Chasing Life
CNN Podcasts
All over the world, there are people who are living extraordinary lives, full of happiness and health – and with hardly any heart disease, cancer or diabetes. Dr. Sanjay Gupta has been on a decades-long mission to understand how they do it, and how we can all learn from them. Scientists now believe we can even reverse the symptoms of Alzheimer’s dementia, and in fact grow sharper and more resilient as we age. Sanjay is a dad – of three teenage daughters, he is a doctor - who operates on the brain, and he is a reporter with more than two decades of experience - who travels the earth to uncover and bring you the secrets of the happiest and healthiest people on the planet – so that you too, can Chase Life.
Episodes
Mentioned books
37 snips
Feb 27, 2026 • 27min
The Miracle and Mystery of Consciousness
Michael Pollan, writer known for exploring food, nature, and consciousness, discusses his book A World Appears. He explores where consciousness might live in the brain, whether plants or AI can be sentient, and how mortality and embodiment shape inner life. He also warns about protecting attention in a tech-driven world.
Feb 24, 2026 • 15min
Are Showerhead Filters and LED Face Masks Worth It?
Marisa Garshick, a board-certified dermatologist and AAD fellow, breaks down showerhead filters and LED face masks. She explains hard water, chlorine effects, who might benefit from filters, and how to choose one. She also covers red and blue light mechanics, limitations of at-home devices, safety for sensitive skin, and when professional treatments are stronger.
Feb 20, 2026 • 25min
How Hibernation Could Redefine Space Travel and Medicine
Ashley Zender, Katie Greybeck, and Ryan Sprenger from Fauna Bio: researchers turning squirrel hibernation into genomics-driven therapies. Dr. Jenshiro Sonagawa: neuroscientist inducing torpor in mice to explore clinical uses. Christopher Gregg: neurobiology and genomics expert comparing hibernator and human genomes. They discuss genomic switches, brain circuits and tools like RESPIRES, and how torpor could impact cancer, heart protection, surgery, and space travel.
9 snips
Feb 17, 2026 • 15min
Think You’re Too Young for Colorectal Cancer? Think Again.
A deep look at the surprising rise of colorectal cancer in younger adults and why screening now starts at 45. Clear red flags and symptom warning signs are highlighted to help listeners know when to seek care. A separate segment examines vibration plates — how they work, potential small benefits, and safe ways to use them.
16 snips
Feb 13, 2026 • 28min
The Science Behind a Broken Heart
Yoram Yovell, psychiatrist and neuroscientist who studies emotional pain and attachment. He explains how mental pain overlaps with physical pain. They discuss why separation hurts, when heartbreak can mimic heart problems, chronic emotional pain, medication research, and how social reconnection supports recovery.
14 snips
Feb 10, 2026 • 15min
Do Endurance Sports Damage Your Brain?
They explore whether long-distance training can raise neurodegenerative disease risks and what the research actually shows. The safety of playing surfaces is examined by comparing turf and grass injury patterns. Discussion covers exercise-driven brain benefits, rare links between intense sport and ALS, and practical advice for managing training and family risk.
21 snips
Feb 6, 2026 • 29min
How You Can Stay Motivated to Exercise
Dr. Diana Hill, clinical psychologist and co-author of I Know I Should Exercise, But 44 Reasons We Don't Move, explains why we avoid movement and how to find personal motivation. She discusses mindset shifts from either/or thinking, temptation bundling with phones, home tweaks to reduce inactivity, making tiny doable movement habits, and anchoring activity to personal values and relationships.
28 snips
Feb 3, 2026 • 18min
What to Know Before Trying Cannabis for Arthritis Pain
They explore microdosing CBD and THC for arthritis and nighttime flare-ups, including who might benefit and dosing cautions. Legal status, drug interactions, and age-related metabolism are discussed. The conversation then pivots to lifestyle interventions for early cognitive decline, covering diet, exercise, stress reduction, and a notable trial showing stabilization and improvement.
50 snips
Jan 30, 2026 • 31min
Why You Should Brush Your Teeth Before Breakfast
Dr. Kami Hoss, a dentist, orthodontic specialist and author, explains smart oral care for whole-body health. He covers fluoride’s role, a before-breakfast routine of mouthwash and tongue cleaning, flossing and night protection, and alternatives like nano‑hydroxyapatite. He also discusses breath sources, whitening options, and why prevention should get more attention.
31 snips
Jan 27, 2026 • 17min
Should You Eat Before or After Strength-Training?
Clear guidance on meal timing and protein needs around strength training, including recommended protein amounts and a flexible post-workout window. Discussion on the effects of training fasted and the importance of hydration. Exploration of common types and causes of hair loss in women and the diagnostic steps and treatment options dermatologists consider.
