Advertise on podcast: Extend Podcast with Darshan Shah, MD

Most people think brain aging is inevitable. What if the real future of longevity is protecting cellular health long before symptoms appear.   In this episode of Extend, we sit down with Dr. Dayan Goodenowe, neuroscientist and biochemist, to explore the hidden role of plasmalogens in brain health, aging, and all-cause mortality. Dr. Goodenowe shares how his work in advanced metabolomics revealed that declining plasmalogen levels can predict dementia, cancer recurrence, and shortened lifespan years before disease is diagnosed, reframing aging as a loss of health rather than a disease itself.   We explore how restoring cellular membrane integrity can reduce neuroinflammation, rebuild brain structure, and improve resilience, along with how advanced MRI and lipid-based blood testing now make it possible to measure, track, and optimize brain health in a proactive way.   What We Discuss: (01:39) What plasmalogens are and why cell membranes matter (11:23) Predicting dementia and mortality years in advance (14:52) Why aging is about losing health, not getting disease (16:03) The concept of prodromes and early loss of resilience (19:13) Plasmalogens, cancer recurrence, and systemic aging (27:35) Advanced MRI, brain inflammation, and cortical thickness (36:40) Muscle, mobility, and restoring functional resilience (40:14) The three M's of longevity: mental acuity, mobility, mood (53:42) Measuring true brain health beyond standard biomarkers (59:05) Designing a life focused on function, purpose, and vitality   Thank You to Our Sponsors: Vitaboom: For supplements you can trust and wellness solutions tailored to your health, visit https://vitaboom.com/  Learn more about Dr. Shah: Website: https://www.drshah.com/ Clinic: https://www.next-health.com/ Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/darshanshahmd/    Learn more about Dr. Goodenowe: Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/drdayangoodenowe/  Website: https://drgoodenowe.com/  Website: https://prodrome.com/  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dayangoodenowe/    Keywords: Longevity Medicine, Plasmalogens, Brain Health, Cellular Membrane Health, Preventive Care, Health Optimization, Aging Mechanisms, Neuroinflammation, Biomarkers, Advanced MRI, Metabolomics, Personalized Medicine, Proactive Health Monitoring, Functional Longevity, Human Potential Optimization, Extend Podcast, Episode 137, Dr. Dayan Goodenowe  

Most people know what they should do to be healthy, yet still struggle to follow through. What if the real barrier is not discipline or knowledge, but mindset. In this episode of Extend, we sit down with Sarah Ann Macklin, a nutritionist and health educator who blends nutrition science with psychology and self-compassion. Sarah shares her journey from high fashion modeling to nutritional science, and how burnout, illness, and neurodiversity shaped her approach to sustainable health. We explore why health changes often fail when driven by restriction and scarcity, how self-compassion creates lasting behavior change, and why ultra-processed foods, stress, and comparison culture sabotage both physical and mental health. Sarah also breaks down practical tools to reconnect with hunger cues, build healthier habits, and shift from self-criticism to an abundance mindset so health no longer feels hard, rigid, or overwhelming.   What We Discuss: (00:00) Why people struggle to get healthy despite good advice (02:30) Self-compassion as the foundation of sustainable health (07:30) From high fashion modeling to nutrition and a major health wake-up call (14:30) Dyslexia, neurodivergence, and the first moment of self-compassion (18:30) Food and mental health, the SMILES trial, and omega-3 research (26:30) Body image, thinness myths, and the reality of the modeling industry (31:30) Social media, comparison culture, and rising body dysmorphia (38:30) The neuroscience of self-compassion and why positivity alone fails (43:30) Optimizers vs lapses and the shared feeling of not being enough (49:30) Clinical tools, mindful food journaling, and emotional awareness (54:30) Crash dieting, quick fixes, and why habits matter more than diets (01:00:00) Stress, mindset, and how rigid health plans backfire (01:03:30) Practical self-compassion tools and book announcement Thank You to Our Sponsors: IM8: Try IM8 today with a 30-day money back guarantee. You can get 10% off your first order with code DRSHAH at https://im8health.com/discount/DRSHAH.   Learn more about Dr. Shah: Website: https://www.drshah.com/ Clinic: https://www.next-health.com/ Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/darshanshahmd/    Learn more about Sarah Ann Macklin: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahannmacklin/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SarahAnnOfficial/  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-macklin-3498a193/   

Most people assume losing strength, energy, and bone health is inevitable as we age. But what if maintaining muscle, optimizing hormones, and protecting bone density were about targeting the right systems early rather than treating symptoms later? In this episode of Extend, we sit down with Dr. Jessica Shepherd, a board-certified OB/GYN and expert in midlife health and longevity. With years of experience merging clinical medicine with functional approaches, Dr. Shepherd shares how resistance training, hormone therapy, nutrition, and modern therapies like GLP-1 medications can work together to help women thrive through midlife and beyond. We talk about why muscle is the "organ of longevity," how bone quality and hormonal balance impact strength and metabolism, and why small, consistent lifestyle changes such as squats, grip exercises, and functional movement can have massive long-term effects. Dr. Shepherd also explores strategies to boost energy, preserve functionality, and support overall health so you can age stronger, healthier, and more resilient.   What We Discuss: (04:00) Why many physicians leave traditional medicine for longevity-focused care (07:50) Menopause, the WHI study, and how hormone therapy was misunderstood for decades (11:45) Perimenopause explained: early symptoms like brain fog, sleep disruption, and emotional changes (18:45) When women should start thinking about perimenopause and why conversations should begin in the late 30s (23:30) Patient autonomy: ruling out thyroid, mental health, stress, and nutrition before starting hormones (27:40) Hormones as optimization fuel for brain, bone, muscle, and metabolic health (30:15) Why muscle is the organ of longevity and how resistance training protects metabolism and strength (33:00) Bone health beyond density: early DEXA scans, bone quality, and osteoporosis prevention (36:30) Functional longevity tests: sit-to-stand, grip strength, farmer's carry, and real-world strength (39:50) Motivation and quick wins: how HRT and GLP-1 therapies can accelerate lifestyle change (41:15) The synergy between hormone therapy and GLP-1 medications in perimenopause (44:40) The future of hormone therapy: individualized delivery and integrated longevity care models (46:45) Creating a well space for proactive health instead of reactive disease treatment Thank You to Our Sponsors: Function Health: Learn more and join using my link. Visit www.functionhealth.com/drshah and use gift code DRSHAH25 for a $25 credit toward your membership.   Learn more about Dr. Shah: Website: https://www.drshah.com/ Clinic: https://www.next-health.com/ Instagram:@darshanshahmd   Learn more about Dr. Jessica Shepherd: Instagram:  jessicashepherdmd  Website: https://www.jessicashepherdmd.com/  Linkedin: Jessica Shepherd, MD, MBA, FACOG 

Most people focus on cholesterol and plaque when thinking about heart health. The truth is, there are hidden drivers that can silently damage your arteries and increase cardiovascular risk. In this episode of Extend, we sit down with Dr. Abid Husain, cardiologist and expert in cardiometabolic health, to unpack how microvascular dysfunction, glycocalyx degradation, metabolic disease, and mental stress contribute to heart disease beyond traditional risk factors. We break down the role of nitric oxide, small dense LDL, clotting mechanisms, and the often overlooked impact of stress on cardiovascular health. We also explore how lifestyle interventions, targeted supplements like nattokinase and chondroitin sulfate, and metabolic management with GLP-1 therapies can strengthen vascular health and reduce hidden cardiovascular risk. Dr. Abid Husain is a cardiologist specializing in cardiometabolic medicine, who combines cutting-edge research with practical strategies to help patients optimize heart health, manage metabolic risk, and prevent cardiovascular disease. What We Discuss: (00:37) The glycocalyx: why it matters for cardiovascular health and how it protects arteries (08:50) Lifestyle strategies to strengthen the glycocalyx, including exercise and metabolic health (14:30) Supplements that support vascular integrity: nattokinase, lumbrokinase, chondroitin sulfate, and hyaluronic acid (22:10) Testing glycocalyx health: syndecan serum test and ultrasound visualization (28:45) Thrombotic risk assessment, aspirin considerations, and personalized cardiovascular strategies (36:20) Metabolic disease as a root cause of heart disease and the role of GLP-1 therapies (44:00) Hidden liver dysfunction and early detection with fibroscan and imaging (50:10) Mental health and cardiovascular risk: stress, sympathetic overdrive, and cortisol balance (55:30) Daily practices to support heart and overall health: breathing, reflection, exercise, and sleep Thank You to Our Sponsors: IM8: Try IM8 today with a 30-day money back guarantee. You can get 10% off your first order with code DRSHAH at https://im8health.com/discount/DRSHAH.    Learn more about Dr. Shah: Website: https://www.drshah.com/ Clinic: https://www.next-health.com/ Instagram:@darshanshahmd   Learn more about Dr. Abid Husain: Instagram: dr_abidhusain  Website: https://boulderlongevity.com/  You Tube: @DoctorAbidHusain   

Most people assume fatigue, low energy, and age-related decline are unavoidable. What if supporting your body, optimizing recovery, and enhancing longevity were about activating the right systems, rather than chasing symptoms? In this episode of Extend, we sit down with Nathalie Niddam, holistic nutritionist, longevity educator, and host of the Longevity Podcast with Nathalie Niddam, to unpack how bioregulators, mitochondrial peptides, and targeted nutritional strategies can support cellular health, improve energy, and enhance resilience over time. We also explore how bioregulators influence DNA expression, how mitochondrial peptides restore cellular function, and how small, consistent interventions in nutrition and lifestyle can amplify overall vitality and longevity. Nathalie Niddam is a longevity educator and holistic nutritionist who hosts the Longevity Podcast, where she shares science-backed strategies, biohacking insights, and practical tools for optimizing health, energy, and long-term performance.   What We Discuss: (00:00) Why Aging Isn't Inevitable and How Bioregulators Work (06:12) The Russian Origins of Bioregulator Research and Key Studies (13:45) How Bioregulators Support Organ Function and Longevity (21:30) Integrating Bioregulators with Peptides for Maximum Benefit (29:10) Mitochondrial Health: SS31, MOTS-C, Humanin, and Phospholipids (36:55) Testing and Optimizing Fatty Acids and Deuterium for Cellular Energy (44:40) Practical Protocols: Stacking Bioregulators for Liver, Cardiovascular, and Metabolic Support (51:25) The Role of Lifestyle, Stress, and Nervous System in Aging Reversal   Thank You to Our Sponsors: NextHealth: Your destination for cutting-edge health optimization—from IV therapy to hormone balancing. Explore at https://www.next-health.com/   Learn more about Dr. Shah: Website: https://www.drshah.com/ Clinic: https://www.next-health.com/ Instagram:@darshanshahmd   Learn more about Nathalie Niddam: Instagram: @nathalieniddam  Website: https://www.natniddam.com/ Linkedin: Nathalie Niddam    

Most people assume joint pain, fatigue, and limited mobility are inevitable with age. But what if protecting your joints, optimizing recovery, and maintaining energy were about targeting the right systems early, rather than treating symptoms later? In this episode of Extend, we sit down with Dr. Elizabeth Yurth, co-founder and chief medical officer of the Boulder Longevity Institute and a Stanford-trained sports and spine physician. With over 30 years of experience merging orthopedic expertise with longevity science, Dr. Yurth brings a unique perspective on preventing joint degeneration, accelerating healing, and supporting long-term metabolic and musculoskeletal health. We talk about why most arthritis isn't caused by overuse, how the MEAT protocol replaces traditional approaches to injury, and why peptides, ketones, and regenerative therapies can dramatically improve recovery and joint function. We also explore strategies to protect joints before pain begins, maintain mobility over decades, and optimize overall energy and performance.   What We Discuss: (00:00) Why Joint Pain, Fatigue, and Brain Fog Are Not Inevitable (05:38) How Ketones Optimize Mitochondrial Function and Energy Production (12:05) Hormone Balance for Joint, Bone, and Muscle Health (19:42) Reducing Inflammation and Activating Stem Cells Naturally (26:18) How Pentosan Polysulfate Can Regenerate Cartilage and Protect Joints (33:50) Blood Flow Restriction, Red Light Therapy, and Recovery Tools (40:27) Practical Strategies for Metabolic Flexibility and Long-Term Healing (48:15) Common Mistakes in Hormone Replacement and Nutritional Optimization   Thank You to Our Sponsors: Function Health: Learn more and join using my link. Visit www.functionhealth.com/drshah and use gift code DRSHAH25 for a $25 credit toward your membership. Vitaboom: Vitaboom: For supplements you can trust and wellness solutions tailored to your health, visit https://vitaboom.com/   Learn more about Dr. Shah: Website: https://www.drshah.com/ Clinic: https://www.next-health.com/ Instagram:@darshanshahmd   Learn more about Dr. Elizabeth Yurth:: Instagram: Dr. Elizabeth Yurth  @boulderlongevity Linkedin: Elizabeth Yurth, MD, ABAARM, FAARM, FAARFM Boulder Longevity Institute: https://boulderlongevity.com/  Human Optimization Academy:  https://bli.academy/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@boulderlongevityinstitute  https://www.youtube.com/@dryurth Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/BoulderLongevityInstitute  https://www.facebook.com/elizabeth.yurth.3

How much control do you really have over your alcohol consumption and its effects on your health? Many people assume drinking is just part of social life, but science shows there are practical steps to reduce intake while still enjoying your routine. In this solo episode of Extend, Dr. Darshan Shah, longevity expert and founder of Next Health, breaks down why smarter drinking is a key strategy for improving sleep, metabolism, and long-term wellbeing. He explains how alcohol impacts the body, from disrupting sleep and recovery to impairing executive function, metabolism, and reward pathways. Timing, pace, and intentional strategies are critical, and even small, consistent adjustments can create significant benefits over time. Dr. Shah shares actionable, science-backed strategies that can be implemented without disrupting your lifestyle. These include stopping drinking hours before bed, slowing your pace, pre-deciding limits, using behavioral substitutions, pairing alcohol with meals, avoiding sugary mixers, tracking intake, and leveraging medical tools like naltrexone or GLP-1 receptor agonists when appropriate. Small, consistent changes over weeks and months can have a major impact on overall health and recovery. What We Discuss: (00:00) Introduction: Why Smarter Drinking Matters for Health and Recovery (02:15) How Alcohol Impacts Sleep, Metabolism, and Reward Pathways (06:40) Timing and Pace: Stop Drinking Before Bed and Space Drinks Strategically (11:05) Pre-Deciding Limits and Using Behavioral Substitutions for Social Situations (15:30) Pairing Alcohol with Meals and Avoiding Sugary Mixers (20:12) Tracking Intake and Using Data to Make Sustainable Changes (24:45) Medical Tools: Naltrexone and GLP-1 Receptor Agonists for Support (29:30) Putting It All Together: Practical Strategies for Cutting Back Safely (33:55) Long-Term Benefits: Improved Recovery, Energy, and Overall Health   Thank You to Our Sponsors: IM8: Try IM8 today with a 30-day money back guarantee. You can get 10% off your first order with code DRSHAH at https://im8health.com/discount/DRSHAH.   Learn more about Dr. Shah: Website: https://www.drshah.com/ Clinic: https://www.next-health.com/ Instagram:@darshanshahmd  

Most people think weight loss is about discipline, calories, or finding the right medication. But what if the real issue is that we've misunderstood how hormones, digestion, and recovery actually regulate metabolism in the first place? In this episode of Extend, we sit down with registered dietitian Ashley Koff to unpack what GLP-1 medications are really doing in the body and why bariatric surgery revealed metabolic changes long before significant weight loss ever occurred. We explore incretin hormones, vagus nerve signaling, and why appetite, blood sugar, and inflammation are part of a much larger hormonal ecosystem. We also dive into the often-missed pieces of the GLP-1 conversation, including digestion, detoxification during fat loss, protein quality, and why offboarding plans matter as much as starting doses if you want long-term success without burnout or regain. Ashley Koff is a registered dietitian nutritionist and founder of The Better Nutrition Program. She has over two decades of experience supporting patients in bariatric care, metabolic health, and digestive optimization. She is the author of Your Best Shot, a practical guide to understanding weight health through a systems-based approach. What We Discuss:   (00:00) Why Weight Loss Fails When Hormones Are Ignored (05:42) What Bariatric Surgery Revealed About Metabolism (11:18) Incretin Hormones and Why GLP-1 Is Only One Piece (18:06) The Cost of Keeping Metabolic Signals Turned On (26:14) Fatigue on GLP-1s Is Not Just About Calories (34:22) What Happens When Fat Loss Releases Toxins (44:10) Why Coming Off GLP-1s Too Fast Leads to Regain (55:03) The Biggest Nutrition Mistakes During GLP-1 Therapy   Thank You to Our Sponsors: Timeline: Go to timeline.com/drshah to get 20% off your order.   Learn more about Dr. Shah: Website: https://www.drshah.com/ Clinic: https://www.next-health.com/ Instagram:@darshanshahmd   Learn more about Ashley Koff: Instagram: @ashleykoffapproved Website: www.thebetternutritionprogram.com Book: Your Best Shot  

How much control do you actually have over the toxins in your daily environment? Most people assume chemical exposure is unavoidable, but the science shows there are practical steps that can significantly reduce your toxic load. In this solo episode, we break down why environmental detoxification is a key strategy for protecting your long-term health and longevity. We walk you through the main sources of exposure, from household cleaners and cookware to synthetic fragrances and clothing materials. We explore how these toxins affect your hormones, immune system, and metabolism, and why resilience, genetics, and consistent habits determine how your body responds over time. We also share simple, actionable swaps and strategies that can be implemented gradually without overwhelming your daily life. This episode gives clear, actionable guidance for anyone who wants to reduce chemical exposure, support metabolic and hormonal health, and create a healthier living environment. Even small, consistent changes over weeks and months can have a major impact on overall wellbeing. What We Discuss: (00:00) Introduction: Why Environmental Toxins Matter for Health (01:50) How Chemicals Affect Hormones, Immunity, and Resilience (05:18) Common Household Sources: Pesticides, Cleaners, Fragrances, and Laundry Products (09:08) Kitchen and Food Storage: Plastics, Cookware, and Safe Alternatives (11:07) Home Environment: Shoes, Air Quality, Mattresses, and Furniture (14:28) Personal Care, Clothing, and Nighttime Exposure (16:27) Gradual Detox Strategies and Free Resources (18:20) Key Takeaways and Closing Thoughts   Thank You to Our Sponsors: IM8: Try IM8 today with a 30-day money back guarantee. You can get 10% off your first order with code DRSHAH at https://im8health.com/discount/DRSHAH.   Learn more about Dr. Shah: Website: https://www.drshah.com/ Clinic: https://www.next-health.com/ Instagram:@darshanshahmd  

Toxin exposure rarely announces itself loudly, yet it quietly shapes hormone balance, immune resilience, mood, and neurological health long before a diagnosis appears. The real tension lies in the fact that these exposures are largely invisible, normalized, and happening inside the very spaces meant to keep us safe. We dive deeper into this in the Extend podcast with Allison Evans. We also chat about the "toxic bucket" concept, why synthetic fragrance and harsh disinfectants can act as endocrine disruptors and neurotoxins, how asthma, fertility challenges, and chronic symptoms can be triggered by everyday products, and where to start removing toxic load without fear or overwhelm. Allison Evans is the co-founder of Branch Basics, a household and personal care brand focused on reducing everyday chemical exposure. She is an entrepreneur and health educator with a background in environmental and dietary health. Branch Basics products are sold online and at Target nationwide. Branch Basics: Use code DRSHAH20 at branchbasics.com to get 20% off from a selected list of products, including Ultimate Starter Kit, Premium Starter Kit, Cleaning Essentials Kit, Laundry Kit, Gel Hand Soap, Laundry Detergent. The offer is valid for first time buyers only through January 13, 2025. What We Discuss: (03:55) Why Toxin Exposure Is the Invisible Fourth Pillar of Health (05:10) How Everyday Symptoms Act as Early Warning Signals (17:45) The Toxic Bucket and Why Some Bodies Spill Over Faster (23:40) How Synthetic Fragrance Disrupts Hormones, Metabolism, and the Brain (29:50) Why Asthma and Anxiety Can Be Triggered by Household Chemicals (31:30) How Cleaning Products Can Make Indoor Air More Toxic Than Outdoors (38:45) Why Removing Toxins at Home Beats Expensive Biohacking (50:35) Why Laundry Detergent Is a Constant Source of Chemical Exposure (52:45) How Plastic Food Storage Disrupts Hormones and Metabolism (54:05) Why Fear Around Toxins Can Be More Harmful Than the Exposure   Thank You for Our Sponsors: IM8: Try IM8 today with a 30-day money back guarantee. You can get 10% off your first order with code DRSHAH at https://im8health.com/discount/DRSHAH. Vitaboom: For supplements you can trust and wellness solutions tailored to your health, visit https://vitaboom.com/   Learn more about Dr. Shah: Website: https://www.drshah.com/ Clinic: https://www.next-health.com/ Instagram:@darshanshahmd   Learn more about Allison Evans: Instagram: @branchbasics Website: www.branchbasics.com  

Most people think they're doing "enough" for their health, yet nearly 90% of Americans are metabolically unhealthy and don't know it. In this episode, I challenge outdated metrics like BMI, explain why sleep quality matters more than hours slept, and break down what actually moves the needle when it comes to long-term health. In this solo episode of EXTEND, I outline my five core health frameworks for 2026. I also walk through what it means to become the CEO of your own health, how to use simple biomarkers instead of guesswork, how to run personal N-of-1 experiments, and why muscle, sleep, and toxic exposure play a far bigger role in health than most people realize. What's Discussed: (00:00) How to Take Control of Your Health in 2026 (01:41) Becoming the CEO of Your Own Health Using Your Data (02:50) Why 90% of Americans Are Metabolically Unhealthy (07:41) Why Weight and BMI Are Misleading Health Metrics (11:40) The Key Biomarkers That Actually Matter (13:01) Why Sleep Quality Matters More Than Sleep Duration (16:09) How N-of-1 Experiments Remove Health Guesswork (18:09) The Hidden Health Impact of Everyday Toxic Exposure Sleep Optimization Workbook: https://www.drshah.com/sleep   Thank You for Our Sponsors: Timeline: Go to timeline.com/drshah to get 20% off your order.   Learn more about Dr. Shah: Website: https://www.drshah.com/ Clinic: https://www.next-health.com/ Instagram:@darshanshahmd  

Mental health is shaped by how well the brain produces energy, how well the nervous system remains under stress, and how effectively the mind adapts over time. When these systems begin to break down, problems often appear years before a diagnosis, showing up as anxiety, brain fog, distraction, burnout, or emotional dysregulation that are frequently treated in isolation.  This is a special Best Of episode of Extend, where I've compiled the most important insights from conversations with leaders examining mental health through neuroscience, metabolism, nervous system regulation, and mental training, including Jay Shetty, Dr. Chris Palmer, Jim Kwik, Maya Raichoora, and Gabby Bernstein.  These selected clips highlight why mental health cannot be reduced to brain chemistry alone, how metabolic dysfunction and chronic stress quietly impair brain energy, and why nervous system safety is foundational to healing. You'll hear how focus and mental fatigue are often physiological, how visualization and mindset influence neural pathways, and why regulation, meaning, and consistency matter more than quick fixes. By pulling together these key moments, this episode reflects the patterns I see repeatedly in practice and across these expert discussions, offering a clearer framework for supporting mental health early, when intervention is most effective and long-term resilience can be built.  What We Discuss: Jay Shetty, bestselling author and former monk, explores why mental health begins with inner alignment, how chronic stress is amplified by disconnection from values, and why vulnerability is a skill that deepens emotional resilience rather than a weakness. Dr. Chris Palmer, Harvard-trained psychiatrist and author of Brain Energy, explains why mental illness cannot be separated from metabolic health, how impaired brain energy drives symptoms like anxiety and depression, and why addressing mitochondrial and metabolic dysfunction changes outcomes. Jim Kwik, brain coach and author of Limitless, breaks down why brain fog, distraction, and mental fatigue are not character flaws, how modern habits drain cognitive energy, and what actually restores focus, memory, and mental clarity. Maya Raichoora, mental fitness expert and author of Visualize, explores how visualization rewires neural pathways, why the brain responds to imagined experiences as real, and how mental training can influence both cognitive performance and physical health. Gabby Bernstein, #1 New York Times bestselling author and podcast host, explains why nervous system safety is foundational to mental health, how emotional regulation directly affects inflammation and recovery, and why feeling safe in the body is essential for long-term resilience.   Thank You for Our Sponsors: NextHealth: NextHealth: Your destination for cutting-edge health optimization—from IV therapy to hormone balancing. Explore at https://www.next-health.com/   Learn more about Dr. Shah: Website: https://www.drshah.com/ Clinic: https://www.next-health.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/darshanshahmd/   Learn more about Jay Shetty: Website: https://www.jayshetty.me/  Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/jayshetty   Learn more about Dr. Chris Palmer: Website:  https://www.chrispalmermd.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrispalmermd    Learn more about Jim Kwik: Instagram: @jimkwik​ Facebook: @jimkwikofficial​Log in or sign up to view Twitter: @jimkwik​ YouTube: Jim Kwik Learn more about Maya Raichoora: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maya-raichoora/  Website: https://mayaraichoora.com/  Learn more about Gabby Bernstein: Instagram: @gabbybernstein Website: https://gabbybernstein.com/ Book: 7 Habits of a Super Attractor: Effortlessly Attract Your Desires   

Over the past year on Extend, I've had powerful conversations with experts who all kept pointing back to the same foundation: strength training. So in this episode, I'm bringing together a Best Of compilation featuring key moments from Andy Galpin, Vonda Wright, JJ Virgin, Louisa Nicola, and Kelly and Juliet Starrett to highlight why strength matters far beyond the gym. This episode explores strength training from every angle that truly impacts longevity. I break down why muscle is a metabolic engine, how bone health shapes aging decades before problems appear, and how strength and movement directly support brain health and cognitive performance. You'll also hear why mobility is a daily practice, not a workout add-on, and how small habits outside the gym often determine how strong, capable, and pain-free you stay over time. Across these clips, the message is clear: strength training isn't about aesthetics or chasing extremes. It's about building a body and brain that can adapt, recover, and thrive for decades. Whether your goal is longevity, injury prevention, better energy, or aging with confidence, this episode brings together the most important insights to help you train smarter and move better for life.   What We Discuss: (00:00) JJ Virgin, nutrition and fitness expert, explains why muscle is the foundation of metabolism, strength, and long-term vitality, and how protein intake and smart training support powerful aging. (00:00) Andy Galpin, human performance scientist, breaks down how personalized training and understanding individual physiology can help you build strength more effectively and recover like a pro athlete. (00:00) Dr. Vonda Wright, orthopedic surgeon and longevity expert, explores how strength training protects bone density, supports hormones, and reduces fracture risk as we age. (00:00) Louisa Nicola, neurophysiologist and performance coach, connects strength and movement to brain health, explaining how exercise supports cognition, reduces inflammation, and protects against neurodegeneration. (00:00) Kelly and Juliet Starrett, movement and mobility experts, share why daily mobility habits matter as much as workouts, and how strength, posture, and movement patterns shape longevity.   Thank You for Our Sponsors: Pendulum: You can go to pendulumlife.com and use my code EXTEND for 20% off your first membership order.   Learn more about Dr. Shah: Website: https://www.drshah.com/ Clinic: https://www.next-health.com/ Instagram:@darshanshahmd Learn more about Dr. Vonda Wright Website: https://www.drvondawright.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drvondawright Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrVondaWright   Learn more about Andy Galpin: Website:  https://www.andygalpin.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drandygalpin/ Learn more about JJ. Virgin: Website: https://jjvirgin.com/ Instagram: @jj.virgin Learn more about Louisa Nicola: Website: https://www.neuroathletics.com.au/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/louisanicola_ Learn more about Kelly and Juliet Starrett:  Website: https://thereadystate.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/julietstarrett/?hl=en  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thereadystate/?hl=en   

Metabolic health is the foundation that determines how your body produces energy, manages inflammation, regulates hormones, and protects you from chronic disease. When it breaks down, problems show up years later, long after the real warning signs were missed. This is a special Best Of episode of Extend, where I've compiled the most important insights from conversations with leaders in metabolic health and longevity, including Cynthia Thurlow, Ben Azadi, Dr. Mark Hyman, Casey Means, Josh Clemente, and Karan Rajan. These selected clips highlight why waiting for diabetes is far too late, how insulin resistance can quietly develop over years, and which biomarkers reveal metabolic dysfunction long before symptoms appear. You'll hear how glucose and insulin regulation influence gut health, inflammation, muscle mass, hormone balance, and brain and skin health. By pulling together these key moments, this episode reflects the patterns I see every day in clinic and across these expert discussions, offering a clearer framework for protecting metabolic health early, when intervention has the greatest impact. What's Discussed:  Cynthia Thurlow, nurse practitioner and metabolic health expert, explains why waiting for diabetes is far too late, how insulin resistance develops years before diagnosis, and which early biomarkers reveal true metabolic risk. Ben Azadi, metabolic health educator and author, breaks down why type 2 diabetes is preventable and reversible, how insulin resistance can exist for over a decade without abnormal blood sugar, and why fasting insulin is one of the most important labs to track. Dr. Mark Hyman, functional medicine physician and longevity leader, explores why insulin is rarely tested, how muscle loss accelerates metabolic decline, and why chronic disease shares common metabolic roots. Casey Means, physician and metabolic health advocate, connects metabolic dysfunction to modern lifestyle stressors, explains the core markers of metabolic syndrome, and shares why fewer than 7 percent of Americans meet optimal metabolic criteria. Josh Clemente, health technology innovator, discusses why continuous glucose monitoring offers real-time insight into metabolic health and how glucose regulation shapes long-term disease risk. Karan Rajan, surgeon and gut health educator, explains how the gut microbiome influences systemic inflammation, insulin sensitivity, skin health, and metabolic stability across the entire body. Thank You for Our Sponsors: IM8: Try IM8 today with a 30-day money back guarantee. You can get 10% off your first order with code DRSHAH at https://im8health.com/discount/DRSHAH. Vitaboom: For supplements you can trust and wellness solutions tailored to your health, visit https://vitaboom.com/   Learn more about Dr. Shah: Website: https://www.drshah.com/ Clinic: https://www.next-health.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/darshanshahmd/   Learn more about Karan Rajan:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drkaranrajan/  Website: https://www.drkaranrajan.com/   Learn more about Josh Clemente:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/josh.f.clemente/  Website: https://www.levelshealth.com/   Learn more about Dr. Mark Hyman:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drmarkhyman/  Website: https://drhyman.com/    Learn more about Casey Means: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drcaseyskitchen/  Website: https://www.caseymeans.com/   Learn more about Cynthia Thurlow:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cynthia_thurlow_/ Website: https://www.cynthiathurlow.com/    Learn more about Ben Azadi:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebenazadi/ Website: https://www.benazadi.com/   

What if the stress you feel every day is not a personal failure, but a biological response to how modern life pulls at your nervous system? In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Mayim Bialik to explore why so many people feel overwhelmed, distracted, and disconnected, even when they are doing everything they were told should make them happy. We talk about how stress lives in the body, how technology quietly rewires attention and dopamine, and why mental health cannot be separated from gut health, lifestyle, and human connection. Mayim shares her path from child actor to neuroscientist, how science and spirituality meet in real life, and why resilience is built through daily practices, not quick fixes. We also unpack trauma, attention, parenting in a digital world, and why learning to regulate your nervous system may matter more than any single intervention. This conversation is an invitation to slow down, reconnect with yourself, and remember that healing does not start with perfection. It starts with awareness. Dr. Mayim Bialik is a neuroscientist, actor, author, and mental health advocate. She holds a PhD in neuroscience from UCLA and is widely known for her role on The Big Bang Theory. Through her podcast and public work, she focuses on mental health, stress, spirituality, and making science accessible and human-centered.   What's Discussed: (00:00) Why Modern Stress Feels Different Today (06:12) How the Nervous System Responds to Daily Overload (12:45) Technology, Dopamine, and Attention Drift (18:30) The Hidden Biology Behind Feeling "Burned Out" (26:04) Gut Health and Mental Health: What We Now Understand (33:29) Trauma, Identity, and the Stories We Carry (41:52) Parenting, Boundaries, and Emotional Regulation (50:11) Building Real Resilience in a Distracted World   Thank You for Our Sponsors: IM8:  Try IM8 today with a 30-day money back guarantee. You can get 10% off your first order with code DRSHAH at https://im8health.com/discount/DRSHAH. Function Health: Learn more and join using my link. Visit www.functionhealth.com/drshah and use gift code DRSHAH25 for a $25 credit toward your membership.   Learn more about Dr. Shah: Website: https://www.drshah.com/ Clinic: https://www.next-health.com/ Instagram:@darshanshahmd   Learn more about Dr. Mayim Bialik: Podcast: Mayim Bialik's Breakdown Instagram: @missmayim Substack: Mayim Bialik's Breakdown