Longevity by Design

• Building a Blueprint for Longer Lives Through Public Policy

  In this episode of Longevity by Design, our host, Dr. Gil Blander, sits down with Dylan Livingston, CEO at the Alliance for Longevity Initiatives, and Dr. Brenda Eap to explore how public policy shapes the future of aging research. Dylan and Brendan share how their team pushes for legislation that supports healthy lifespan extension, aiming to bring longevity science into the center of national health priorities.Dylan and Brendan explain why policy advocacy is crucial for securing funding for research, reducing regulatory hurdles, and establishing a clear path for new therapies. They outline recent successes, including building bipartisan support in Congress and expanding access to experimental treatments in states such as Montana. Throughout their discussion, Dylan shows how effective communication,  using stories and simple analogies, helps move longevity from the lab to lawmakers’ agendas.The episode closes with practical advice for listeners. Dylan highlights the power of community, clear communication, and grassroots action as tools that help turn advanced science into real-world health gains.Episode highlights:[00:00:00]: Introduction[00:01:00]: Overview of Longevity Policy and Research Funding[00:02:00]: Backgrounds and Personal Journeys into Longevity Advocacy[00:05:00]: Inspiration and Founding of Longevity Policy Organization[00:07:00]: Scientific Training and Motivation for Policy Work[00:09:00]: Mission and Approach of Longevity Advocacy Organization[00:10:00]: Policy Advocacy’s Role in Advancing Longevity Research[00:12:00]: Gaps in Funding and the Importance of Government Engagement[00:13:00]: Experiences with Policy Events and Realizations about Advocacy[00:14:00]: Early Accomplishments and Congressional Engagement[00:15:00]: Building Bipartisan Support and the Longevity Science Caucus[00:16:00]: Legislative Engagement and Policy Paper Development[00:17:00]: State-Level Policy Wins and Expansion of Right to Try Laws[00:19:00]: Rationale and Strategy for State-Level Focus[00:21:00]: Plans for Geographic Expansion of Longevity Policy Initiatives[00:23:00]: Political Climate and Opportunities with the Current Administration[00:25:00]: Shifts in Federal Attitudes Toward Longevity and Healthspan[00:27:00]: Demographics, Policy Momentum, and National Health Priorities[00:29:00]: Prevention Versus Treatment: Shifting Policy Mindsets[00:32:00]: Communicating Policy Opportunities to a Wider Audience[00:34:00]: Ensuring Longevity Policy Remains Bipartisan[00:35:00]: Intersection of Policy, Science, and Public Engagement[00:37:00]: Funding and Regulatory Challenges in Longevity Research[00:39:00]: Barriers in Clinical Trials and Policy Modernization[00:40:00]: Strategies for Communicating Longevity Science to Policymakers[00:44:00]: Framing Longevity for Policy Impact and Public Understanding[00:48:00]: Future Vision and Milestones for Longevity Policy[00:51:00]: How Individuals and Organizations Can Support Longevity Advocacy[00:55:00]: Practical Longevity Advice and Episode ConclusionWe Appreciate You!As a token of our gratitude, we’re excited to offer you 15% off your next purchase. Simply click the link below to redeem your discount: https://info.insidetracker.com/podcastFor science-backed ways to live a healthier, longer life, download InsideTracker's Top 5 biomarkers for longevity eBook at insidetracker.com/podcast

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• Dr. Peter Fedichev: Why Aging Is Functional Decline, Not Just Disease

  Aging is more than disease—it’s the steady decline of function. In this episode of Longevity by Design, Dr. Gil Blander speaks with physicist-turned-biotech innovator Dr. Peter Fedichev about why resilience, not diseases, holds the key to longer lives.Peter explains how his background in theoretical physics shaped his approach to biology and aging. He outlines why startups, not large institutions, are now leading innovation in longevity science. Drawing from physics, he describes aging as a series of “jumps” between states, each leaving the body more fragile.The discussion moves from the limits of current drugs to the promise of new approaches. Peter argues that reducing fluctuations and increasing molecular fidelity could unlock far greater gains in healthspan and lifespan. Listeners gain a fresh lens on what drives aging, where the real breakthroughs may come from, and why the next frontier in longevity will require rethinking the problem altogether.  Guest-at-a-Glance💡 Name: Peter Fedichev💡 What they do: Founder & CEO💡 Company: Gero (biotech company using AI to study aging)💡 Noteworthy: Physicist turned biotech leader applying statistical physics to model biological age and resilience💡 Where to find them: LinkedIn Episode highlights:[00:00:00] Opening Thoughts on Venture Capital[00:00:58] Host Introduction and Show Welcome[00:01:25] Guest Background: From Physics to Biotech[00:02:42] Physics as a Tool for Biology[00:05:19] Why Switch From Physics to Biology[00:06:20] Discovering Aging Through Naked Mole Rats[00:09:27] Defining Professional Goal in Aging[00:10:15] Challenges in Crossing Disciplines[00:11:58] Startups Driving Scientific Innovation[00:14:09] Pharma, Biotech, and Market Dynamics[00:16:23] Aging as a System-Level Problem[00:18:56] Drugs With Modest Longevity Effects[00:20:14] Aging vs. Disease: Functional Decline[00:23:48] Squaring the Curve vs. True Aging[00:26:02] Sponsor Message: InsideTracker[00:26:56] Resilience in 90-Year-Olds[00:27:55] Measuring Health With Longitudinal Data[00:30:07] Aging as Jumps Between States[00:31:49] Declining Recovery Times With Age[00:33:33] Cancer Risk and Immune Decline[00:34:30] Rare Events Driving Aging Jumps[00:36:15] Mutations, Epimutations, and Reliability Theory[00:38:31] Perfect Storm Failures in Aging[00:40:26] Cancer, Diabetes, and System Crashes[00:42:09] Searching for a Master Switch[00:43:41] Reducing Physiological Noise to Slow Aging[00:45:54] Targeting Fluctuations as Drug Strategy[00:47:13] Stress, Hormesis, and Adaptation[00:49:27] Evolutionary Role of Stress Responses[00:50:58] Model Organisms: Mice vs. Dogs[00:53:41] Why Dogs Mirror Human Aging[00:55:42] Regulatory Edge: Aging Trials in Dogs[00:56:42] Next-Gen Drugs Beyond GLP-1[00:58:22] Epigenetic Rejuvenation vs. Noise Control[01:00:11] Key Targets: Chromatin Modifiers[01:01:10] Measuring Fluctuations With Biomarkers[01:02:58] Dogs as Proof-of-Concept Model[01:03:23] Defining Jumps Through Omics DataWe Appreciate You!As a token of our gratitude, we’re excited to offer you 15% off your next purchase. Simply click the link below to redeem your discount: https://info.insidetracker.com/podcastFor science-backed ways to live a healthier, longer life, download InsideTracker's Top 5 biomarkers for longevity eBook at insidetracker.com/podcast

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• Dr. Eric Verdin on the Effects of Therapeutic Plasma Exchange on Longevity

  In this episode of Longevity by Design, Dr. Gil Blander welcomes Dr. Eric Verdin, President and CEO of the Buck Institute for Research on Aging. Eric discusses the science behind therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) and its potential to slow biological aging in humans. The conversation explores findings from a recent clinical trial, including measurable age reversal using epigenetic clocks.Eric explains how removing and replacing plasma can dilute pro-aging factors in the blood, a concept inspired by earlier animal studies on parabiosis. He also describes why rigorous, placebo-controlled human trials are crucial for validating longevity interventions and distinguishing the field from hype-driven wellness trends.The episode also highlights how omics data, such as metabolomics and proteomics, are shaping a new era of precision aging research. Eric emphasizes the value of lifestyle interventions as a foundation and sees future opportunities in combining TPE with personalized strategies to extend healthspan.  Guest-at-a-Glance💡 Name: Dr. Eric Verdin💡 What they do: President and CEO💡 Company: Buck Institute for Research on Aging💡 Noteworthy: Physician-scientist pioneering human aging research through epigenetics, metabolism, and translational science.💡 Where to find him: LinkedIn Episode highlights:[00:00] Introduction to Longevity and Healthspan[01:07] Meet Dr. Eric Verde: A Pioneer in Aging Research[02:24] Exploring Therapeutic Plasma Exchange[03:08] The Science Behind Heterochronic Parabiosis[07:17] Clinical Trials and Methodologies[12:58] The Role of Omics in Precision Medicine[17:20] Epigenetic Clocks and Aging[22:04] Therapeutic Plasma Exchange: Results and Implications[26:22] Exploring Frequency and Efficacy of Treatments[28:23] Biomarkers and Predictive Models[31:33] Safety Profile and Side Effects[33:28] Intrinsic Capacity and Aging Metrics[36:58] Combining Treatments with Lifestyle Changes[44:26] Future Directions and Recommendations[49:08] Conclusion and Final ThoughtsWe Appreciate You!As a token of our gratitude, we’re excited to offer you 15% off your next purchase. Simply click the link below to redeem your discount: https://info.insidetracker.com/podcastFor science-backed ways to live a healthier, longer life, download InsideTracker's Top 5 biomarkers for longevity eBook at insidetracker.com/podcast

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• What Happens to Your Body When You Sit All Day, with Dr. Keith Diaz

  In this episode of Longevity by Design, Dr. Gil Blander sits down with Dr. Keith Diaz, Associate Professor of Behavioral Medicine at Columbia University Irving Medical Center, to unpack the hidden health risks of prolonged sitting.Keith explains why even daily exercise isn't enough to counteract the effects of sedentary behavior. Drawing on his lab's findings, he shares a simple but powerful prescription: five minutes of light walking every hour. That small change can lower blood pressure, improve mood, and reduce fatigue, without needing to break a sweat.The conversation also explores how modern work and home environments are built around sitting, and what it takes to build smarter habits. From treadmill desks to family walks, Keith offers practical strategies that make movement part of everyday life. Whether you're an employer, a clinician, or just desk-bound, this episode helps you rethink how you move through your day. Guest-at-a-Glance💡 Name: Dr. Keith Diaz💡 What they do: Associate Professor💡 Company: Columbia University Irving Medical Center💡 Noteworthy: Leading researcher on sedentary behavior, cardiovascular health, and wearable tech in clinical care.💡 Where to find them:LinkedIn Episode highlights:[00:00:00] Introduction: The Evolution of Television Viewing Habits[00:00:23] Welcome to Longevity By Design[00:00:33] Introducing Dr. Ki Diaz[00:02:14] The Impact of Sedentary Behavior[00:04:23] The Physiology of Sitting[00:09:59] Exercise vs. Sedentary Lifestyle[00:16:56] Movement Breaks: How Short is Beneficial?[00:27:45] The Role of Wearable Devices[00:31:51] Integrating Movement into Daily Routines[00:33:34] Behavioral Changes and Personal Strategies[00:34:55] The Benefits of Movement Breaks at Work[00:37:26] Wearables and Their Impact on Health[00:40:16] Clinicians' Role in Promoting Movement[00:43:09] Tailoring Movement to Individual Lifestyles[00:47:28] Incentives for Employers and Insurers[00:52:46] Personal Movement Hacks and Daily Routines[00:58:16] Future Research and Final ThoughtsWe Appreciate You!As a token of our gratitude, we’re excited to offer you 15% off your next purchase. Simply click the link below to redeem your discount: https://info.insidetracker.com/podcastFor science-backed ways to live a healthier, longer life, download InsideTracker's Top 5 biomarkers for longevity eBook at insidetracker.com/podcast

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• Acetylation Insights: Unlocking Longevity Secrets with Dr. Haim Cohen

  In this episode, Dr. Gil Blander welcomes Dr. Haim Cohen to Longevity by Design to explore his revolutionary approach to understanding aging. Haim's team analyzed acetylation sites across 107 mammalian species, creating its most extensive comparative study. This computational approach revealed specific post-translational modifications that evolved exclusively in long-lived animals.The research identifies critical pathways where evolution engineered longevity solutions. These acetylation changes affect DNA repair, cell cycle regulation, and mitochondrial function. Unlike traditional aging research focusing on single pathways like mTOR or caloric restriction, Haim's unbiased screening simultaneously reveals multiple longevity targets. Evolution provided a natural laboratory for testing anti-aging modifications over millions of years.The findings offer exciting therapeutic possibilities for human longevity. Haim's team is now creating transgenic mice to test whether mimicking these evolutionary changes can extend lifespan in the lab. This research suggests humans could potentially "accelerate evolution" by implementing modifications that nature has already proven effective in whales, elephants, and other long-lived species. Guest-at-a-Glance💡 Name: Dr. Haim Cohen 💡 What they do: Professor of Molecular Genetics focused on the biology of aging 💡 Institution(s): Bar-Ilan University (Israel); Founder & Director, Minerva Israel-Germany Center forBiological Mechanisms of Aging; Founder & Director, Sagol Center for Human Health and Longevity 💡 Noteworthy: Global leader in aging research; author of 75+ peer-reviewed papers, including work showing SIRT6 over-expression can extend mouse lifespan by ~30 percent 💡 Where to find them: Bar-Ilan University faculty page   Episode highlights:[00:00:00] Introduction[00:01:00] Dr. Haim Cohen background and SIRT6 research update[00:05:50] Gender-specific effects in aging research[00:07:40] Introduction to the groundbreaking Nature paper on acetylation[00:08:30] What is acetylation and why study it[00:11:40] Study design across 107 mammalian species[00:15:00] Using evolution as a research laboratory[00:19:00] Key findings and statistical approach[00:28:00] Validating specific proteins - CBS and hydrogen sulfide[00:31:30] Mitochondrial acetylation and metabolism[00:34:10] DNA repair pathways and the Peto Paradox[00:35:00] Cancer prevention mechanisms in large animals[00:38:30] P53 tumor suppressor conservation[00:40:50] Cat family longevity anomaly[00:42:10] Therapeutic implications and drug development[00:45:00] Targeting proteins versus modifications[00:47:40] Study limitations and future validation[00:49:20] Comparing effects to existing longevity interventions[00:51:00] Implications for human longevity[00:55:00] Dr. Cohen's top tip for longevityWe Appreciate You!As a token of our gratitude, we’re excited to offer you 15% off your next purchase. Simply click the link below to redeem your discount: https://info.insidetracker.com/podcastFor science-backed ways to live a healthier, longer life, download InsideTracker's Top 5 biomarkers for longevity eBook at insidetracker.com/podcast

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