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
40 snips
Jan 23, 2026 • 30min
What Matters to You? A New Way to Heal
Join Sanjay Gupta as he chats with Julia Hatz, author of The Connection Cure and a journalist dedicated to social prescribing. They delve into the transformative power of asking patients, 'What matters to you?' Julia explains how linking health to community activities like volunteering and nature can enhance healing. They discuss compelling research on loneliness as a physical ailment and how social connections boost well-being. Real-life examples illustrate the practical impacts, while Julia shares insights on funding and the future of social prescriptions in America.
23 snips
Jan 20, 2026 • 19min
Cold Plunges: What the Science Shows
Discover the intriguing world of cold plunges as Dr. Sanjay Gupta explores their potential benefits and risks for inflammation. Hear about the mixed findings from scientific studies on cold water immersion and its effects. Learn practical safety tips for trying cold plunges, including consulting a doctor and starting slowly. The podcast also dives into the science of why we itch, covering common causes, neurological triggers, and the addictive nature of scratching. Gupta wraps up with practical treatments for chronic itching.
9 snips
Jan 16, 2026 • 26min
How Far Would You Go to Replace Your Body? Mary Roach Has Thoughts
In this engaging conversation, Mary Roach, a renowned science writer known for her humorous exploration of anatomy, dives into her latest work, Replaceable You. She discusses the fascinating history of prosthetics, from ancient nose surgeries to modern 3D-printed tissues. Roach also shares insights on elective amputations and the evolution of smart prosthetics, battling infection risks, and the future of xenotransplantation. Her humorous take on these topics makes the complex ethical conversations surrounding body replacements both accessible and intriguing.
16 snips
Jan 13, 2026 • 14min
Why Does Everyone Have the Flu?
Meg Tirrell, a CNN medical correspondent specializing in infectious diseases and public health, joins Dr. Sanjay Gupta to dissect this year's unprecedented flu season. They explore the new K subclade of the virus and discuss how vaccine mismatches impact protection. Tirrell emphasizes the importance of early flu testing and the role of antivirals like Tamiflu in treatment. Additionally, Sanjay breaks down the latest dietary guidelines, stressing a shift towards whole foods and limiting ultra-processed options.
50 snips
Jan 9, 2026 • 30min
Why You're Breathing Wrong, and How to Fix It
Journalist James Nestor, renowned for his work on breathing, dives deep into the hidden impacts of how we breathe. He reveals that chronic issues like anxiety and even facial structure can stem from dysfunctional breathing. Nestor shares simple yet transformative breathing techniques, emphasizing the advantages of nasal breathing and proper tongue posture. He highlights the effects of diet on mouth shape, and even connects poor sleep with ADHD. With practical tips to improve health through breathwork, Nestor inspires listeners to rethink their breathing habits.
Jan 6, 2026 • 18min
Can Sense of Smell Be Recovered After Covid-19?
The podcast explores the intriguing connection between COVID-19 and loss of smell, detailing how common it has become. Dr. Sanjay Gupta discusses olfactory neuron regeneration and the potential for recovery through smell training. Listeners hear expert insights on cannabis-related vomiting, known as cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome, and the unique challenges it presents. Gupta also sheds light on rising cases linked to higher THC potency and emphasizes that abstaining from cannabis is the only true solution.
19 snips
Jan 2, 2026 • 29min
Pain is in the Brain
Pain isn’t just physical; it starts in the brain. Discover how mapping brain activity can lead to new pain relief methods. A patient's journey reveals the power of deep brain stimulation in erasing chronic pain. Non-opioid strategies in emergency care are showcased, highlighting innovative nerve block techniques. Meditation proves to cut pain in half, showcasing the brain's ability to manage discomfort. Emphasizing holistic care, experts discuss therapy and lifestyle changes as essential tools for lasting pain management.
14 snips
Dec 30, 2025 • 19min
Pain Becomes Personal for Sanjay
Dementi Gupta, the guest, is an elderly patient and mother of host Dr. Sanjay Gupta, who experienced a severe back fracture after a fall. This personal journey of pain reshapes Sanjay's understanding of its impact. They discuss the urgent need for care following her diagnosis of an L1 fracture and the innovative kyphoplasty procedure she underwent. Dementi shares her rapid relief post-surgery, while Sanjay explains how acute pain can sometimes evolve into chronic pain, challenging traditional perceptions and treatment.
24 snips
Dec 26, 2025 • 35min
The Year in News: Deepfakes, MAHA & AI
In a whirlwind discussion, the hosts tackle the societal impact of AI and the emerging Maha culture. They highlight the everyday adoption of AI and its potential downsides, particularly for children’s mental health. The conversation shifts to AI in medicine, discussing both benefits and risks, including concerns over training data. Deepfakes and their implications for health scams spark a lively debate. Amid rising skepticism, the group emphasizes the importance of verified human interactions and the resurgence of offline communities.
21 snips
Dec 23, 2025 • 12min
Sanjay’s Top 10 Health Stories of 2025
In a year fraught with public health challenges, fascinating stories emerged. Sanjay discusses the alarming resurgence of measles and the political ramifications of vaccine hesitancy. He explores the FDA's elimination of black box warnings for hormone therapy and dives into the implications of a groundbreaking pig kidney transplant. A new, non-opioid pain medication derived from fire-walking genetics shows promise, while a blood test for early Alzheimer’s detection offers hope. Meanwhile, aging school facilities contribute to lead exposure issues among children.
