Dr. Mike Studer: The Health Rule You’re Getting Wrong
Physical therapist and endurance athlete Dr. Mike Studer joins us this week to break the myth of a one-size-fits-all approach to health. He shares why personalization—based on genetics, performance metrics, and lifestyle—is critical to long-term success in fitness, nutrition, and mental wellbeing. From sleep consistency to gut microbiome insights, Dr. Studer lays out practical strategies to help listeners become their own best scientist. Tune in to learn how to effectively experiment, track outcomes, and stop feeling like a failure for not thriving on someone else's plan.How long will you live? Take our quiz today to find out! Visit ageist.com/longevityquizThanks to Our SponsorsFatty15 – C15 is the first essential fatty acid to be discovered In 90 years. Fatty15 is on a mission to replenish your C15 levels and restore your long-term health. Get 15% off their 90-day subscription Starter Kit here or enter code: AGEIST at checkout.Meditate Happier – Navigating menopause isn’t just about managing physical symptoms—it’s about supporting your mind and emotions too. That’s why Meditate Happier created the Mindful Menopause Guide, with Diana Winston. It is a free, expert-led course designed to help you move through menopause with more ease, confidence, and calm. Click this link or visit: www.meditatehappier.com/menopauseTroscriptions — Precise, pharmaceutical-grade nootropics for peak performance. Whether you need laser focus, mental clarity, or a boost in cognitive endurance, Troscriptions delivers science-backed results. Use code: AGEIST for 10% off, or click here.Chapters(03:25) Understanding SNPs and Personal Choices(09:19) The Role of Autonomy and Beliefs in Health(15:54) Gamification and Measurement in Health Choices(17:46) The Importance of Sleep and Its Variability(22:50) Genetics, Microbiome, and Personal Health(26:08) Becoming Your Own Scientist in Health(28:01) The Personalization of Health and Wellness(32:36) Conclusion: Statistics vs. Individual ExperienceKey Moments“Statistics are for populations, not people.”“We’re always our own best scientist and best prescriber.”“You get dopamine, serotonin, and oxytocin from doing what you believe is healthy for your future self.”Connect with Our GuestWebsite: MikeStuder.comLinkedIn: Mike Studer on LinkedInBook: The Brain That Chooses ItselfConnect With AGEISTNewsletterInstagramWebsiteCheck out the full interview transcriptSay hi to the AGEIST team!
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39:09
Matt Zemon on Addiction, Attention and Psychedelics
Matt Zemon, author and psychedelic therapy advocate, joins us to explain how non-ordinary states of consciousness can help rewire repetitive thought patterns. He breaks down how psychedelics are being used not just for trauma recovery but to foster growth and deeper self-understanding. This episode also covers the rise of industrialized addiction and the tools available to counter its effects—from ketamine to breathwork to community. Whether you're struggling or thriving, Zemon offers grounded, practical ways to live with more intention and connection.How long will you live? Take our quiz today to find out! Visit ageist.com/longevityquizJoin our Ask David Anything Webinar on April 24th, 8pm EST. Special Thanks to Our SponsorsOur Place – Our top cookware brand for non-toxic, PFA-free pots and brands. Use code “AGEIST” for 10% off at fromourplace.com LMNT Electrolytes: Our number-one electrolytes for optimal hydration. Listeners receive a free 8-serving sample pack with their purchase at DrinkLMNT.com/AGEIST. fatty15: C15:0 is the first essential fatty acid to be discovered in 90 years, and fatty15 is on a mission to replenish your C15:0 levels and restore your long-term health. Get 15% off their 90-day subscription Starter Kit here or enter the code “AGEIST” at checkout.Key Quotes“These medicines remind us that there are other ways to think about ourselves, our relationships, our jobs, our lives.”“I already am everything, as are you. And I don’t need to become, I need to be.”“You're not broken. You just forgot how powerful you were.”Chapters(03:15) The Intersection of Psychedelics and Addiction(06:28) Psychedelics and Mental Health(09:28) Cultural Context of Addiction(12:21) Personal Experiences with Psychedelics(15:02) The Role of Connection and Community(18:07) Revelations and Non-Ordinary States of Consciousness(24:13) The Beauty of Life and Death(28:02) Transformative Journeys: Veterans and Psychedelics(30:00) Healing Through Psychedelics: A New Hope(33:23) Mindset Matters: Abundance vs. Scarcity(34:56) Exploring Psychedelics: Legal and Safe Access(37:24) Understanding Risks in Psychedelic Use(40:59) Navigating Change: Being Human in the 21st Century(42:07) Tools for Living: Expanding the ToolboxConnect with Matt ZemonWebsiteInstagram (@matt.zemon)Books: Psychedelics for Everyone andA Veteran’s Guide to Psychedelics Full Interview TranscriptConnect with AGEISTNewsletterSay hi to the AGEIST team!
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50:43
Craig Cooper: My Protocol & Bone Health Turnaround
Craig Cooper, former professional athlete and author of Your New Prime, shares the overlooked realities men face as they age. He opens up about reversing his own osteoporosis and why many men fail to prioritize bone health. Craig breaks down why typical fitness routines may actually accelerate aging and offers science-backed alternatives for maintaining strength, metabolic function, and cardiovascular resilience. This episode equips listeners with practical, often ignored insights into how to stay strong, capable, and engaged well beyond midlife.This May 26-31 in Santa Fe, NM, Rebecca Rusch and AGEIST founder David Stewart are hosting what might be the most transformative week of your year. It's what Rebecca calls "adult play summer camp," blending cutting-edge science with genuine joy.Ideal for all fitness levels – whether you're a seasoned athlete or just getting started on your wellness journey.Ready to feel better than you have in years? Your future self is waiting at meawisdom.com/enrollThanks to Our SponsorsBON CHARGE: What if there was a device that combined nature’s beneficial frequencies with red, near-infrared, and far-infrared light? BON CHARGE’s Infrared PEMF Mat Max is the all-in-one device that can help you recover faster, sleep better, elevate your focus, and achieve ultimate wellness. Use “AGEIST15” at checkout for 15% off your purchase.Timeline Nutrition: Our favorite supplement for cell support and mitochondrial function. Listeners receive 10% off your first order of Mitopure with the code “AGEIST” at TimelineNutrition.com/ageist.Our Place: Our top cookware brand for non-toxic, PFA-free pots and pans. Use code “AGEIST” for 10% off at fromourplace.com.Chapters(00:15) Introduction to Craig Cooper and His Journey(06:42) The Evolution of Health Perspectives in Aging(13:04) Bone Health: Overcoming Osteopenia(17:29) Cardiovascular Health and Longevity(24:48) Nutrition and Dietary Choices for Better Aging(26:57) Understanding Cardiovascular Health Tests(33:04) The Importance of Early Detection in Health(36:12) Cardiovascular Disease: The Leading Cause of Death(40:52) Practical Health Monitoring Tips(42:54) The Role of Personal Responsibility in Health(46:20) Inspiring Stories of Resilience and Health(52:12) Nutritional Strategies for Bone HealthKey Moments“Hormonally, [training] long slow distance just really just sucks your manhood.”“You really can’t have a discussion around longevity without focusing on arterial health.”“I've had doctors come out of UCLA to look at what I've been doing… they've never seen this sort of switch that I've been able to execute on my bone health over the course of five years.”Connect With Craig CooperConneqt Health: conneqthealth.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigcooper007/Say hi to the AGEIST team!
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53:53
Dr. Paul Kolodzik on GLP-1s and Modern Metabolism
Dr. Paul Kolodzik spent 25 years in emergency medicine watching the long-term consequences of preventable disease. Now, he’s helping patients reverse metabolic syndrome using continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), low-carb nutrition, and strength training. In this episode, Dr. Kolodzik explains why blood sugar spikes—not cholesterol—may be the most urgent threat to long-term health. You’ll also hear why he believes wearables and strategic use of GLP-1 medications can radically change your health trajectory.How long will you live? Take our quiz today to find out! Visit ageist.com/longevityquizThanks to Our SponsorsTroscriptions — Precision, pharmaceutical-grade nootropics for peak performance. Whether you need laser focus, mental clarity, or a boost in cognitive endurance, Troscriptions delivers science-backed results. Use code: AGEIST for 10% off, or click here.LMNT Electrolytes — Our number one electrolytes for optimal hydration. Listeners receive a free 8-serving sample pack with their purchase at DrinkLMNT.com/AGEIST. Our Place – Our top cookware brand for non-toxic, PFA-free pots and pans. Use code “AGEIST” for 10% off at fromourplace.com Chapters(00:15) Introduction to Metabolic Health and CGMs(03:28) Understanding Fatty Liver Disease and Carbohydrate Impact(06:10) The Role of Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs)(09:06) Insulin Resistance and Metabolic Syndrome(12:04) The Relationship Between Blood Sugar and Weight Gain(15:18) Dietary Approaches to Managing Blood Sugar(18:08) The Importance of Personalization in Diet(21:11) Inflammation, Brain Health, and Blood Sugar(24:14) Understanding A1C and Blood Sugar Metrics(29:13) Understanding Blood Sugar Levels(35:15) The Role of Exercise in Insulin Resistance(41:08) Integrating GLP-1 Medications with CGMs(47:25) The Importance of Continuous Glucose Monitoring(51:07) Empowerment Through Data and Personal Health ManagementKey MomentsFatty liver disease isn’t from eating too much fat — it’s, for most people, excessive carb intake.Once I see it, I can’t unsee it. And then you know what’s going on with your blood sugar physiology.Strength training reverses insulin resistance. Your muscles are soaking up more insulin and more blood glucoseConnect with Dr. Paul KolodzikCGM Doctor — https://cgm-doctor.comMetabolicMDs Practice — https://metabolicmds.comBook:The Continuous Glucose Monitor Revolution for Non-Diabetics — https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BHL5YZXVSocial Media: LinkedIn — linkedin.com/in/paulkolodzik/Check out the full interview transcriptConnect With AGEISTNewsletterInstagramSay hi to the AGEIST team!
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1:02:13
Todd Vande Hei: Reject Aging as Inevitable
At 32, Todd Vande Hei was told his declining health was just “part of getting older,” and he believed it—until he didn’t. Along with sharing how a shift in perspective led him to pursue measurable strategies to improve his well-being, he talks about ways you, too, can become the CEO of your own health. If you're tired of vague advice and want a smarter, test-based approach to longevity, this conversation will show you how to start.How long will you live? Take our quiz today to find out! Visit ageist.com/longevityquizThanks to Our SponsorsBON CHARGE: Want to try the hottest sauna blanket on the market? Check out BON CHARGE’s Infrared Sauna Blanket, which is designed to provide easy access to the benefits of infrared heat therapy in the comfort of your own home, here.Troscriptions — Precision, pharmaceutical-grade nootropics for peak performance. Whether you need laser focus, mental clarity, or a boost in cognitive endurance, Troscriptions delivers science-backed results. Use code: AGEIST for 10% off, or click here.Fatty15 – C15 is the first essential fatty acid to be discovered In 90 years. Fatty15 is on a mission to replenish your C15 levels and restore your long-term health. Get 15% off their 90-day subscription Starter Kit here or enter code: AGEIST at checkout.Chapters(00:15) Introduction to Todd van de Heide and Stark Health(03:21) Todd's Health Journey: From Struggles to Transformation(06:14) The Importance of a Health Team(09:13) Questioning Medical Authority and Seeking Alternatives(12:14) The Role of Measurement in Health Optimization(15:04) The Evolution of Health Perspectives(18:28) Agency and Responsibility in Personal Health(21:21) The Future of Health and Medical Research(32:18) The Importance of Humility in Medicine(36:14) Defining Normal Health vs. Optimal Health(44:00) Shifting from Limitation to Possibility Mindset(49:51) Strategies for Health Across the Decades(55:42) Integrating Health, Work, and Life(59:38) Time Management for Well-BeingKey Moments“You have to be the CEO of your own health.”“Half of what doctors believe today will be proven wrong in 18 months—so you have to ask, what if they’re wrong?”“Your health is more important than your money, yet most people track their finances far more carefully.”Connect With Todd Vande HeiStark HealthInstagram: @testodderone Connect With AGEISTNewsletterInstagramWebsiteCheck out the full interview transcriptSay hi to the AGEIST team!
The AGEIST podcast is where we rewrite life after 50. Hosted by David Stewart, founder of AGEIST and Super Age, we talk with extraordinary people—scientists, creatives, and thinkers—about living vibrantly in your 50s, 60s, 70s and beyond. From longevity science to emotional well-being, fitness to purpose, we explore the tools and mindsets that help us stay curious, energized, and deeply engaged with life. This isn’t about aging gracefully—it’s about living boldly.
New Zealand