Longevity by Design

In this episode of Longevity by Design, host Dr. Gil Blander sits down with Dr. Ronjon Nag, Adjunct Professor in Genetics at Stanford School of Medicine and President of the R42 Group, for a wide-ranging conversation on how artificial intelligence is reshaping health, medicine, and longevity science.

Ronjon makes the case for systems thinking as a necessary framework for understanding aging, arguing that health emerges from complex interactions rather than isolated interventions. He explains how objective data—ranging from blood biomarkers to wearable-derived signals—can be integrated to guide better decisions, cut through conflicting health advice, and personalize interventions. The discussion also explores how AI is becoming a foundational tool, increasingly as ubiquitous as spreadsheets, enabling researchers, clinicians, and individuals to organize, connect, and interpret fragmented health data.

The conversation then turns to AI’s expanding role in drug discovery, personalized health insights, and ambitious efforts such as vaccines targeting aging biology. Along the way, Ronjon examines both the promise and the limitations of these approaches, emphasizing why interdisciplinary, data-driven methods—and clear thinking about causation, risk, and uncertainty—are essential for extending healthspan and improving long-term outcomes.

Guest-at-a-Glance
💡 Name: Dr. Ronjon Nag
💡 What he does: Adjunct Professor in Genetics
💡 Company: Stanford School of Medicine, and the R42 Group
💡 Where to find him:https://www.linkedin.com/in/ronjonnag
 
Episode highlights:
[00:00:00]: Introduction
[00:06:40]: Lifelong learning and transition to teaching longevity science
[00:08:03]: Data science and AI in healthcare decision-making
[00:09:54]: Applying financial risk models to medical innovation
[00:11:52]: Venture investing in AI and longevity science
[00:13:29]: Inventing in aging, eye disease, and AI-driven life sciences
[00:15:48]: Impact of AI on the job market and computer science careers
[00:16:26]: Systems thinking in health and aging
[00:18:06]: Causation, correlation, and evidence in lifestyle science
[00:21:00]: Wearables, self-tracking, and feedback loops in health
[00:23:31]: Continuous health monitoring and behavioral change
[00:25:12]: Blood biomarkers as objective health feedback
[00:27:15]: AI’s future impact on biology, aging research, and lifespan
[00:29:03]: Language models, context windows, and the nature of AI intelligence
[00:32:03]: Empathy, ambition, and programming values into AI
[00:34:39]: Guardrails, regulation, and global risks of AI
[00:36:41]: Real-world applications of AI in health and longevity today
[00:39:13]: Integrating fragmented health data and building digital twins
[00:43:23]: Modeling human biology and the future of digital twins
[00:46:36]: AI limitations, hallucinations, and learning from mistakes
[00:48:14]: Risks and limitations of AI in healthcare and medicine
[00:51:13]: AI as collaborator for patients, clinicians, and scientists
[00:55:32]: Longevity ventures: vaccine for aging and food-based GLP-1
[01:09:38]: Fast food, processed foods, and public health
[01:10:03]: Rapid-fire: daily habits, overhyped interventions, and final advice
[01:16:59]: Closing remarks and episode wrap-up
For science-backed ways to live a healthier, longer life, download InsideTracker's Top 5 biomarkers for longevity eBook at insidetracker.com/podcast
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In this episode of Longevity by Design, host Dr. Gil Blander sits down with Dr. Wei-Wu, Executive Chairman at Human Longevity, Inc. Together, they explore how advances in genome sequencing, AI, and multi-layered diagnostics are changing the fight against age-related diseases. Wei-Wu shares why understanding your own genetic risks and combining them with other health data leads to better prevention and a longer healthspan.

Wei-Wu explains the value of integrating genome sequencing, advanced imaging, and liquid biopsy to catch diseases like cancer early, before symptoms appear. He draws on real-world examples, including how combining different tests can spot cancers that single methods might miss. The conversation highlights how technology brings down costs, making once-rare insights widely available, and how each person stands to benefit from personalized risk profiles.

The episode closes with practical advice: use today’s tools to become the CEO of your own health. Wei-Wu urges listeners to embrace data-driven, individualized care and stresses that no single tool or habit holds all the answers. Instead, true longevity comes from a holistic, ongoing approach, one that uses all available knowledge to prevent disease and extend both life and health.

Guest-at-a-Glance
💡 Name: Dr. Wei-Wu
💡 What he does: Executive Chairman
💡 Company: Human Longevity, Inc.
💡 Noteworthy: Known for leading advances in genomics, precision medicine, and early disease detection by integrating AI, genome sequencing, and multi-omics data.
💡 Where to find him: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wei-wu-he-ph-d-he-him-b6957313/
 
Episode highlights:

[00:00:00]: Introduction
[00:01:06]: Background in Genomics and Precision Medicine
[00:04:13]: Early Influences and Motivation for Longevity Research
[00:06:12]: Lessons from a Longevity Mentor
[00:08:11]: Academic Journey and Early Biomarker Research
[00:09:18]: Transition from Academia to Industry
[00:10:40]: Breakthroughs in Biomarker Approval and Commercialization
[00:11:15]: Connecting Genotype and Phenotype
[00:11:49]: Human Genome Sequencing: Cost and Innovation
[00:13:28]: Shotgun Sequencing and the Race to Decode the Genome
[00:14:39]: Linking Genes to Disease Risk
[00:15:39]: Advances in Genome Sequencing Technology
[00:16:56]: Biomarkers for Early Cancer Detection
[00:18:49]: Improving Prostate Cancer Detection with Multi-Modal Data
[00:20:30]: Personalized vs. Statistical Medicine
[00:22:11]: The Symphony of Longevity Care
[00:23:05]: Pap Smear and Cervical Cancer Screening
[00:24:39]: Vaccination and Cancer Prevention Progress
[00:26:00]: Global Disparities in Cancer Outcomes
[00:27:07]: Translating Scientific Breakthroughs to Population Health
[00:28:24]: The Value of Universal Genome Sequencing
[00:29:18]: Impact of Monogenic Diseases and Newborn Screening
[00:31:27]: Polygenic Risk Scores and Disease Prediction
[00:34:47]: Evolving Genomic Knowledge and Ongoing Discovery
[00:38:07]: The Case for Sequencing as a Lifelong Investment
[00:44:30]: Cancer Prevention and the Titanic Analogy
[00:50:08]: Multi-Modal Cancer Detection: Genetics, Imaging, and Liquid Biopsy
[00:57:24]: Advances and Limits of Genome Sequencing Technology
[00:58:10]: Liquid Biopsy for Early Cancer Detection
[01:01:28]: Integrating Data for High-Accuracy Cancer Prediction
[01:03:41]: Multi-Diagnostic Approach in Clinical Practice
[01:07:49]: Quick-Fire Round: Personal Biomarkers and Longevity Habits
[01:15:41]: The Myth of Single Solutions in Longevity
[01:15:51]: Embracing Data-Driven Longevity and AI
[01:19:59]: Closing Remarks and Takeaways

For science-backed ways to live a healthier, longer life, download InsideTracker's Top 5 biomarkers for longevity eBook at insidetracker.com/podcast

In this episode of Longevity by Design, host Dr. Gil Blander sits down with Dalia Blander and Eprihm Blander, his parents, who are thriving in their nineties. Gil explores the daily routines, food choices, and mindsets that have kept Dalia and Eprihm active, independent, and healthy well into later life.

Dalia and Eprihm share how simple habits like regular movement, home-cooked meals, and a Mediterranean diet have shaped their health. They talk about the power of walking, gardening, and staying busy with meaningful work. Both value strong family ties and regular contact with friends, crediting these connections as key to their sense of purpose. Dalia highlights the importance of curiosity, reading, and keeping her mind sharp, while Eprihm stays engaged by helping with family business and learning new things.

Together, they show that a positive outlook, daily activity, and strong relationships are at the heart of a long, fulfilling life.
 
 
Episode highlights:

[00:00:00]: Introduction
[00:01:04]: Episode Overview and Purpose
[00:01:50]: Guest Backgrounds
[00:02:45]: Approach to Interview and Method
[00:03:34]: Early Life and Childhood Environment
[00:04:17]: Childhood Diet and Physical Activity
[00:05:11]: Influence of Upbringing on Long-Term Health
[00:05:35]: Family Longevity and Genetic Background
[00:06:23]: Adult Life, Careers, and Daily Routines
[00:07:19]: Diet and Lifestyle in Adulthood
[00:07:43]: Attitudes Toward Health and Longevity
[00:08:31]: Habits Around Food, Sleep, and Exercise
[00:09:15]: Stress Management Approaches
[00:10:17]: Coping with Health Challenges and Positive Attitude
[00:11:37]: Daily Life and Routines in Their Nineties
[00:13:44]: Morning Routines and Keeping Active
[00:14:19]: Mental Engagement and Cognitive Health
[00:14:50]: Dietary Habits and Food Choices
[00:15:03]: Sources of Joy and Purpose
[00:15:27]: Mindset, Relationships, and Emotional Health
[00:16:38]: Social Connections and Family Importance
[00:17:01]: Role of Humor, Gratitude, and Curiosity
[00:17:35]: Attitude’s Impact on Health and Longevity
[00:17:58]: Advice for Younger Generations
[00:18:43]: Quick Fire Round: Daily Habits and Myths About Aging
[00:19:57]: Closing Reflections and Key Takeaways
[00:20:25]: Outro and Farewell

For science-backed ways to live a healthier, longer life, download InsideTracker's Top 5 biomarkers for longevity eBook at insidetracker.com/podcast
 
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In this episode of Longevity by Design, host Dr. Gil Blander sits down with Dr. Emeran Mayer, Executive Director at the UCLA Center for Neurobiology of Stress and Resilience and founder of Mayer Interconnected. They explore the science behind the gut-brain connection and its role in shaping health and longevity.

Emeran explains how signals flow between the brain, gut, and microbiome, influencing everything from digestion to emotions. He breaks down how modern diets, especially ultra-processed foods, disrupt the natural balance between humans and gut microbes—a relationship refined over thousands of years. The conversation highlights why early life exposure to antibiotics can have lasting effects on microbiome resilience, and how lifestyle choices like diet and exercise remain powerful tools for supporting gut-brain health at any age.

The discussion closes with a look toward the future of gut-brain science, including engineered probiotics and the promise of more targeted therapies. Emeran shares practical habits for better gut-brain health and cautions against quick-fix “biohacking,” encouraging a return to whole foods, movement, and mindful living.

Guest-at-a-Glance
💡 Name: Emeran Mayer
💡 What he does: Executive Director and Founder
💡 Company: Mayer Interconnected
💡 Noteworthy: Internationally recognized for his research on the gut-brain-microbiome connection, with deep expertise in how diet, emotion, and microbes shape lifelong health.
💡 Where to find him: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emeranmayer/

 
Episode highlights:

[00:00:00]: Introduction
[00:01:04]: Background in Gut–Brain Science
[00:03:04]: Early Influences and Career Path
[00:06:07]: Focus on Irritable Bowel Syndrome
[00:07:28]: Defining Irritable Bowel Syndrome
[00:08:40]: Evolving Understanding and Treatment of IBS
[00:10:22]: How the Gut and Brain Communicate
[00:13:32]: Sensation, Pain, and Visceral Hypersensitivity
[00:15:29]: Attention, Perception, and the Role of the Brain
[00:17:06]: Regulation of Sensitivity and Interventions
[00:18:25]: Bidirectional Brain–Gut System
[00:19:40]: Hormonal Signaling from Gut to Brain
[00:22:06]: Shared Biological Language of Gut, Brain, and Microbes
[00:24:08]: Microbiome’s Role in Gut–Brain Communication
[00:26:16]: Systems Biology and Complexity in Human Health
[00:29:01]: Evolution, Symbiosis, and Environmental Mismatch
[00:31:41]: Impact of Ultra-Processed Foods
[00:36:16]: Restoring Gut–Brain Health Through Diet and Lifestyle
[00:37:16]: Emotions and Their Effects on Gut Function
[00:42:03]: Antibiotics, Microbiome Resilience, and Early Life Impact
[00:46:25]: Aging, Microbiome, and Environmental Factors
[00:49:33]: Future Directions in Gut–Brain Science
[00:51:54]: Bioengineered Probiotics and Therapeutic Potential
[00:56:00]: Rapid Fire: Habits, Foods, and Beliefs for Gut–Brain Health
[01:00:31]: Closing Remarks and Takeaways

We Appreciate You!
As a token of our gratitude, we’re excited to offer you 15% off your next purchase. Simply click the link below to redeem your discount: https://info.insidetracker.com/podcast

For science-backed ways to live a healthier, longer life, download InsideTracker's Top 5 biomarkers for longevity eBook at insidetracker.com/podcast

In this episode of Longevity by Design, host Dr. Gil Blander sits down with Dr. Albert-László Barabási, Professor at Northeastern University, to explore how networks shape health, aging, and nutrition. Barabási explains how biological and social networks influence resilience, robustness, and our ability to recover from stress or disease. He describes aging as a gradual loss of resilience, where the body becomes less able to bounce back from small disruptions.

The conversation moves into the world of nutrition, where Barabási introduces the concept of “nutritional dark matter.” He argues that food contains thousands of little-known molecules, many of which play key roles in health but remain largely unmapped and unstudied. Barabási breaks down how these compounds, especially those found in plants, support cellular function far beyond the traditional nutrients listed on food labels.

The episode closes with a look at ultra-processed foods and their link to disease risk. Barabási shares new research tools that can help people evaluate what they eat and make smarter choices. Throughout, he reminds listeners that strong connections, between cells, foods, and people, are at the heart of long, healthy lives.

 
 

Guest-at-a-Glance
 
💡 Name: Albert-László Barabási
💡 What he does: Professor of Network Science
💡 Company: Northeastern University
💡 Noteworthy: Known for pioneering network science, the Barabási–Albert model, and research linking complex networks to human health, aging, and nutrition.
💡 Where to find him: https://www.linkedin.com/in/albert-laszlo-barabasi-264060165
💡 Guest Lab Website: https://barabasi.com/

 
 
Episode highlights:

[00:00:00]: Introduction
[00:01:53]: Early Journey from Physics to Network Science
[00:02:57]: Statistical Physics and Complex Systems
[00:05:01]: Discovering Networks in Everyday Life
[00:07:19]: Network Medicine and Disease Spread
[00:08:28]: Robustness in Networks
[00:11:16]: Resilience in Networks and Real-World Systems
[00:14:31]: Biological and Ecological Examples of Resilience
[00:17:42]: Fixed Points, Tipping Points, and System Collapse
[00:18:45]: Applying Network Theory to Aging
[00:21:10]: Modeling Aging as Loss of Resilience
[00:23:02]: Explaining the Resilience Framework for Aging
[00:26:09]: Disease, Aging, and System Perturbations
[00:27:43]: Lifestyle Factors and Biological Age
[00:29:19]: Epigenetic Reprogramming and Longevity Potential
[00:33:41]: Nutrition, Food Networks, and Nutritional Dark Matter
[00:34:41]: Mapping Food Molecules and Network Medicine
[00:38:02]: Polyphenols and the Role of Plant Chemicals
[00:42:14]: Cataloging Food Chemistry and the Need for a Food Genome Project
[00:44:57]: Food Molecules as Drug Candidates
[00:48:38]: Ultra-Processed Foods and Health Risks
[00:53:54]: Measuring and Identifying Ultra-Processed Foods
[00:57:55]: Comparing Food Processing Methods
[01:02:26]: Rapid-Fire Questions: Network Concepts, Diet, and Longevity
[01:07:18]: Key Takeaway and Closing Remarks

We Appreciate You!
As a token of our gratitude, we’re excited to offer you 15% off your next purchase. Simply click the link below to redeem your discount: https://info.insidetracker.com/podcast

For science-backed ways to live a healthier, longer life, download InsideTracker's Top 5 biomarkers for longevity eBook at insidetracker.com/podcast