The Alcor Podcast

In this episode, Daniel Walters sits down with Dr. Cristina LePort, a cardiologist with 45 years in medicine, co-founder of the biotech company Genescient, and author of the new medical and political thriller Defrosted. This past June, AARP ran her essay “I’m a Cardiologist and I Plan to Be Cryogenically Frozen,” putting cryonics in front of one of the largest readerships in America. Cristina talks about arriving in New York with almost no English, switching specialties in her late 40s, the fruit flies in her garage that live six times longer than normal, and why after decades of keeping patients alive, she decided cryonics was the only rational response to death.Additional Highlights:The aging conference where she first heard Alcor presentGenescient’s long-lived fruit flies and why aging is a “soft sweep” of thousands of genesStaying healthy while signed up for cryonicsLanding a pro-cryonics essay in AARP and what it took to get thereFrom hated school essays to David Baldacci blurbsThe cancer diagnosis that cemented her decisionThe story behind Defrosted and the world its hero wakes up inAyn Rand, Objectivism, and why cryonicists lean toward reason over faithThe reasons for dystopian narratives in science fictionWhy a world that can revive you is more likely free than dystopianDefrosted is available on Amazon in hardcover, Kindle and audiobook. If you enjoy it, please leave a review on Amazon or Goodreads. You can find more about Cristina and her other books at cristinaleport.com. Stay Connected:Subscribe to the Alcor NewsletterFollow Alcor on our social mediaLearn more about Alcor on our website

In this episode, Daniel Walters sits down with Dr. Greg Fahy, past president of the Society for Cryobiology and one of the most respected figures in the field, to discuss landmark new research on brain preservation.The paper, Ultrastructural and Histological Cryopreservation of Mammalian Brains by Vitrification, provides some of the first direct evidence that mammalian brains can be vitrified with preservation of their ultrastructure. It's the result of decades of work, an extraordinary collaboration with Alcor, and the final wish of a scientist who chose to make his own brain part of the study.In this conversation:How Dr. Fahy came to cryobiology and his path through organ preservation researchThe science behind vitrification and what makes M22 a sixth-generation cryoprotectantWhy Stephen Coles, a leading biogerontologist, wanted his brain to be part of the studyA daring experiment that could have produced some very unfavorable resultsWhat the research revealed about ultrastructure, shrinkage, and cracking during cryopreservationWhat this means for the cryopreservation vs chemo-fixation debateA look at what's next, including additional human cases, blood-brain barrier research, and an open question Dr. Fahy and his team are exploring. Join us for this in-depth discussion of this landmark research. Click here to view the full paper. Stay Connected:Subscribe to the Alcor NewsletterFollow Alcor on our social mediaLearn more about Alcor on our website

This is Part 2 of our DART series with Alcor's Medical Response Director, Shelby Calkins. If you haven't listened to Part 1, you should --> listen to it here <--  before continuing.Episode Overview In this essential continuation of our DART series, Alcor's Medical Response Director Shelby Calkins dives deep into the operational realities of the Deployment and Recovery Team. This second part explores how DART executes their critical no-fail mission, from team composition and strategic positioning to equipment deployment and regulatory navigation. Discover the dramatic growth in case volume, the meticulous planning behind each deployment, and the vital role members play in ensuring optimal cryopreservation outcomes.Key Topics DiscussedDART's successful transition from contractor model to in-house operationsStrategic team positioning and recruitment prioritiesDramatic increase in case volume from 5-7 to 23-24 annual casesComprehensive equipment deployment Emergency notification protocols and member communication best practicesRegulatory challenges and compliance across different statesPost-case debrief processes for continuous improvementEssential member preparedness recommendations and health monitoring Stay Connected:Subscribe to the Alcor NewsletterFollow Alcor on our social mediaLearn more about Alcor on our website

Episode OverviewIn this very important episode, Alcor pulls back the curtain on one of its most critical operations: the Deployment and Recovery Team (DART). Join medical response director Shelby Calkins as she provides an in-depth look at the DART team's crucial work. This is the first part of a two-part series that offers unprecedented insight into the inner workings of Alcor's medical response team, providing a comprehensive understanding of the complex and critical role the DART team plays in Alcor's mission.Key Topics DiscussedThe history of Standby Stabilization and Transport (SST)Creation and evolution of Alcor's DART modelAlcor's strategic shift towards in-house SST operationsInsights into team recruitment and trainingAddressing common misconceptions about the DART teamAlcor Members: Don't forget to take our member readiness survey by clicking here. Stay Connected:Subscribe to the Alcor NewsletterFollow Alcor on our social mediaLearn more about Alcor on our website

In this episode of The Alcor Podcast, we take a look at how the newly formed Alcor Canada is making cryonics more accessible. Their donor-supported model isn’t just for Canada—it’s an approach that could work anywhere, bringing cryonics resources closer to those who want them. No matter where you are, this episode offers valuable insights into setting up local cryonics resources - worth your time!Highlights:The Birth of Alcor Canada – Why the need for a dedicated Canadian entity became clear and how it took shape.How the Canadian DART Team Works – A deep dive into how the team is structured, how they respond to cases, and why their model can be replicated anywhere.Training for Cryonics Deployments – The essential skills and specialized knowledge that make DART teams effectiveFunding Local Expansion – How donor-supported initiatives are creating local cryonics resources and what it takes to bring a team to your doorstep.Whats Next - The future ambitions for Alcor Canada  Stay Connected:Subscribe to the Alcor NewsletterFollow Alcor on our social mediaLearn more about Alcor on our website

In this episode of The Alcor Podcast, I sit down with Alcor's new International Development Coordinator, Jeremy Wiggins, and Alcor CEO, James Arrowood, to discuss the recently announced Alcor Europe. Click Here to Help us Bring Alcor to Europe with our directed donation fund!Episode Highlights:Why Alcor is expanding into EuropeLessons from Alcor Canada’s successDemand from European membersBenefits of dual locationsRecruitment and training challengesWhy Sweden is the top choiceFinancial needs and funding goalsTimeline tied to fundraising speedHow to support making Alcor Europe a reality Stay Connected:Subscribe to the Alcor NewsletterFollow Alcor on our social mediaLearn more about Alcor on our website

In this inaugural episode of The Alcor Podcast, I sit down with Alcor CEO James Arrowood to discuss the organization's largest expansion in its history. From a growing research team to international development, we explore the significant changes happening at Alcor and what they mean for the future of the organization.Episode Highlights:The story behind Alcor's largest team expansion, bringing on eight new team membersIntroduction of new research initiatives Improvements in emergency response capabilities and record-breaking response timesDetails about Alcor's international expansion into Canada and future European plansDiscussion of new member services and communication initiativesInside look at how Alcor is funding and managing this growth Stay Connected:Subscribe to the Alcor NewsletterFollow Alcor on our social mediaLearn more about Alcor on our website