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Dr. David Rehkopf on Blue Zones

Death Clock

Release Date: 05/23/2025

Why You Should Get a DXA Scan show art Why You Should Get a DXA Scan

Death Clock

This week on Death Clock, Brent speaks with Dr. Gina Woods, an endocrinologist and osteoporosis specialist at UC San Diego, to demystify DXA scans and explain why bone density and body-composition testing matter for longevity. Dr. Woods walks through what a DXA actually measures, why visceral fat and low muscle mass can be invisible but metabolically dangerous, and how simple, practical steps can prevent decline. She also addresses barriers to wider screening, the difference between clinical DXA and walk-in body-composition scans, and why early testing can reveal silent bone loss that routine...

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More Effective than Steroids: Dr. Craig Heller on Thermoregulation and Muscle Performance show art More Effective than Steroids: Dr. Craig Heller on Thermoregulation and Muscle Performance

Death Clock

This week's guest is Dr. Craig Heller, a Stanford biology professor who has spent decades studying thermoregulation, circadian rhythms, and human performance. Dr. Heller explains his groundbreaking discovery that cooling specific hairless surfaces of the body (the palms, soles, and face) can dramatically extend endurance, strength, and recovery. From enabling athletes to push past muscle failure to offering practical solutions for both heat exhaustion and hypothermia, his research has profound implications for training, competition, and even medical recovery. It’s a fascinating conversation...

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What to Expect from a Psychedelic Experience show art What to Expect from a Psychedelic Experience

Death Clock

In this episode, Brent speaks with Dr. Matthew Johnson about the use of psychedelic therapy for enhancing mental health. Dr. Johnson is a Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Johns Hopkins University and most recently a Senior Investigator in Psychedelics at Sheppard Pratt further. The discussion spans the fundamental aspects of these substances, their application in therapy, and what one can expect from a psychedelic experience. This conversation sheds light on the preparation required prior to embarking on such a journey, offers detailed insights on dosage and the experience...

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Why Your Microbiome Might Be the Key to a Longer Life show art Why Your Microbiome Might Be the Key to a Longer Life

Death Clock

In this episode, Brent sits down with Dr. B. Brett Finlay, a microbiologist at the University of British Columbia, to talk about the human microbiome. They explore how the trillions of microbes living in and on us affect everything from immunity to aging, why diversity is key to long-term health, and how diet, environment, and everyday habits can shape our microbial communities. Dr. Finlay also discusses the risks of over-sanitization, the promise of microbiome therapies, and what we can do now to better support our “second genome.” It’s a great conversation, hope you enjoy.

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Redefining Exercise Through Acceptance and Commitment Therapy with Dr. Diana Hill show art Redefining Exercise Through Acceptance and Commitment Therapy with Dr. Diana Hill

Death Clock

In this episode of Death Clock, Brent speaks with Dr. Diana Hill, psychologist, author, and host of the Wise Effort podcast. They explore the intersection of movement and psychological flexibility, drawing from Dr. Hill’s book, I Know I Should Exercise, But…. She explains how Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) can help people overcome mental barriers to exercise, shifting the focus from rigid workout routines to a broader view of movement as a way to align with personal values. Dr. Hill shares her personal journey with eating disorders and perfectionism, illustrating how movement,...

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Processing the Loss of a Child with Nikki Mark show art Processing the Loss of a Child with Nikki Mark

Death Clock

This week, Brent sits down with Nikki Mark, author of Tommy’s Field: A Story of Love, Loss, and Transformation. Nikki shares the heartbreaking story of losing her 12-year-old son, Tommy, who went to sleep one night and did not wake up. She reflects on life before this tragedy, her close bond with Tommy, and how this unimaginable loss reshaped her world. As Nikki recounts her path forward, she describes the journey of creating Tommy’s Field, a community soccer field in Los Angeles, as a tribute to her son’s spirit. Through this project, Nikki found a way to honor Tommy’s love for play...

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Managing Parkinson’s and Pre-Diabetes with Dr. Richard Maurer show art Managing Parkinson’s and Pre-Diabetes with Dr. Richard Maurer

Death Clock

In this episode, Brent sits down with Dr. Richard Maurer, a naturopathic doctor and author of The Blood Code, a book about metabolic health. They discuss markers like A1C, LDL, HDL, triglycerides, and how these impact risks for conditions such as diabetes and heart disease. Dr. Maurer shares his personal journey of reversing prediabetes and provides actionable insights on diet, exercise, and maintaining a balance between endurance and weight training to optimize health. The conversation then shifts to Dr. Maurer’s approach to his Parkinson’s diagnosis. With a focus on information,...

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Your Brain on Altruism with Nicole Karlis show art Your Brain on Altruism with Nicole Karlis

Death Clock

This week on Death Clock, Brent speaks with journalist and author Nicole Karlis about the connection between altruism and longevity. Nicole, author of Your Brain on Altruism, shares research-backed insights into how acts of kindness, generosity, and volunteering can positively impact both mental and physical health. They discuss how altruism isn’t just about helping others – it also fosters a sense of purpose, strengthens community ties, and can even contribute to a longer, healthier life. Brent and Nicole explore the science behind these benefits, including studies showing that people who...

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How to Stay Ahead of Cancer with Dr. Diane Reidy-Lagunes show art How to Stay Ahead of Cancer with Dr. Diane Reidy-Lagunes

Death Clock

This week, Brent welcomes Dr. Diane Reidy-Lagunes, a clinical oncologist at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, specializing in gastrointestinal cancers such as neuroendocrine, colorectal, and pancreas cancers. They discuss the cutting-edge landscape of cancer prevention and early detection, full-body scans, blood-based cancer screenings, and lifestyle interventions. Dr. Reidy-Lagunes goes in depth on the complexities of cancer biology, the role of genetic versus lifestyle factors, and the emerging field of microbiome research in understanding cancer risk. This episode is an essential...

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Can Your Diet Cure Cancer? Dr. Thomas Seyfried Explains the Metabolic Theory show art Can Your Diet Cure Cancer? Dr. Thomas Seyfried Explains the Metabolic Theory

Death Clock

In this episode of Death Clock, Brent talks with Dr. Thomas Seyfried, an impassioned biologist and leading voice in the metabolic theory of cancer. Seyfried argues that the origins of cancer lie not in mutations, but in dysfunctional mitochondria, and that treating cancer as a metabolic disease opens the door to radically different therapies. They explore the promise and pitfalls of ketogenic diets, fasting, and metabolic interventions, and challenge conventional thinking on everything from chemo to cancer screening. Hope you enjoy.

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More Episodes

In this episode of Death Clock, Brent is joined by epidemiologist David Rehkopf to unpack the science behind “Blue Zones”—regions of the world where people live significantly longer than average. They dive into what these places have in common, how public policy and inequality impact life expectancy, and whether it’s possible to build healthier communities by design. It’s a conversation about environment, economics, and the invisible factors shaping how—and how long—we live. He’s a wonderful guest, hope you enjoy.