life/Hi, I'm Matt Kaeberlein. I spent the first few decades of my career doing scientific research into the biology of aging, trying to understand the finer details of how humans age in order to facilitate translational interventions that promote healthspan and improve quality of life. Now I want to take some of that knowledge out of the lab and into the hands of people who can really use it.On this podcast I talk about all things aging and healthspan, from supplements and nutrition to the latest discoveries in longevity research. My goal is to lift the veil on the geroscience and longevity world and help you apply what we know to your own personal health trajectory. I care about quality science and will always be honest about what I don't know. I hope you'll find these episodes helpful!

In this episode, Dr. Matt Kaeberlein sits down with Joel Jamieson to explore the science of heart rate variability and how it connects to longevity, recovery, and performance. Joel shares his journey from training elite fighters to becoming a global authority on HRV training, emphasizing that healthspan is built on consistency, balance, and resilience rather than endless high-intensity workouts. The discussion dives into why VO2 max is one of the strongest predictors of longevity, how the parasympathetic nervous system and vagus nerve health regulate stress and recovery, and why zone 2 cardio, metabolic flexibility, and steady improvements in cardiovascular health matter more than chasing short-term results. This conversation reframes strength vs endurance, highlights key anti-aging biomarkers, and shows how recovery science can transform both athletes and everyday people seeking lasting health.

Subscribe to our channel: https://www.youtube.com/@optispanGet Our Newsletter (It's Free): https://www.optispan.life/A new scientific paper reports that psilocybin, the compound in magic mushrooms, can extend lifespan in mice. A longevity scientist breaks down the data, exploring the study's strengths and weaknesses and discussing the potential biological mechanisms that could connect psychedelics to the aging process.0:00 - Why I'm Talking About Psilocybin3:08 - The Science of Psilocybin & Serotonin6:36 - Breaking Down The New Paper10:09 - The "Psilocybin Telomere Hypothesis"12:02 - The Cell Study: A Critical Look17:51 - The Lifespan Study in Mice (The Main Event)23:56 - How Could It Work? (Exploring the Mechanisms)30:55 - Final Thoughts & Future QuestionsProduction: Nicholas Arapis, https://videocastproductions.comDISCLAIMER: The information provided on the Optispan podcast is intended solely for general educational purposes and is not meant to be, nor should it be construed as, personalized medical advice. No doctor-patient relationship is established by your use of this channel. The information and materials presented are for informational purposes only and are not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We strongly advise that you consult with a licensed healthcare professional for all matters concerning your health, especially before undertaking any changes based on content provided by this channel. The hosts and guests on this channel are not liable for any direct, indirect, or other damages or adverse effects that may arise from the application of the information discussed. Medical knowledge is constantly evolving; therefore, the information provided should be verified against current medical standards and practices.More places to find us:Twitter: https://x.com/Optispan_IncTwitter: https://twitter.com/mkaeberleinLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/optispanInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/optispan_/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@optispanhttps://www.optispan.life/Hi, I'm Matt Kaeberlein. I spent the first few decades of my career doing scientific research into the biology of aging, trying to understand the finer details of how humans age in order to facilitate translational interventions that promote healthspan and improve quality of life. Now I want to take some of that knowledge out of the lab and into the hands of people who can really use it.On this podcast I talk about all things aging and healthspan, from supplements and nutrition to the latest discoveries in longevity research. My goal is to lift the veil on the geroscience and longevity world and help you apply what we know to your own personal health trajectory. I care about quality science and will always be honest about what I don't know. I hope you'll find these episodes helpful!

Subscribe to our channel: https://www.youtube.com/@optispanGet Our Newsletter (It's Free): https://www.optispan.life/Today Dr. Kevin White and Erik Nelson join us for a deep-dive conversation as they unveil a new, multi-faceted program designed to halt and even reverse cognitive decline. They break down the key diagnostics, lifestyle pillars, and advanced therapies that form the foundation of their science-backed blueprint for brain health.0:00 - The Mission: Why We're Tackling Dementia16:14 - The Diagnostic Blueprint: Blood, Brain Scans & Cognitive Tests40:44 - The Foundation: Lifestyle as Brain Armor49:28 - Level 1: The Core Supplements for Brain Health56:59 - Level 2: Game-Changing Medications (Rapamycin & More)1:12:47 - Level 3: The Experimental Frontier (TPE, Sauna & Peptides)1:23:24 - The Program Unveiled: Who It's For & How It WorksProduction: Nicholas Arapis, https://videocastproductions.comDISCLAIMER: The information provided on the Optispan podcast is intended solely for general educational purposes and is not meant to be, nor should it be construed as, personalized medical advice. No doctor-patient relationship is established by your use of this channel. The information and materials presented are for informational purposes only and are not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We strongly advise that you consult with a licensed healthcare professional for all matters concerning your health, especially before undertaking any changes based on content provided by this channel. The hosts and guests on this channel are not liable for any direct, indirect, or other damages or adverse effects that may arise from the application of the information discussed. Medical knowledge is constantly evolving; therefore, the information provided should be verified against current medical standards and practices.More places to find us:Twitter: https://x.com/Optispan_IncTwitter: https://twitter.com/mkaeberleinLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/optispanInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/optispan_/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@optispanhttps://www.optispan.life/Hi, I'm Matt Kaeberlein. I spent the first few decades of my career doing scientific research into the biology of aging, trying to understand the finer details of how humans age in order to facilitate translational interventions that promote healthspan and improve quality of life. Now I want to take some of that knowledge out of the lab and into the hands of people who can really use it.On this podcast I talk about all things aging and healthspan, from supplements and nutrition to the latest discoveries in longevity research. My goal is to lift the veil on the geroscience and longevity world and help you apply what we know to your own personal health trajectory. I care about quality science and will always be honest about what I don't know. I hope you'll find these episodes helpful!

Subscribe to our channel: https://www.youtube.com/@optispanGet Our Newsletter (It's Free): https://www.optispan.life/Longevity scientist Dr. Matt Kaeberlein systematically breaks down ten of the most persistent myths in the health and aging space. From the truth about biological age tests and resveratrol to the real role of genetics and supplements, this episode separates scientific fact from expensive fiction.0:00 - Intro: A New Series on Longevity Myths0:49 - Myth 1: Can You Actually "Measure" Biological Age?5:05 - Myth 2: Are Supplements a "Core" Longevity Strategy?6:29 - Myth 3 & 7: "I'm Too Old" & The Role of Your Genes8:16 - Myth 4 & 6: The FDA & The Truth About Research Funding10:49 - Myth 5: The Resveratrol Lie20:24 - Myth 8: The Caloric Restriction Misconception23:52 - Myth 9 & 10: The Reality of Rapamycin & PeptidesProduction: Nicholas Arapis, https://videocastproductions.comDISCLAIMER: The information provided on the Optispan podcast is intended solely for general educational purposes and is not meant to be, nor should it be construed as, personalized medical advice. No doctor-patient relationship is established by your use of this channel. The information and materials presented are for informational purposes only and are not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We strongly advise that you consult with a licensed healthcare professional for all matters concerning your health, especially before undertaking any changes based on content provided by this channel. The hosts and guests on this channel are not liable for any direct, indirect, or other damages or adverse effects that may arise from the application of the information discussed. Medical knowledge is constantly evolving; therefore, the information provided should be verified against current medical standards and practices.More places to find us:Twitter: https://x.com/Optispan_IncTwitter: https://twitter.com/mkaeberleinLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/optispanInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/optispan_/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@optispanhttps://www.optispan.life/Hi, I'm Matt Kaeberlein. I spent the first few decades of my career doing scientific research into the biology of aging, trying to understand the finer details of how humans age in order to facilitate translational interventions that promote healthspan and improve quality of life. Now I want to take some of that knowledge out of the lab and into the hands of people who can really use it.On this podcast I talk about all things aging and healthspan, from supplements and nutrition to the latest discoveries in longevity research. My goal is to lift the veil on the geroscience and longevity world and help you apply what we know to your own personal health trajectory. I care about quality science and will always be honest about what I don't know. I hope you'll find these episodes helpful!

Subscribe to our channel: https://www.youtube.com/@optispanGet Our Newsletter (It's Free): https://www.optispan.life/Meet the founders (Ivan Morgunov, Anna Vakhrusheva) of Unlimited Bio, a biotech company developing gene therapies in special economic zones, operating outside of traditional FDA regulation. This episode explores their model, the science behind their therapies targeting the extracellular matrix, and the future of accessible anti-aging treatments.0:00 - The Mission: Fighting Overregulation in Longevity9:31 - The Science: Why the Extracellular Matrix is Key30:16 - The Offshore Model: How It Works & The Controversies54:04 - Their First Therapy: VEGF Gene Therapy Explained55:51 - The Quality Debate: GMP vs. A New Approach1:24:16 - The Future Pipeline: Follistatin, Klotho & Combination Therapies1:48:27 - The Vision: A New Regulatory System for the USProduction: Nicholas Arapis, https://videocastproductions.comDISCLAIMER: The information provided on the Optispan podcast is intended solely for general educational purposes and is not meant to be, nor should it be construed as, personalized medical advice. No doctor-patient relationship is established by your use of this channel. The information and materials presented are for informational purposes only and are not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We strongly advise that you consult with a licensed healthcare professional for all matters concerning your health, especially before undertaking any changes based on content provided by this channel. The hosts and guests on this channel are not liable for any direct, indirect, or other damages or adverse effects that may arise from the application of the information discussed. Medical knowledge is constantly evolving; therefore, the information provided should be verified against current medical standards and practices.More places to find us:Twitter: https://twitter.com/optispanpodcastTwitter: https://twitter.com/optispanTwitter: https://twitter.com/mkaeberleinLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/optispanInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/optispanpodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@optispanhttps://www.optispan.life/Hi, I'm Matt Kaeberlein. I spent the first few decades of my career doing scientific research into the biology of aging, trying to understand the finer details of how humans age in order to facilitate translational interventions that promote healthspan and improve quality of life. Now I want to take some of that knowledge out of the lab and into the hands of people who can really use it.On this podcast I talk about all things aging and healthspan, from supplements and nutrition to the latest discoveries in longevity research. My goal is to lift the veil on the geroscience and longevity world and help you apply what we know to your own personal health trajectory. I care about quality science and will always be honest about what I don't know. I hope you'll find these episodes helpful!