Category: Shows

Irreverent Health-044-Killing the Word Biohacking

Killing the Word Biohacking

February 2, 2023 No Comments

Quantified self, Human Optimization, Biohacking—what do they all mean? Why did Tom change his tune about the “movement?”  Could it be that a particular “type” of person is associated with it?

 

Summary

In this conversation, Matt and Tom discuss the passion they have for conversations and how they never know which topics will ignite their interest. They delve into the fear of death and the quest for immortality that drives the biohacking movement. They question the use of the term ‘biohacking’ and its association with marketing. The cost of immortality is explored, along with the impact of aging and the pursuit of genetic advantages. They also discuss the sensationalism and commercialization of health and the cult of personality that surrounds some biohackers. This conversation explores the influence of research in the health industry and the limitations of deep dives into health topics. It also discusses the commercialization of health and wellness, focusing on the controversy surrounding Dave Asprey and the appeal and criticism of Bulletproof Coffee. The conversation delves into the marketing tactics of health influencers and the importance of accountability in the industry. It also touches on the role of science fiction in predicting the future and the challenges of balancing profit and ethics. Lastly, it explores the complexity of dietary recommendations. In this conversation, Matt and Tom discuss various topics, including the journey of bulletproof coffee, demanding coffee preferences, navigating coffee orders, business education and practice management, designing a workspace, technical difficulties, professional nesting, and the possibility of a future episode in the studio.

 

Takeaways

Passion for conversations can lead to unexpected interests and discussions.
The fear of death drives the quest for immortality in the biohacking movement.
The term ‘biohacking’ is associated with marketing and may not accurately represent the pursuit of health and longevity.
The cost of immortality is a significant factor in the pursuit of longevity.
The impact of aging and the desire for genetic advantages are key topics in the biohacking community.
The sensationalism and commercialization of health can distort the true goals of biohackers.
Some biohackers develop a cult of personality, which can influence their followers and the perception of their work. Research plays a significant role in shaping the health industry, but it is important to recognize its limitations and the potential for commercialization.
Health influencers and wellness brands often use marketing tactics that may not align with ethical standards, and it is crucial to approach their claims with skepticism.
The future of health and wellness is unpredictable, and science fiction can provide insights into potential advancements and challenges.
Balancing profit and ethics is a complex issue in the health industry, and it is essential to critically evaluate the motivations and actions of individuals and companies.
Dietary recommendations are multifaceted, and it is important to consider a variety of factors when making decisions about personal nutrition. Bulletproof coffee can be a fascinating topic of conversation, especially when discussing its journey and debunking any misconceptions.
Coffee preferences can become quite demanding, with individuals having specific requirements for origin, altitude, and processing methods.
Ordering coffee can sometimes be a humorous and challenging experience, especially when trying to communicate specific preferences to baristas.
Business education and practice management are essential for professionals, even if they may seem basic to those with a business degree.

 

Chapters

00:00 Passion for Conversations
03:00 The Fear of Death
06:00 The Biohacking Term
09:00 The Quest for Immortality
12:00 The Cost of Immortality
15:00 The Impact of Aging
18:00 Blood Doping and Genetic Advantages
21:00 The Marketing Game
24:00 The Sensationalism of Health
27:00 The Cult of Personality
29:00 The Commercial Success of Biohackers
30:09 The Influence of Research in the Health Industry
31:23 The Limitations of Deep Dives in Health Topics
32:32 The Commercialization of Health and Wellness
34:05 The Controversy Surrounding Dave Asprey
36:02 The Appeal and Criticism of Bulletproof Coffee
38:52 The Marketing Tactics of Health Influencers
42:12 The Ethics of Health and Wellness Promotion
45:02 The Importance of Accountability in the Health Industry
49:19 The Role of Science Fiction in Predicting the Future
56:06 The Challenges of Balancing Profit and Ethics
58:13 The Complexity of Dietary Recommendations
59:29 The Journey of Bulletproof Coffee
01:00:14 Demanding Coffee Preferences
01:01:28 Navigating Coffee Orders
01:02:34 Business Education and Practice Management
01:03:20 Designing a Workspace
01:05:42 Technical Difficulties
01:07:55 Professional Nesting
01:09:24 Future Episode in the Studio

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Tech Pacing and its Intrinsic Challenges

January 26, 2023 No Comments

We hope the AI services we use to transcribe our show notes, create the imagery for the episode, and do everything else we don’t want to do recognize how much we talk about them (or is it an it?). We discuss the difficulties of raising teens with this much tech, and then our best friend, AI, joins the chat.

Summary

The conversation explores the rapid advancement of technology and its impact on various aspects of life. It begins with a discussion on the harshness of vape pens and the challenges of parenting high schoolers in a technology-driven world. The conversation then delves into the potential of AI and longevity, as well as the ethical considerations surrounding these advancements. The role of bacteriophages in combating antibiotic resistance is also explored. The conversation concludes with a reflection on the pace of technological advancements and the challenge of keeping up with them. In this conversation, Matt and Tom discuss the mind-bending advancements in AI technology and the implications for society. They explore topics such as the user experience of AI, the changing landscape of education, the need to reinvent ourselves, and the impact of AI on SEO and content creation. They also discuss the ethical implications of AI advancements, the challenge of keeping up with technological progress, and the potential for class separation. The conversation highlights the need for open-mindedness and adaptability in the face of rapid technological change.

 

Takeaways

Technology is advancing at an unprecedented pace, with new developments and discoveries occurring rapidly.
AI has the potential to revolutionize various fields, including longevity and healthcare.
Ethical considerations must be taken into account when navigating the implications of technological advancements.
Bacteriophages show promise in combating antibiotic resistance and could be a potential solution to the limitations of antibiotics.
Keeping up with the pace of technological advancements can be challenging, but it is crucial to stay informed and adapt to the changing landscape. AI technology is advancing at an unprecedented rate, with mind-bending capabilities that have the potential to revolutionize various industries.
The user experience of AI and the ability to appreciate and understand the technology behind it is a challenge for many people.
The rapid pace of technological progress requires us to constantly adapt and reinvent ourselves to keep up with the changes.
The ethical implications of AI advancements and the potential for class separation are important considerations in the development and implementation of AI technology.

 

Chapters

00:00 The Harshness of Vape Pens
01:30 Parenting High Schoolers
03:23 The Rapid Advancement of Technology
04:49 The Impact of Technology on Society
06:31 The Future of Jobs and Technology
08:50 The Acceleration of Technological Advancements
11:22 The Potential of AI and Longevity
14:15 The Ethics of Longevity and AI
19:14 The Implications of Reversing Aging
23:06 The Potential of Bacteriophages
25:20 The Pace of Technological Advancements
28:56 The Role of AI in Solving Problems
32:08 The Challenge of Keeping Up with Technology
34:46 The Unbelievable Technology of AI
36:00 The User Experience and Anti-AI Detection
37:28 The Changing Landscape of Education
38:22 The Start of the Race Towards Awesome
39:23 The Need to Reinvent Ourselves
40:22 The Impact of AI on SEO and Content Creation
42:02 The Ethical Implications of AI Advancements
43:30 The Challenge of Keeping Up with Technological Progress
44:34 The Fracturing of Time and Changing Perspectives
45:56 The Creation of New Industries and Class Separation
46:53 The Perspective Shift After Achieving Wealth
47:56 The Bugle Call of Scientific Advancements
49:15 The Potential of AI in Medicine
50:12 The Evolution of Medical Knowledge and Practices
52:08 The Speed of Technological Advancements
53:35 The Hyper-Tailored Solutions to Health Issues
55:55 The Ever-Changing Nature of Science and Knowledge
57:20 The Resistance to Change and New Information
58:49 The Inevitability of Technological Progress
01:00:06 The Need for Open-Mindedness and Adaptability
01:02:09 The Potential Strata of Society and Uneven Distribution of Advancements
01:04:01 The Limitless Possibilities of AI
01:05:37 The Speed of Evolution and the Future of Society
01:06:14 The Excitement and Uncertainty of AI Research
01:09:10 The Changing Landscape of Publishing and Writing
01:11:38 The Busy Clinic and the Need for Balance

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Irreverent Health - 042-Redefining Success Metrics

Redefining Success Metrics

January 12, 2023 No Comments

We start with the usual socially acceptable convos about how weird the weather in MD is… Then, take a hard turn to VR meditation, COVID conspiracies, and creating the perfect healthy environment.  Can our brains keep up with the speed in which new information is coming our way?  Could it ever?

Summary

The conversation covers a range of topics, including weird weather and allergies, inconvenient school events, COVID variants and conspiracy theories, lockdowns and isolation, technology and communication, DNA sequencing and personalized medicine, and the changing definition of music. The underlying theme is the need to adapt and redefine our understanding of success and measurement in a rapidly changing world. In this conversation, Matt and Tom discuss the changing nature of knowledge and the challenges of keeping up with rapidly evolving information. They explore the importance of neuroplasticity and the need to challenge underlying assumptions. They also touch on the fluidity of knowledge and the evolution of God and religion. The conversation delves into the role of AI in health and wellness, as well as the potential impact of AI on writing and creativity. They conclude by discussing the use of virtual reality for meditation and the process of creating the perfect environment.

Takeaways

Knowledge is constantly evolving, and it is important to stay open-minded and adaptable.
Underlying assumptions can hinder progress and prevent us from considering new ideas.
AI has the potential to revolutionize various industries, including health and wellness.
Virtual reality can be a powerful tool for meditation and relaxation.
Creating the perfect environment can enhance productivity and well-being.

 

Chapters

00:00 Weird Weather and Allergies
03:11 Inconvenient School Events
06:31 COVID Variants and Conspiracy Theories
10:11 Lockdowns and Isolation
12:36 Technology and Communication
18:18 Conspiracy Theories and Critical Mass
20:21 DNA Sequencing and Personalized Medicine
25:03 The Changing Definition of Music
32:03 Redefining Success and Measurement
34:57 The Changing Nature of Knowledge
37:04 The Importance of Neuroplasticity
38:36 The Dangers of Underlying Assumptions
44:16 The Fluidity of Knowledge
48:46 The Evolution of God and Religion
53:46 The Role of AI in Health and Wellness
59:16 The Impact of AI on Writing and Creativity
01:08:24 The Use of Virtual Reality for Meditation
01:09:21 Creating the Perfect Environment

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Irreverent Health - 041-Dr. Paul Gittens

Dr. Paul Gittens

January 11, 2024 No Comments

We are definitely not mature enough for this one.  Dr. Paul Gittens joins us to discuss male health.  We really tried to hold back the dick jokes.  Of course, we ran out of time to talk about Scrotox.  Yeah, its a thing.

Summary

In this conversation, Dr. Paul Gittens discusses male sexual health, specifically focusing on erectile difficulties and the use of shockwave therapy and penile pumps as treatment options. He highlights the importance of proactive health measures and the link between erectile dysfunction and cardiovascular health. Dr. Gittens also emphasizes the need for a personalized approach to treatment, taking into account individual circumstances and lifestyle factors. Overall, the conversation sheds light on the growing field of male sexual health and the various options available for men seeking to improve their sexual function and overall well-being. In this conversation, Dr. Paul Gittens discusses various topics related to men’s sexual health, including pre-workout supplements, the use of L-citrulline for nitric oxide production, the effectiveness of penis pumps, and the use of PRP therapy for erectile dysfunction and orgasm. Dr. Gittens explains the process and benefits of PRP therapy, including the number of injections and the use of topical numbing. He also discusses the off-label use of medications and the challenges in the healthcare system. Overall, Dr. Gittens emphasizes the importance of discussing and addressing men’s sexual health concerns.

 

Takeaways

L-citrulline is a preferred supplement for nitric oxide production due to its better metabolism in the liver compared to L-arginine.
PRP therapy can be an effective treatment for erectile dysfunction and orgasm issues, with a treatment timeline of 4 to 8 weeks.
Penis pumps can increase girth and length, but their primary purpose is to improve blood flow to the penis.
The off-label use of medications and treatments is driven by the slow adoption of new technologies and the high cost of the FDA approval process.
Specialized care, such as Dr. Gittens’ practice, allows for more personalized and comprehensive treatment for men’s sexual health issues.

 

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background
01:47 Dr. Paul Gittens’ Specialization
03:06 The Neglect of Male Fertility
04:14 Gender Differences in Seeking Healthcare
05:18 Changing Attitudes Towards Men’s Health
07:00 The Rise of Concierge Medicine
08:20 The Importance of Proactive Health Measures
09:18 Understanding Erectile Difficulties
11:34 Treatment Options for Erectile Difficulties
13:09 The Link Between Erectile Dysfunction and Cardiovascular Health
15:13 Shockwave Therapy for Erectile Dysfunction
18:33 Different Types of Shockwave Therapy
20:52 The Benefits of Shockwave Therapy for Healthy Individuals
24:34 The Use of Penile Pumps
28:00 Recommended Usage of Penile Pumps
30:02 Prophylactic Use of Penile Pumps
31:43 Pre-workout supplements
32:22 L-citrulline and nitric oxide
32:57 Supplement regimen for fertility
34:01 Misconceptions about penis pumps
34:48 Penis pumps and girth/length
35:44 PRP therapy for erectile dysfunction
36:06 PRP therapy process
37:28 PRP therapy for orgasm
38:48 Injection placement for PRP therapy
39:06 Number of injections for PRP therapy
39:11 Numbing for PRP therapy
39:31 Frequency of PRP therapy
40:00 Combining PRP therapy with other treatments
41:01 Goal of coming off Viagra and Cialis
41:37 Accessibility of Viagra and Cialis
42:24 Off-label use of medications
43:35 Adoption of new treatments in medicine
45:13 Reasons for off-label use
46:01 Adoption of shockwave therapy
47:18 Use of equine treatments in humans
48:08 Importance of discussing penis health
49:32 Treatment timeline for erectile dysfunction
50:45 Self-pay model for specialized care
53:19 Reasons for starting a specialized practice
55:13 Challenges in the healthcare system
56:27 Finding Dr. Gittens
58:45 Providing good healthcare

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Irreverent Health-040-Another Year, More Resolutions

Another Year, More Resolutions

January 5, 2023 No Comments

Wow, have we been at this long enough for a second show on resolutions? We point out the usual issues with resolutions failing and discuss taking quantifiable steps to prevent that from happening. Then, of course, we talk about AI because the singularity is due anytime now.

 

Summary

In this conversation, Matt and Tom discuss various topics, including the weather, cold plunge tubs, New Year’s resolutions, and the prevalence of exercise as a resolution. They also touch on the importance of quantifying goals and the accountability that comes with it. The conversation explores the impact of tracking on behavior change, the limitations of tracking and quantified self, the importance of accountability in achieving goals, the low success rate of New Year’s resolutions, the preachiness and dogmatism of the biohacking community, the problem with half-hearted resolutions, the timing of New Year’s resolutions, the disappointing results of certain resolutions, the evolution of food choices and preferences, and the culinary use of organ meat. In this conversation, Matt and Tom discuss various topics including the use of black truffle salt, the market for convenience, advancements in coffee makers, the excitement around artificial intelligence, the two faces of AI, the impact of AI on content creation, and the definition of music and art.

 

Takeaways

Exercise is the most common New Year’s resolution, with nearly half of people setting this goal.
Younger generations are more engaged in setting and tracking resolutions, often using technology and data to measure their progress.
Quantifying goals and using tools like fitness trackers can provide accountability and motivation.
Resolutions have been a part of human culture for thousands of years, showing the desire for self-improvement and change. Black truffle salt can be made at home for a fraction of the cost of buying it.
Convenience often comes at a price, both financially and in terms of health.
Advancements in coffee makers have made it easier to brew a single cup of coffee at a time.
Artificial intelligence has the potential to revolutionize various industries, but also raises ethical concerns.
AI tools like Dolly and ChatGPT are being used for content creation, but their impact on authenticity and creativity is debatable.
The definition of music and art can vary depending on personal perspectives and experiences.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Weather
02:32 Discussion on Cold Plunge Tubs
10:11 New Year’s Resolutions
16:34 Exercise as the Most Common Resolution
20:14 Resolutions Among Younger Generations
25:27 Historical Perspective on Resolutions
27:00 Quantifying Resolutions
31:06 Measurement and Accountability
32:30 The Impact of Tracking on Behavior Change
34:23 The Limitations of Tracking and Quantified Self
38:17 The Importance of Accountability in Achieving Goals
39:19 The Low Success Rate of New Year’s Resolutions
41:36 The Preachiness and Dogmatism of the Biohacking Community
47:47 The Problem with Half-Hearted Resolutions
50:20 The Timing of New Year’s Resolutions
53:01 The Disappointing Results of Certain Resolutions
55:09 The Evolution of Food Choices and Preferences
59:53 The Importance of Grass-Fed and Grass-Finished Meat
01:01:41 The Culinary Use of Organ Meat
01:02:27 Exploring the Use of Black Truffle Salt
01:03:19 The Market for Convenience
01:04:16 The Advancements in Coffee Makers
01:05:46 The Excitement Around Artificial Intelligence
01:09:37 The Two Faces of AI
01:11:07 The Impact of AI on Content Creation
01:12:04 The Definition of Music and Art

 

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Irreverent Health - 039- Cognitive Balance in the Modern World

Cognitive Balance in the Modern World

December 8, 2022 No Comments

How do our little primate brains keep up with technology moving at light speed?  Would we dig into our beliefs so deeply that we would “die on a hill?”  What happens when technology moves so quickly that it moves your hill?  What happens to medical ethics when we move toward immortality?  Do we end with any answers?  Or is it just turtles all the way down?

Summary

In this conversation, Matt and Tom discuss various topics, including health and fitness challenges, excessive screen time, the addictive nature of social media, and the difficulty of changing someone’s opinion. They also explore the complexity of right and wrong, the limitations of perception and reality, and the importance of personal values. The conversation highlights the need for balance, critical thinking, and open-mindedness in navigating the modern world. The conversation explores the topic of medical ethics in the context of technological advancements and the potential to print organs and edit genes. The discussion highlights the different perspectives on medical ethics and the challenges of funding life-saving procedures. It raises questions about the need to rethink current medical ethics in a rapidly evolving world. The conversation also touches on the impact of wealth on access to medical procedures and the role of dosage in ethical considerations. Overall, the conversation emphasizes the importance of considering the ethical implications of new technologies and the need for a more equitable approach to healthcare. The conversation delves into the ethical and regulatory challenges surrounding emerging health technologies. It explores the need to anticipate the future and adapt to rapid advancements. The fragility of the current system and the class divide in accessing life-extending technologies are also discussed. The conversation then shifts to the democratization of health technologies through crowdfunding. The hosts share their interest in cold plunge tubs and the challenges of cold exposure. Finally, the conversation touches on the intersection of health and technology, including temperature monitoring and privacy concerns.

Takeaways

Finding ways to incorporate exercise into everyday activities can help maintain fitness levels.
Excessive screen time can negatively impact family time and personal well-being.
Educational content on social media platforms can be valuable, but it is important to be mindful of the addictive nature of these platforms.
Changing someone’s opinion is challenging, and it is important to approach conversations with empathy and understanding.
Personal values and critical thinking play a crucial role in navigating the complexities of right and wrong. Medical ethics should be reevaluated in light of rapid technological advancements.
Access to life-saving procedures should not be determined solely by wealth.
The dosage and context of a treatment can impact its ethical considerations.
The potential of organ printing and genetic editing raises new ethical questions.
A more equitable approach to healthcare is necessary in a changing world. Ethical considerations and regulations play a crucial role in the development and implementation of health technologies.
Anticipating the future and adapting to rapid advancements is essential in the ever-changing landscape of technology.
The current system is fragile and perpetuates a class divide in accessing life-extending technologies.
Crowdfunding has the potential to democratize health technologies and make them more accessible to the general public.
Cold plunge tubs and cold exposure have gained interest for their potential health benefits.
The intersection of health and technology raises concerns about privacy and the monitoring of personal data.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Missed Opportunities
00:35 Health and Fitness Challenges
01:50 Finding Exercise in Everyday Activities
03:09 Dealing with Lingering Illness
04:19 Recommendations for TV Shows and Cartoons
07:11 Excessive Screen Time and Family Time
08:31 The Importance of Educational Content
10:19 The Influence of Social Media Platforms
13:32 The Addictive Nature of Social Media
17:00 The Difficulty of Changing Someone’s Opinion
19:12 The Complexity of Right and Wrong
23:26 The Limitations of Perception and Reality
25:15 Navigating Differences in Political Views
27:45 The Importance of Personal Values
28:37 Recognizing Harmful Behavior Patterns
29:08 Medical Ethics and Different Perspectives
32:43 The Dilemma of Funding Life-Saving Procedures
36:36 The Impact of Wealth on Access to Medical Procedures
39:10 The Need to Rethink Medical Ethics
45:01 The Rapid Pace of Technological Advancements
53:11 The Potential of Organ Printing and Genetic Editing
59:11 Reevaluating Medical Ethics in a Changing World
01:02:00 The Marketing Strategy of Embracing the Truth
01:03:23 The Role of Dosage in Ethics
01:03:49 Ethics and Regulations
01:05:22 Anticipating the Future
01:06:18 The Radical Leap of Technology
01:07:36 The Class Divide in Health Technologies
01:08:57 The Fragility of the Current System
01:10:41 The Ultimate Class War
01:11:03 Crowdfunding and Democratization
01:12:18 Exploring Cold Plunge Tubs
01:13:48 The Challenge of Cold Exposure
01:16:05 The Intersection of Health and Technology
01:18:26 Temperature Monitoring and Privacy

 

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