#1108 - Peter Attia

Episode Timestamps

• 00:00:00

  Joe's Incredible Swim Achievements: From Maui to Lanai and Beyond

  • Joe shares his unique experience as the first person to swim from Maui to Lanai and back.
  • His inspiration came from Penny Dean, who holds the record for the fastest Catalina Channel crossing.
  • The chapter discusses the physical and psychological challenges of marathon swimming, including the importance of training and mental endurance.
• 00:08:47

  Conquering the Ocean: Joe's Unforgettable Marathon Swimming Journeys

  • Joe explains the logistical and physical demands of marathon swims, detailing various successful endeavors.
  • He reflects on the emotional highs and lows experienced during his swims, emphasizing the concept of emotional acceleration.
  • The chapter concludes with Joe discussing safety considerations and the challenges faced during long-distance swims, including adverse conditions and currents.
• 00:11:06

  Triathlete's Journey: Overcoming Shark Encounters and Fear in San Diego

  • The speaker recounts their transition from intense swimming training to reduced activity after the birth of their daughter 10 years ago.
  • They reflect on the tragic shark attack of a fellow triathlete in Solana Beach during their training in May 2008, highlighting the dangers of swimming in shark-populated waters.
  • A near encounter with a large creature in the water during a night swim from Santa Rosa to Santa Barbara caused significant fear, leading them to question their decision to continue swimming.
• 00:20:29

  Catalina Island: From Buffalo to Bizarre Ecosystems and Swimming Adventures

  • The discussion shifts to Catalina Island, where the speaker shares about their experiences swimming around the island and its surprising wildlife population, including buffalo that were left after a film shoot.
  • Biologists' decisions to eradicate introduced species like deer, elk, and stags from the islands due to ecological concerns are debated, illustrating the challenges of maintaining a balanced ecosystem.
  • The speaker reflects on their recent vacation to Avalon, noting the stark contrast between the island's tranquility and the excitement of their swimming adventures.
• 00:22:37

  The Insane Relay Swim to San Nicolas Island Amidst the Elephant Seals

  • A challenging 85-mile relay swim from San Nicolas Island back to Los Angeles was planned, requiring extensive research with naval officers.
  • The team encountered aggressive 1,000-pound elephant seals that made landing on the island nearly impossible.
  • Concerns about the seal's behavior led to humorous discussions about human-animal interactions based on viral videos.
• 00:24:54

  Urban Wildlife Encounters: Cheetos-Eating Mountain Goats and Oreo-Loving Monkeys

  • In Boulder, mountain goats have become overly accustomed to humans, leading to strange behaviors like eating Cheetos.
  • Experiences in Costa Rica revealed monkeys that are also familiar with human treats, such as Oreos, prompting questions about their wild instincts.
  • Discussion on the delicate relationship between wildlife and humans, highlighting the impact of urban living on animal behavior.
• 00:32:02

  The Coyote Saga: Dan Flores Explores Coyotes in New York City

  • Discussion of the invasive coyote population throughout the United States, including sightings in urban areas like Manhattan and Chicago.
  • Insights from Dan Flores' book 'Coyote America' on how coyotes adapt and thrive despite hunting efforts.
  • Personal anecdotes about living near coyotes and the challenges they pose to livestock, particularly chickens.
• 00:36:39

  Jocko Willink: Navy SEAL Insights and Chris Kyle's Legacy

  • Introduction to Jocko Willink and the strong connections formed through mutual friends, including former Navy SEAL Kirk Parsley.
  • Insights into Jocko's influence on motivation and discipline, leading to the creation of his successful podcast.
  • A detailed comparison of Navy SEAL sniping skills, specifically highlighting Chris Kyle's exceptional abilities as shared by Jocko.
• 00:41:21

  Tim Kennedy's Mastery of Long-Distance Shooting Techniques

  • Tim Kennedy demonstrates exceptional trigger control and long-distance shooting skills.
  • The chapter emphasizes the mental and physical discipline required for precision shooting.
  • The differences in techniques between shooting rifles and archery are explored, highlighting insights from Tim Kennedy.
• 00:45:51

  Archery: A Meditation Experience Inspired by Tim Kennedy

  • The discussion revolves around the meditative nature of archery, as influenced by Tim Kennedy's philosophy.
  • A personal transition into archery is made, driven by the pursuit of perfection and mental focus.
  • The chapter emphasizes the thrill of hitting targets and the primal connection to hunting and survival.
• 00:50:17

  Hunter's Mindset: Anthony Bourdain's Pheasant Hunt and the Goose Crisis

  • Discussion of a hunting trip featuring a friend's successful shot at a Sandhill Crane, known for its delicious meat.
  • Insights into the overpopulation of geese due to farmlands and aggressive encounters during a trip to Toronto.
  • A recount of a hunting experience with Anthony Bourdain, highlighting the process of hunting and cooking pheasants.
• 00:55:00

  Dr. Fasting: Maximizing Longevity through Intermittent Fasting

  • Dr. discusses his one-meal-a-day routine and the benefits of time-restricted eating for energy and convenience.
  • Exploration of research on fasting benefits, including reduced weight gain in rodents, but caution on applying these results to humans.
  • Emphasis on the importance of balanced nutrition and skepticism towards trainers promoting high-carb diets.
• 00:59:39

  Peter Attia's Journey: From Fit But Fat to Realizing the Impact of Diet on Life

  • Peter Attia discusses his past as a 'fit but fat' swimmer, emphasizing his unhealthy carbohydrate-heavy diet.
  • He shares insights on how eliminating refined carbohydrates improved his energy levels and overall wellbeing.
  • Attia reflects on the metabolic adaptations experienced throughout life, particularly after medical school, which impacted his weight management.
• 01:06:47

  The Lifespan Debate: Insights from Peter Attia on Caloric Restriction and Rapamycin

  • Attia investigates the claims surrounding fasting mimicry and its potential longevity benefits.
  • He highlights historical experiments on caloric restriction and their implications for dietary choices and lifespan.
  • Attia emphasizes the importance of the drug rapamycin in understanding nutrient sensing pathways that affect longevity.
• 01:13:47

  Matt Caberlin's Dog Study Reveals Rapamycin's Heart Benefits

  • Matt Caberlin conducted a study on dogs with low ejection fractions, finding a 10% improvement in heart function after administering rapamycin.
  • Dogs primarily suffer from heart failure and cancer, different from typical human conditions like atherosclerosis.
  • The implications of using rapamycin in dogs suggest potential benefits for human longevity and immune responses.
• 01:56:12

  The Paradox of Rapamycin: Immune Suppression and Longevity Insights from December 2014

  • A significant study published in December 2014 highlighted how rapamycin analogues like everolimus can improve immune response in older adults.
  • Even low doses of rapamycin successfully enhanced immunity, raising questions about the drug's potential for promoting health longevity despite its immune-suppressing properties.
  • Historical insights into rapamycin and local anesthetics reveal a complex relationship between medical innovations and addictive substances, exemplified by pioneering figures like William Stewart Halstead.
• 01:13:47

  Dr. Ryan Flaherty's Insights on Rapamycin and Its Impact on Glucose Metabolism and Immune Function

  • Dr. Ryan Flaherty discusses his experience with rapamycin, emphasizing its potential benefits for glucose metabolism.
  • He shares insights from a doctor in the Bronx who observed significant health improvements after starting rapamycin.
  • Flaherty highlights the importance of finding the correct dosage and measuring immune function improvements, despite the lack of clinical assays for it.
• 01:56:12

  Ryan Flaherty's Revolutionary Training Regimen for Cyclists and Its Application to Sprinting

  • Ryan Flaherty reveals his successful training methodology to enhance sprinting performance among top athletes.
  • He discusses the correlation between force plate measurements and running performance, citing Usain Bolt as an example.
  • The focus is on strength training techniques, such as hex bar deadlifts, that can be adapted for cyclists to improve their power output without increasing muscle size.
• 01:13:47

  Meb Keflezighi's Remarkable Comeback: Breaking the Boston Marathon at 38

  • Meb Keflezighi, a standout marathoner, won the Boston Marathon at 38, despite earlier setbacks.
  • Ryan helped Meb adapt sprinting principles into his marathon training focusing on improved deadlifting.
  • By enhancing physical capabilities, Meb successfully outran competitors in a spectacular marathon performance.
• 01:47:01

  Lance Armstrong's Unique Physiology: A Deep Dive into Lactate Thresholds

  • Lance Armstrong's high lactate threshold contributed to his cycling success amidst a doping culture.
  • The discussion highlights different phenotypes among athletes regarding lactic acid tolerance and management.
  • Comparisons are made with Michael Phelps, who showcased remarkable efficiency in handling lactate during races.
• 01:13:47

  Lance Armstrong and the Doping Debate: Cheating or Equalizer in Sports?

  • Discussion on the genetic advantages in sports, referencing Lance Armstrong's doping scandal.
  • The physiological impacts of extreme endurance events like the Tour de France and the role of performance-enhancing drugs.
  • Arguments for and against drug use in sports, including the potential for a level playing field through legalized doping.
• 01:56:12

  The Hidden Dangers of Athletic Performance: Atrial Fibrillation and Longevity Risks

  • Connection between prolonged physical exertion in athletes and increased risk of atrial fibrillation.
  • Exploration of how chronic high-stress levels affect heart health and longevity.
  • Debate on the validity of heartbeats as a measure of lifespan and the importance of understanding performance versus health.
• 01:13:47

  Peter Attia Discusses Vitamin D Levels and Genetic Influences on Health

  • Peter Attia explores how vitamin D levels vary among individuals with different genetic backgrounds, particularly between northern Europeans and those from equatorial regions.
  • The chapter highlights the shortcomings of current vitamin D testing ranges and the importance of measuring parathyroid hormone for better understanding.
  • Attia reflects on the current state of medical science, likening it to its infancy and emphasizing the need for individual strategies based on genetic factors.
• 01:56:12

  Peter Attia Expands on Longevity Research and the Need for Robust Data Analysis

  • Attia emphasizes the challenge of synthesizing relevant research, noting that approximately 100,000 scientific papers are published monthly.
  • He discusses the effectiveness of current medical approaches (Medicine 1.0 vs. Medicine 2.0) in addressing chronic diseases compared to infectious diseases.
  • The chapter delves into the controversial topic of human growth hormone and its potential effects on longevity, highlighting the ambiguity in existing research.
• 01:29:42

  Peter Attia Explores the Intricacies of Alzheimer’s and Heart Disease

  • Peter Attia discusses the interconnected risks associated with Alzheimer's disease and heart disease, as depicted in a graph by Bob.
  • Attia initiates an extensive internal project to analyze growth hormone effects, drawing from previous work done on testosterone replacement.
  • The emotional reactions people have towards hormone replacements like testosterone and growth hormone are explored, particularly in light of sports controversies involving figures like Barry Bonds.
• 01:39:26

  Dr. Attia's Transformation Case: A 60-Pound Weight Loss Journey

  • Dr. Attia's patient, a 70-year-old man with metabolic syndrome, undergoes an extreme six-month diet intervention, leading to dramatic results.
  • The patient loses 60 pounds and improves liver function significantly through a tailored ketogenic diet and time-restricted eating.
  • The case emphasizes the importance of individualization in treatment plans, showcasing Attia's commitment to complex patient recovery.
• 01:13:47

  Reprogramming Health: The Incredible Journey of a 382-Day Medical Fast

  • A man weighing 400 pounds underwent a 382-day medically supervised fast, resulting in a drastic weight loss to 165 pounds.
  • The case discusses the importance of metabolic health rather than just weight loss, highlighting the need for a 'hard reset' to rebuild metabolic function.
  • Insights are shared on how this man's skin condition improved, suggesting some factors like genetic elasticity played a role in preventing excess loose skin post-weight loss.
• 01:56:12

  Unraveling Medical Mysteries: The Case of an Unsolved Neurological Condition

  • A personal account discusses a friend's undiagnosed neurological symptoms that mimic Lou Gehrig's disease despite consultations at major medical institutions.
  • The conversation emphasizes the need for symptom management when underlying causes remain elusive and highlights the humility required in medical practice.
  • The chapter discusses the influence of hormone systems on general wellbeing and suggests testing to optimize health, reflecting on the complexities of diagnosing and treating chronic conditions.
• 01:13:47

  Understanding Cortisol and Testosterone: The Weight Struggle of Women Post-Menopause

  • Cortisol levels significantly impact fat retention and muscle loss, complicating weight management.
  • Women face unique challenges post-menopause due to the loss of estrogen and testosterone, critical for regulating body weight.
  • Stress can exacerbate weight gain, leading individuals to consume the same diet yet gain more weight due to hormonal influences.
• 01:56:12

  A Personal Journey: Disordered Eating and the 3000-Calorie Challenge of an Athlete

  • The speaker discusses their struggle with disordered eating, citing stress eating and a history of being very lean.
  • Meals often consist of a massive salad followed by a protein source, highlighting the balance between healthy eating and cravings.
  • Despite a disciplined approach to diet and training, the temptation of unhealthy foods remains challenging, especially in social settings.
• 01:13:47

  Peter Attia's Journey from Engineering to Longevity and Archery Enthusiast

  • Peter Attia transitioned from engineering and surgery to focus on longevity and risk management in health.
  • He enjoys mastering new skills, with recent interests in racing and archery igniting his passion for improvement.
  • Attia reflects on his dedication to honing his archery skills and the technicalities involved, inspired by renowned coach John Dudley.
• 01:56:12

  The Influence of John Dudley and Emotional Discipline in Archery and Racing

  • Peter discusses his admiration for John Dudley, a renowned archery coach who significantly influenced his training.
  • He draws parallels between archery, race car driving, and emotional discipline, emphasizing the need for focus and calmness.
  • Attia shares insights on the technical aspects of archery, including posture and form, which contribute to achieving perfect shots.