Chasing Life

How does our relationship with nature affect our health, for better and worse? Dr. Sanjay Gupta explores this idea by pulling from personal experience as a physician, a journalist, and a father. First, he speaks with Dr. Melissa Lem, president of the Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment. And later, Britt Wray, a mental health researcher and author of Generation Dread: Finding Purpose in an Age of Climate Anxiety. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 18 April 2025

The decades-long practice of adding fluoride to drinking water is under fire. On this week’s Paging Dr. Gupta, we're sinking our teeth into the latest science, and what that means for you or your family’s dental health.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 15 April 2025

Americans are protein obsessed, but should we be? Renowned nutritionist Dr. Tim Spector sits down with Dr. Sanjay Gupta to share why the focus on protein may mean we’re missing out on another crucial nutrient. Plus, Spector weighs in on other health fads, from low-fat foods to seed oils.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 11 April 2025

If you’ve ever found yourself at a market with questions about organic foods, you're not alone. We'll tackle that subject on today’s Paging Dr. Gupta and take another call about how to stay up to date on the measles vaccine and other shots at any age. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 8 April 2025

We often talk about exercise in the context of cardio or strength training, but there's another pillar of fitness that is especially important as we age: mobility. Dr. Sanjay Gupta sits down with Dr. Kelly Starrett, physical therapist and co-author of “Built To Move: The Ten Essential Habits to Move Freely and Live Fully,” to break down what mobility is, why it's important, and how we can in fact become more mobile and live pain-free.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 4 April 2025

Can the way you organize your space affect your mood? Dr. Sanjay Gupta answers a listener’s question about clutter and mental health. Plus, do blue light glasses really work? We break down the science behind digital eye strain and what actually helps.    If you want to hear more from therapist KC Davis, check out our episode Is There Such a Thing as the Organized Brain?  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 1 April 2025

Most of us try to avoid stress at all costs. But Dr. Sharon Bergquist, author of ‘The Stress Paradox,’ says too little stress can be just as bad for you. Berquist sits down with Dr. Sanjay Gupta to explain the surprising science behind how some stress can make you healthier, and the steps you can take to harness it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 28 March 2025

Most of us try to avoid stress at all costs. But Dr. Sharon Bergquist, author of ‘The Stress Paradox,’ says too little stress can be just as bad for you. Bergquist sits down with Dr. Sanjay Gupta to explain the surprising science behind how some stress can make you healthier, and the steps you can take to harness it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 28 March 2025

Ever find yourself staring at cooking oils in the store, wondering which ones are actually good for you? Dr. Sanjay Gupta clears up the confusion on which oils are healthier. Plus, how much water do you really need each day? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 25 March 2025

Research shows that kids are starting puberty earlier than ever, with the average age now beginning at 8 for girls and 9 for boys. But what does this mean for their long-term health? Sanjay sits down with Dr. Cara Natterson, a pediatrician and expert on adolescent health, to discuss the implications of early puberty, what's driving the shift, and what anyone with a young person in their life needs to know to navigate this crucial time.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 21 March 2025

It’s been five years since Covid-19 was declared a pandemic, but for some, the symptoms are still lingering—just how common is that? Plus, if you’ve ever wondered whether natural deodorant is really better for you, Dr. Sanjay Gupta weighs in.    Want to learn more about personal hygiene habits? Check out our episode, 'One Doctor's Decision to Stop Showering’ or read the article, ‘How often should you shower? Advice from a doctor who bucked social norms.’  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 18 March 2025

The Covid-19 pandemic unleashed a new level of conspiracy theories and medical misinformation that some dubbed an ‘infodemic.’ Science influencer and infectious disease researcher Laurel Bristow made a name online de-bunking false claims. Now, five years after COVID was declared a pandemic, she joins Dr. Sanjay Gupta to talk about her new approach to spotting shoddy science.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 14 March 2025

Pneumonia is a serious threat; what can you do to lower your risk? Plus, for all the night owls out there, Dr. Sanjay Gupta answers a listener’s question: are your late-night habits lazy, or is there actual science behind them? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 11 March 2025

What can a doctor learn from becoming a patient? That’s what Dr. Bobby Mukkamala, a surgeon and president-elect of the American Medical Association, set his mind on when he was diagnosed with a brain tumor last year. Dr. Sanjay Gupta sits down with his old friend, before and after surgery, to see what Mukkamala’s experience taught him about U.S. healthcare being on the other side of the stethoscope.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 7 March 2025

Have you ever been told to let hot food cool before putting it in the fridge? And what about those "microwave-safe" plastic containers—are they actually safe? Dr. Sanjay Gupta weighs in on these common kitchen debates. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 4 March 2025

We haven’t talked much about measles since it was declared eliminated in the United States in 2000. But measles is one of the most contagious viruses on the planet, and lower vaccination rates have given it a chance to spread—just like we’re seeing in West Texas. Dr. Sanjay Gupta traveled there to find out how the outbreak started, what’s being done to contain it, and how the community is coping.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 28 February 2025

Measles was considered eliminated in the United States in 2000 — so why is it making a comeback? Dr. Sanjay Gupta reports from West Texas where there’s a growing outbreak to answer your pressing questions on the virus and explain how to protect yourself and your family. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 25 February 2025

We’ve all heard that so-called “ultraprocessed” foods aren’t great for us—but why? It turns out scientists are still trying to figure that out. Dr. Sanjay Gupta sits down with his friend and colleague, CNN’s Meg Tirrell, to talk about her recent visit to the National Institutes of Health, where researchers are studying the effects of these foods in ways that could shape future food policy and change how we shop.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 21 February 2025

Big news in pain management, the FDA has approved a new opioid-free pain medication. So how is it different from what’s already out there? Plus, if you missed your flu shot in the fall, is it still worth getting one now? Dr. Sanjay Gupta answers your questions! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 18 February 2025

No, you’re not petty for feeling jealous. Research shows humans experience this emotion even before they can crawl. CNN chief medical correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta sits down with psychologist Dr. Joli Hamilton to demystify jealousy and why the complex emotion is not only natural but could actually be beneficial.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 14 February 2025

Curious about intermittent fasting? Dr. Sanjay Gupta answers a listener’s question by breaking down the science and shares his own experience. Plus, with cruise season in full swing, he shares essential tips to help you avoid norovirus and stay healthy on your next vacation.    For a deeper dive into intermittent fasting, check out our episode, “Do Diets Really Work?” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 11 February 2025

What if staying motivated wasn’t about willpower, but strategy? ADHD coach Eric Tivers created the Dopamenu, a personalized menu of small, satisfying activities designed to boost focus, motivation, and well-being. He joins Dr. Sanjay Gupta to explain how this simple strategy helped him manage ADHD and why it might work for anyone.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 7 February 2025

You can find mocktails on just about any menu these days, but can you enjoy the trend without the sugar overload? Dr. Sanjay Gupta answers a listener’s question and shares tips from a mixologist on crafting healthier zero-proof drinks. Want to learn more about alcohol's health impacts? Check out our episode, 'Your Shame-Free Guide to Cutting Back on Booze.’  Need inspiration? Discover 32 of the best nonalcoholic drinks for Dry January and beyond.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 4 February 2025

Trauma has become a buzzword in the zeitgeist over the years, but do we really understand what it means and how it impacts the body? Dr. Sanjay Gupta sits down with psychiatrist Dr. Bessel van der Kolk, author of The Body Keeps the Score, to explore what both psychologists and the public often get wrong about trauma—and why he believes our bodies hold the key to healing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 31 January 2025

Dr. James Hamblin stopped taking regular showers. And no, he didn’t stink. The doctor and journalist joins Dr. Sanjay Gupta to explain why he set out to challenge this social norm and the science behind doing less to stay clean.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 24 January 2025

Boredom – it’s a state many of us try to avoid. But, in a world full of distractions, maybe it’s time to embrace boredom as a way to spark creativity and reclaim our attention. Dr. Sanjay Gupta sits down with cognitive neuroscientist James Danckert to explore how boredom affects our health and why it can actually be the motivational jumpstart you need.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 17 January 2025

It’s the new year, a time when so many of us set out to do more, be better. It can feel overwhelming, and most resolutions end up broken. So what if this year, you tried something different? Dr. Sanjay Gupta sets out to explore surprising ways we can all let go in the new year and still live healthier and happier lives. He kicks this journey off with a conversation about letting go of perfectionism, without lowering your standards.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 10 January 2025

Yes, drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro can help people lose weight, but at what cost? Dr. Sanjay Gupta explores why these drugs may not be the right fit for everyone. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 3 January 2025

Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro, are being called “miracle drugs” with users boasting about their fast results. Dr. Sanjay Gupta takes a deep dive into how they disrupted the entire weight loss industry and changed the conversation about obesity.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 27 December 2024

Faith and science may often seem at odds with one another, but renowned geneticist and former NIH director, Dr. Francis Collins, says that he actually sees science as a form of worship. He talks with Dr. Sanjay Gupta about how he’s interrogated his own beliefs around religion and what he says science can’t measure. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 20 December 2024

Holiday party season is upon us. But before you reach for that second cocktail (or third), let’s take a look at the science behind what alcohol actually does to our bodies. Plus, we'll unpack the rise of the mocktail movement and whether ‘Dry January’ actually works. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 13 December 2024

Microplastics are everywhere — from the ocean to our bloodstream — raising urgent questions about their impact on human health. How concerned should we really be? Sanjay sits down with Dr. Leonardo Trasande, the Director of Environmental Pediatrics at NYU School of Medicine, to talk about how to realistically reduce our exposure and the future of combating microplastics. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 6 December 2024

Conspiracy theories can take many forms, from misgivings about the first moon landing to false claims that the 2020 election was stolen. These kinds of beliefs are nothing new, but social media has helped make many of them more mainstream. As anyone who’s tried to reason with a conspiracy theorist knows, it’s hard to debunk such deeply held beliefs – and arguing with a loved one about them can be emotionally taxing. What if an AI chatbot could help? A recent study, published in Science, asked that very question — and the results were surprising. Thomas Costello, an assistant professor of psychology at American University and co-author of the study, breaks down the findings. Follow Terms of Service, wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 29 November 2024

Food recalls seem to be making headlines more than ever. This summer, a major recall of roughly 7.2 million pounds of Boar's Head deli meats due to listeria raised serious concerns and sent 59 people to the hospital and resulted in 10 deaths. More recently, E. coli outbreaks linked to organic carrots and slivered onions in McDonald's quarter pounders brought the issue back into focus, Sanjay sits down with food safety expert Dr. Don Schaffner to explore why recalls happen and the steps you can take to keep your family safe. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 22 November 2024

In this intimate finale of a two-part special, Dr. Sanjay Gupta decides to find out his own risk of Alzheimer’s disease. As he confronts his own genetic markers and lifestyle factors, Sanjay breaks down the science behind Alzheimer’s risk and explores what steps might slow down the disease. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 15 November 2024

For the nearly 7 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s, progress on treatments has felt painfully slow and incremental at best…until now. Dr. Sanjay Gupta traveled the country meeting people who have slowed, prevented, and in some cases even reversed the spread of Alzheimer’s. These are their stories. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 8 November 2024

In a world marked by war and political polarization, it can certainly feel at times like we have all lost touch with the art of compromise – the wisdom to recognize that real progress demands sacrifice. Except, that’s not entirely true. Dr. Sanjay Gupta sits down with social psychologist Peter T. Coleman, author of “The Way Out: How to Overcome Toxic Polarization,” to discuss the fundamentals of navigating difficult conversations, how our brains evolved to handle conflict, and why reaching a compromise is not always the best solution. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 1 November 2024

Americans are sugar obsessed. Can we cut back without making life feel less sweet? This Halloween, sugar studies expert Laura Schmidt shares tips for taming your sweet tooth. Plus, why she says we need to stop debating if sugar is addictive. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 25 October 2024

Sara Sidner is a hard-hitting CNN journalist. Ananda Lewis is a content creator and former 90s MTV host. Both are living with breast cancer. Both are also the best friends of CNN's Stephanie Elam who asked them to sit down and talk – and get real – about their fears, their determination and their newfound joy after this devastating diagnosis. In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Chasing Life brings you this special conversation between three friends about a journey that is all too familiar for so many.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 18 October 2024

Overwhelmed, stressed, constantly anxious – that's life as a parent, right? If you feel this way, the good and bad news is that you’re not alone. CNN’s Chief Medical Dr. Sanjay Gupta, a father of three teenage girls, turns to parenting expert Dr. Becky Kennedy – known online simply as ‘Dr. Becky’ -- for advice. And they get personal. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 11 October 2024

The brain is one of the most complex and mysterious organs in our body, and neurosurgeons are at the forefront of unraveling its secrets. But what’s it really like behind the scenes in the operating room, and how do neurosurgeons view the brain’s deepest mysteries? Sanjay sits down with Dr. Theodore Schwartz, a leading neurosurgeon and author of Gray Matters, to delve into the personal experiences that have shaped their careers, explore the impact of AI on brain surgery, and how their work pushes the boundaries of what we know about the human mind. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 4 October 2024

The U.S. government recently proposed rescheduling cannabis from a Schedule I to a Schedule III drug — basically signaling it has some accepted medical use and a moderate to low potential for physical and psychological dependence. But what does this mean in the real world exactly? Sanjay talks with “The Pot Doc” Dr. Staci Gruber, Director of the Marijuana Investigations for Neuroscientific Discovery (MIND) program in Boston, to explore the possible impacts of this rescheduling on research, healthcare, and yes – even you.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 27 September 2024

Antibiotics have been hailed as a "miracle drug" since the discovery of penicillin in 1928. But now, more bacteria are developing resistance to antibiotics, making them difficult or nearly impossible to treat. One recent study estimated that these so-called “superbugs” could cause nearly 40 million deaths worldwide between now and 2050. Dr. Sanjay Gupta speaks to researchers exploring the use of naturally occurring viruses that destroy bacteria, to see if they can be used as an alternative treatment method when all else fails, and before time runs out. This special report originally aired December 3rd, 2023. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 20 September 2024

One of the most dangerous plays in football, the kickoff, is getting a makeover this year. The NFL introduced new rules aimed at reducing injuries while also making the game more exciting. Sanjay talks with Dr. Allen Sills, the NFL’s Chief Medical Officer, about the future of football, how to balance safety with excitement, and what it’s like to be brain doctors who love a dangerous game. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 13 September 2024

Anxiety and depression are surging on college campuses, according to research from the University of Michigan. Two in five teens say they feel persistently sad or lonely, in a recent report from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Sanjay sits down with psychologist Dr. Nance Roy to unpack why college student mental health was declining long before the pandemic, what’s impacting students’ wellbeing, and some steps to foster a healthy semester. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 6 September 2024

New developments in actor Matthew Perry’s death are shining a light on the ethics and efficacy of using ketamine as a therapeutic drug. To learn more about the promise and pitfalls of ketamine treatment, CNN’s Chief Medical Correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta turns to David Feifel, one of the first clinicians in the country to use ketamine to specifically treat depression. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 27 August 2024

This has been the hottest summer on record for nearly 100 US cities. Extreme heat isn't just uncomfortable, it can also cause a lot of harm -- even death. Dr. Sanjay Gupta talks to Dr. Gaurab Basu, a Harvard assistant professor and climate change expert about the very real effects of extreme temperatures on the human body. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 20 August 2024

We've all heard about the importance of wearing sunscreen, but recent headlines have raised questions about the safety and effectiveness of certain ingredients found in chemical sunscreens. In this special Chasing Life: Spotlight, CNN Medical Correspondent Meg Tirrell investigates some of the questions and concerns surrounding sunscreen. She speaks with skin cancer researcher Dr. Rachel Neale and Dr. Laura Vandenberg, who studies potential effects of certain sunscreen chemicals on hormone function. Hear about the latest findings on ingredient safety and how they could impact your daily sun protection routine. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 13 August 2024

How would you define a “good” life? Is it being married with kids? Traveling with friends? Basking in fame and fortune? The Harvard Study on Adult Development has spent nearly 90 years examining what makes people happy and healthy over a lifetime. The director of the study, Dr. Robert Waldinger, has shared the findings in his book, “The Good Life: Lessons from the Longest Scientific Study on Happiness.” He tells Dr. Sanjay Gupta why no one should expect to be happy all the time, and how men and women measure happiness differently. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 6 August 2024

Nearly 11,000 athletes are competing in the Paris Olympic Games right now. They’ve been training their bodies to compete at the highest levels of sport. But what kind of mindset does it take to bring home the gold, silver or bronze medal? How do they navigate nerves and perform under pressure? Cognitive scientist, Dartmouth College President and former athlete, Sian Beilock says that practicing under pressure situations and focusing on the present can help. Plus, four-time Olympic medalist, Dominique Dawes recounts how she overcame several stumbles and still won gold. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 30 July 2024