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Every episode
The Dan Buettner Podcast
30 episodes
America’s Largest Fast-Food Chain Isn’t McDonald's—It’s Public School Cafeterias
Ep 48 · Aug 13, 2026 · 56 min
Public schools run the largest food service network in the U.S., yet 67% of the calories American children consume are ultra-processed foods. In this video, Eat Real leader Nora LaTorre reveals the health and economic toll of school cafeterias—from trillions spent on preventable diet-related diseases to decades of budget cuts that replaced fresh cooking with "heat and serve" items. Discover how grassroots advocacy and new food standards are transforming school lunches nationwide. Learn more abou…
Gut Check: How the Missing Ingredient in America’s Diet Is Impacting Brain Health
Ep 47 · Aug 6, 2026 · 1 hr 3 min
Over 90% of Americans are missing out on a critical nutrient hidden in plain sight: dietary fiber. In this CNN Special Report, we explore the deep connection between ultra-processed foods, gut health, and systemic chronic disease. Featuring insights from leading endocrinologist Dr. Robert Lustig, this episode examines how commercial food processing strips vital protection from our digestive systems, the regulatory loopholes keeping processed items on school lunch trays, and actionable steps cons…
Reversing Cellular Damage: 8 Underlying Causes of Metabolic Illness
Jul 30, 2026 · 1 hr 4 min
Is our modern diet causing damage deep within our cells? In this episode, pediatric endocrinologist and bestselling author Dr. Robert Lustig breaks down what he calls the "Hateful Eight"—the eight core subcellular pathologies driving chronic conditions like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, fatty liver disease, and metabolic syndrome. Rather than treating these conditions as isolated illnesses, Dr. Lustig argues that modern medicine must look at the common root cause: how refined sugars, fructose,…
The Dark Side of Self-Care: Why Hyper-Focus Is Making You Miserable
Ep 45 · Jul 23, 2026 · 1 hr 20 min
Is your obsession with wellness actually making you less happy?In this episode, board-certified psychiatrist and positive psychology expert Dr. Samantha Boardman exposes the dark side of the modern self-care movement. While social media feeds urge us to constantly look inward, analyze our flaws, and prioritize isolation in the name of mental health, Dr. Boardman reveals how this hyper-focus on the self is driving an epidemic of misery and loneliness. Drawing on clinical research and her book Eve…
The Critical Decades: How Daily Habits in Midlife Can Actively Delay Cognitive Decline
Ep 44 · Jul 16, 2026 · 1 hr 6 min
Long before the first signs of forgetfulness or confusion appear, the cellular ""seeds of dementia"" may already be taking root in the brain. Leading neurologists warn that cognitive decline isn't a sudden onset of old age, but a slow process that can begin up to 30 years before a clinical diagnosis. In this episode of the podcast, Dan dives into the hard science of prevention with Drs. Dean and Ayesha Sherzai, exploring how a groundbreaking new blood test is helping doctors track early neurolog…
Stacking the Deck for a Longer Life: Small Happiness Habits with Massive Long-Term Payoffs
Ep 43 · Jul 9, 2026 · 1 hr 6 min
Can you train yourself to be happier? Best-selling author Gretchen Rubin (The Happiness Project) joins The Dan Buettner Podcast to break down the usable, evidence-based habits that can help upgrade your baseline level of joy. In this episode, Rubin shares how she walked away from a prestigious career clerking for the Supreme Court to study the psychology of human connection, routine, and fulfillment. She and Buettner unpack the simple "low-hanging fruit" of daily life—from getting morning light…
The Radical Power of Extreme Discipline for Longevity with Ken Rideout
Ep 42 · Jul 2, 2026 · 57 min
From trauma and a 10-year opioid addiction to becoming the world's fastest marathoner over 50, Ken Rideout’s story is a masterclass in human resilience. In this gripping episode, Ken joins Dan Buettner to unpack a life of extreme highs and devastating lows—from the high-stakes world of Wall Street to the grueling turning point of cold-turkey detox. To survive the agony of withdrawal, Ken started running. Today, his pathway to health is fueled by intense, extreme discipline. It looks vastly diffe…
The Trillion-Dollar Trap with Marion Nestle
Ep 41 · Jun 25, 2026 · 1 hr 3 min
In this episode, longevity expert Dan Buettner sits down with renowned academic and food politics expert Dr. Marion Nestle to unpack how the American food system became dominated by ultra-processed foods and skyrocketing obesity rates. Nestle breaks down the historical and political shifts—from the Nixon-era agricultural policies of the 1970s to the corporate deregulation of the 1980s—that prioritized commodity crops like corn and soybeans over public health. They discuss why food corporations a…
Season Highlights
Ep 40 · Jun 4, 2026 · 48 min
In this special reflective episode, we take a deep dive into the archives of the Dan Buettner Podcast, looking back at where we’ve been and the invaluable lessons shared by previous guests. From world-renowned researchers to the quiet wisdom of centenarians, we synthesize what we’ve learned about the journey to a long, happy life and where this exploration is taking us next. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Lessons Learned
Ep 39 · May 28, 2026 · 41 min
"Instead of a backpack, I had a microphone." After 20 years on the road studying the world's original Blue Zones, longevity researcher Dan Buettner opened the aperture to look at aging well from a completely new angle. In this milestone reflection, Buettner sits down to answer a surprise list of questions from his producer, looking back at the most impactful lessons from his first season. He candidly shares the moments that challenged his beliefs, why vulnerability has become his show's core met…
15 Myths & Misconceptions About Longevity
Ep 38 · May 21, 2026 · 32 min
We live in an era of massive "longevity washing". From expensive supplements to trendy biohacking routines, marketing machines have made the simple path to a long life feel far more complicated than it actually is. In this episode, we cut through the social media noise to reverse-engineer longevity using rigorous data. Discover the truth about Blue Zones research, why getting to age 100 has less to do with your genes than you think, and how your everyday environment—from what's in your pantry to…
Dan Buettner’s Unfiltered Lessons from the Blue Zones
Ep 37 · May 14, 2026 · 20 min
Dan Buettner, the explorer who identified the world's longevity hotspots, steps into the hot seat to pull back the curtain on decades of global research. In this candid conversation, he discusses the behind-the-scenes reality of his expeditions, from encountering illegal maggot-fermented cheese in Sardinia to surviving a freezing trek through the Costa Rican hinterlands. Dan also shares a rare look at his own life, admitting that while he studies health, he still struggles with a weakness for sw…
Two Years to Become the 'Healthiest Man Alive'
May 7, 2026 · 1 hr 1 min
In this episode, Dan Buettner sits down with author AJ Jacobs to discuss how 30 years of radical life experiments have distilled into 10 essential tips for a longer, happier life. Jacobs, known for his immersive books like The Year of Living Biblically and Drop Dead Healthy, shares his unique perspective on why willpower is a losing game and why our environment dictates our success. Learn why gratitude isn't a result of happiness, but the cause of it, and discover the "Odysseus Strategy"—a metho…
Kara Swisher Doesn't Want to Live Forever
Apr 30, 2026 · 53 min
In this episode, legendary tech journalist Kara Swisher joins Dan Buettner to pull back the curtain on the multi-billion dollar longevity industry. Fresh off her own investigative journey into the world of elite biohacking, Swisher explains why she has traded high-tech interventions like stem cell treatments and cold plunges for the simpler, evidence-based wisdom found in the Blue Zones. Together, they dismantle the "marketing bunk" of Silicon Valley’s immortality quest, discussing why the obses…
The GLP-1 Masterclass with Rocio Salas-Whalen
Apr 23, 2026 · 1 hr 8 min
In this episode, we sit down with world-renowned endocrinologist and national bestselling author Dr. Rocio Salas-Whalen to pull back the curtain on the GLP-1 revolution. As obesity rates climb toward a projected 4 billion people by 2035, Dr. Salas-Whalen explains why these medications—originally inspired by the biology of the Gila monster—are far more than a weight-loss trend. She provides a comprehensive look at how these hormones target the brain’s "food noise" and anticipatory reward systems,…
A Gen Z Perspective on Longevity with Samantha Feher
Apr 16, 2026 · 1 hr 13 min
In this episode of The Dan Buettner Podcast, Dan sits down with Samantha Feher, a journalist, content creator, and host of the Caps Lock podcast, to explore the unique perspective Gen Z brings to the world of longevity and wellness. Often referred to as a modern-day Carrie Bradshaw, Samantha shares her journey from the high-pressure world of New York journalism and reality TV to becoming a dedicated advocate for science-backed health information. The conversation delves into how younger generati…
The Food Revolution with Neal Barnard
Apr 9, 2026 · 1 hr 13 min
Could everything we know about carbs and chronic illness be wrong? In this eye-opening episode, Dan Buettner sits down with Dr. Neal Barnard, founding president of the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, to dismantle the biggest myths in modern nutrition. Dr. Barnard reveals groundbreaking clinical research suggesting that Type 2 diabetes isn’t caused by rice or bread, but by a "cellular oil slick" that prevents the body from processing sugar. He shares a radical, low-fat plant-based…
Reverse Your Biological Age with Valter Longo
Apr 2, 2026 · 1 hr 12 min
Step into the world’s leading longevity lab as Dan Buettner sits down with Dr. Valter Longo, the pioneering Director of the Longevity Institute at USC, to uncover the "best medicine" already hidden within the human body. This episode breaks down the radical science of the Fasting Mimicking Diet, a revolutionary approach that tricks your cells into a state of deep repair—shrinking and regenerating vital organs like the heart and pancreas without the extreme struggle of water-only fasting. Discove…
The Tribe with the World’s Cleanest Arteries with Michael Gurven
Mar 26, 2026 · 1 hr 16 min
In this episode of the Dan Buettner Podcast, Dan sits down with evolutionary anthropologist Dr. Michael Gurven to explore the secrets of the Tsimané, an indigenous population in the Bolivian Amazon with the lowest recorded rates of heart disease in the world. While the modern world spends billions on anti-aging supplements and extreme fitness trends, Dr. Gurven’s decades of research reveal a different path to longevity. From the "Grandmother Effect" to the health benefits of "food pooling" and s…
The 8 Root Causes of Disease You’ve Never Been Taught with Dr. Darshan Shah
Mar 19, 2026 · 1 hr 8 min
From trauma surgeon to longevity pioneer, Dr. Darshan Shah joins Dan Buettner to reveal why modern medicine is often failing to prevent chronic disease and how you can take control of your health. Dr. Shah outlines the eight root causes of illness—ranging from metabolic dysfunction to circadian disruption—and shares the personal health crisis that led him to trade his scalpel for a mission of proactive wellness. In this episode, you will discover the "N of 1" approach, which explains why there i…
The Biology of Belief with Kelly Noonan Gores
Mar 12, 2026 · 53 min
In this episode, Dan Buettner sits down with award-winning filmmaker and producer Kelly Noonan Gores, the creative force behind the groundbreaking documentary HEAL. While Dan’s work with the Blue Zones focuses on how environmental and social factors lead to longevity, Kelly investigates the "internal power" of the human mind—exploring how our thoughts, beliefs, and emotions fundamentally dictate our biological health.Kelly shares incredible stories of spontaneous healing and discusses how we can…
The 150-Year Life Expectancy is a Lie with S. Jay Olshansky
Mar 5, 2026 · 43 min
In this episode of The Dan Buettner Podcast, world-renowned demographer Dr. Jay Olshansky joins Dan to debunk the viral myths surrounding human longevity. While social media often promises a future where we live to 150, Dr. Olshansky reveals the hard biological truths and explains why we are hitting a "glass ceiling" of life expectancy. He breaks down the concept of "manufactured time," the reality of the "red zone" of aging, and why he considers much of the anti-aging supplement industry to be…
Nature's Anti-Aging Secrets with Dr. Steve Austad
Feb 26, 2026 · 56 min
Is the secret to a longer life already hidden in the animal kingdom? In this episode, Dan Buettner sits down with world-renowned biologist Dr. Steven Austad to explore how nature has already solved the mysteries of aging. Dr. Austad explains his "nature is smarter" philosophy, detailing how 500-year-old clams and tiny bats that outlive their peers can help us understand our own biological clocks. The conversation dives into the science of why we age, from the way our cells "rust" over time to th…
How to Reverse Heart Disease and Live to 100 with Rip Esselstyn
Feb 19, 2026 · 1 hr 9 min
In this episode of the Dan Buettner Podcast, Dan is joined by world-record swimmer and health advocate Rip Esselstyn to discuss the life-saving power of a "PlantStrong" lifestyle. They explore the legendary research of Rip’s father, Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn, whose work at the Cleveland Clinic proved that heart disease—the leading cause of death—can be halted and even reversed through a whole-food, plant-based diet. The conversation breaks down the science behind nutrition myths, specifically why p…
The High-Functioning Trap: When Success Still Isn't Enough with Dr. Judith Joseph
Feb 12, 2026 · 46 min
Are you "over-functioning" but feeling empty inside? In this episode, Dan Buettner sits down with board-certified psychiatrist and researcher Dr. Judith Joseph to pull back the curtain on a silent epidemic sweeping through our high-achieving society: High-Functioning Depression. Dr. Joseph, founder of the Manhattan Mind Health and Wellness Center, shares her pioneering research as the first to publish a peer-reviewed study on this phenomenon. She reveals how even as a depression researcher, she…
The Gut Health Crisis: Why Americans Are Falling Behind with Dr. Tim Spector
Feb 5, 2026 · 1 hr 2 min
Is your gut microbiome the most important organ you're ignoring? In this episode of The Dan Buettner Podcast, world-renowned geneticist and epidemiologist Dr. Tim Spector reveals groundbreaking research on why the microbes in your gut are the ultimate indicator of your health and resilience. Drawing from a massive study of 300,000 samples recently published in Nature, Dr. Spector explains a startling "health gap": why American gut health is significantly worse than that of Europeans. We explore…
New Year Refresh: AI and the Future of Healthcare with Dr. David Agus
Feb 3, 2026 · 1 hr 18 min
What if your goal for 2026 wasn't just to feel better, but to live 10 to 15 years longer? According to Dr. David Agus, one of the world’s leading medical visionaries, we are currently at a tipping point where rapid advancements in AI and medicine can radically extend your lifespan in just a few short years. In this special "Future-Proof" edition of our New Year’s Refresh, the Ellison Medical Institute head joins us to bridge the gap between cutting-edge technology and the ancient wisdom of the n…
Why Menopause is "Hot" Right Now with Dr. Jessica Shepherd
Jan 29, 2026 · 40 min
In this episode of the Dan Buettner Podcast, Dan sits down with board-certified OB-GYN and celebrity health expert Dr. Jessica Shepherd to uncover the surprising intersection between menopause and longevity. While we often associate menopause with hot flashes, the reality is far more complex—affecting everything from your brain health and sleep to your hair and life expectancy. Dr. Shepherd explains why women’s life expectancy has jumped by 20 years since the early 1900s, yet our biological cloc…
New Year Refresh: The Truth About Being Happy with Sonja Lyubomirsky
Jan 27, 2026 · 1 hr 8 min
Every January, we chase the "New Year, New Me" dream—new house, new job, new body—only to find ourselves back at the same level of satisfaction by February. Why? In this essential New Year’s Refresh episode, we sit down with Dr. Sonja Lyubomirsky, the world-renowned "Doctor of Happiness." She explains the "Hedonic Treadmill"—the scientific reason why chasing life circumstances often leaves us disappointed—and how you can break that cycle to find joy that actually sticks. If your resolution is to…
Goldie Hawn's Science-Backed Secrets to Living a Happier Life
Jan 22, 2026 · 1 hr 5 min
In this episode of the Dan Buettner Podcast, legendary actress and "happiness expert" Goldie Hawn joins Dan to discuss the real science behind her joyful nature and the surprising struggles she faced early in her career. Despite her public image as a beacon of light, Goldie reveals her personal battle with severe anxiety and panic attacks that began at age 22, just as she was becoming a household name. She shares how she utilized Freudian analysis and later mindfulness to retrain her brain, ulti…
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