Home of Healthspan

Alively

We profile health and wellness role models, sharing the tools, practices, and routines they use to help you live healthier, longer. Since 1950, the average lifespan has extended by 11 years, but our healthspan hasn’t kept up. We've been pursuing living longer without considering how to make those extra years vibrant and fulfilling. After all, 30 plus years of old age is a long time to spend slowly falling apart. And that's where Home of Healthspan comes in. Host Andrew McConnell interviews healthspan role models to help guide listeners through the 5 Pillars of Healthspan: Fitness Nutrition, Sleep and recovery, Stress management and Mindset, And Social connection & purpose.All so you can not only extend your years, but make them vibrantly healthy from start to finish. This is your guide to extending your healthspan, Making sure you live Alively day today, every day, for all of your days.

  1. Fasting Diets: What to Know Before You Start Intermittent Fasting with Renee Fitton - E85

    5 DAYS AGO

    Fasting Diets: What to Know Before You Start Intermittent Fasting with Renee Fitton - E85

    This episode dives into the heart of fasting diets: intermittent fasting, prolonged fasting, and “fasting-mimicking” Get the science and ground rules behind how fasting works, who it’s for, and why it might be a flexible, sustainable path to better energy, metabolic health, and longer vitality. All from a nutrition pro who’s worked with leaders in longevity and helped thousands unlock these benefits step-by-step. Renee Fitton is a Longevity Dietitian and the Vice President of Growth and B2B Sales at L-Nutra, the makers of Prolon and L-Nutra Health. With a Master’s in Longevity Nutrition, she has guided thousands of individuals through fasting mimicking protocols and leads the educational strategy for a network of nearly 20,000 healthcare practitioners sharing these programs with their patients. Renee is the host of the Longevity Lab podcast and a frequent contributor to health media, with appearances on dozens of podcasts and panels. She has spoken at FNCE, the Berlin Life Summit, London’s Medical Longevity Conference, YPO, DrTalks, and other leading wellness events. Known for translating cutting-edge science into practical strategies, Renee is passionate about helping people live better, longer. “If we are doing deep cellular cleanup, we're not just helping one system or one mechanism, we're doing a lot.” - Renee Fitton In this episode you will learn: Why the world of nutrition is full of strong beliefs and why clear answers are rare. How key nutrition advice comes down to eating mostly whole foods and personalizing for your own needs. The science behind different types of fasting, and what actually happens in your body during short and longer fasts. The main benefits and targets of intermittent fasting versus prolonged fasting, including fat burning, cell cleanup, and improved lab results. Why fasting mimicking may be safer and easier for most people, and how it compares to water-only fasting. What to consider before trying fasting, especially around eating history and working with trusted experts. Resources Connect with Renee on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fittonnutrition/ Listen to Renee’s appearances in the media: https://www.fittonnutrition.com/media Learn more about Renee’s offerings: https://www.fittonnutrition.com/ This podcast was produced by the team at Zapods Podcast Agency: https://www.zapods.com Find the products, practices, and routines discussed on the Alively website: https://alively.com

    43 min
  2. Too Small To Fail New Years Resolutions  - E84

    2 FEB

    Too Small To Fail New Years Resolutions - E84

    By February, 80% of New Year’s resolutions have already failed. Trying to overhaul your health all at once - better sleep, perfect diet, daily workouts - almost always ends in disappointment and quitting. Life gets busy, willpower fades, and motivation vanishes, leaving you feeling stuck and frustrated all over again. This episode uncovers why big, sweeping changes backfire and shares a smarter, data-driven approach to building habits that actually last. Forget hype and guilt, the conversation is all about making goals so small they’re impossible to fail, and why that’s the real secret to transformation. The next 16 minutes could rewrite your entire strategy for change, and it all starts with the person behind these proven results. In this episode you will learn: Why most New Year's resolutions fail and how small changes are more effective than big overhauls. The power of setting goals that are "too small to fail" for long-term health gains. How to choose one key area of healthspan to target for the biggest impact. Why tracking progress with clear data beats relying on feelings or willpower. What a "minimum enjoyable action" is and how it keeps you moving forward. How simple, steady wins build healthy habits and lasting identity change. Resources Connect with Andrew on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mandrewmcconnell Follow Alively on Instagram for regular updates and insights: https://www.instagram.com/alively_official Learn more about healthspan from Andrew’s blog: https://www.mandrewmcconnell.com/blog This podcast was produced by the team at Zapods Podcast Agency: https://www.zapods.com Find the products, practices, and routines discussed on the Alively website: https://alively.com

    16 min
  3. Can HRT Prevent Cancer? Hormone Replacement Therapy with Carolyn Zaumeyer - E83

    26 JAN

    Can HRT Prevent Cancer? Hormone Replacement Therapy with Carolyn Zaumeyer - E83

    Millions worry about declining energy, fading focus, and the looming risk of age-related diseases - especially cancer - as the years go by. For decades, the belief that hormone therapy could actually increase cancer risk has kept people fearful and searching for answers, even as they suffer through preventable symptoms. But what if that old advice was wrong? Unpacking the latest research and firsthand clinical experience, this episode explores whether hormone therapy can actually protect your health and even reduce the risk of major diseases like breast and prostate cancer, all through the perspective of a true pioneer who’s challenging everything we thought we knew. With over 30 years of expertise in women’s health, Carolyn Zaumeyer, Nurse Practitioner and founder of LowTE Florida, is a nationally recognized leader in the field of bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT). Recently named one of the Top Ten Bioidentical Hormone Providers in the U.S., Carolyn has dedicated her career to helping individuals restore vitality and feel their best at every stage of life. She is also a prolific author, with three books to her name—including her most recent title; "Are You Hormone Curious? The Science of Hormone Therapy for Men and Women Explained"—and more than 150 published articles focused on health and wellness. “Because as your hormones decline, you lose that energy, you lose your motivation. You don't feel like working out, you know, you just don't feel good. And so you kind of just retreat a little bit.” - Carolyn Zaumeyer In this episode you will learn: Why bioidentical hormones differ from synthetic options, and how they're used for health and aging. What common signs and feelings lead people to seek hormone therapy. The role of lab tests and personal symptoms in finding the right time to begin treatment. How hormone pellets work, who uses them, and the typical process for starting therapy. What research says about the effects of hormone therapy on bone, brain, heart, and cancer risks. Misconceptions around hormone therapy and advice for finding skilled practitioners. Resources Connect with Carolyn on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lowte_florida Read Carolyn’s book, ‘Are You Hormone Curious?’: https://www.amazon.com/Are-You-Hormone-Curious-Explained/dp/B0F16SD6JH Learn all about Carolyn’s work at LowTE Florida: https://lowteflorida.com Listen to her radio show, ‘Let’s Talk Hormones’: https://lowteflorida.com/lets-talk-hormones This podcast was produced by the team at Zapods Podcast Agency: https://www.zapods.com Find the products, practices, and routines discussed on the Alively website: https://alively.com

    31 min
  4. Slow The Signs of Aging with Nurse Raquel Merlini - E82

    19 JAN

    Slow The Signs of Aging with Nurse Raquel Merlini - E82

    Looking in the mirror and seeing new lines, dullness, or stubborn sun spots can be a frustrating signal that your skin - and maybe your health - aren’t what they used to be. Trying to slow the signs of aging isn’t easy. It’s hard to know what really works when the world is overflowing with miracle creams, cosmetic treatments, and contradicting advice. The pressure to look vibrant while staying truly healthy can leave even the most disciplined completely overwhelmed. Most routines either overcomplicate things or ignore the fundamentals, leaving gaps that only become more apparent with time. This episode dives straight into habits that actually preserve your skin, energy, and mindset - balancing smart interventions with everyday practices that nurture health from the inside out. Hear the real stories, honest science, and no-nonsense protocols from someone who has helped countless people find what works, and why you don’t need a drawer full of products to look and feel your best. Raquel Merlini is a Registered Nurse and Certified Aesthetic Nurse Specialist with 14+ years in the plastics industry. As the owner of R SKIN Aesthetics, she specializes in Botox, fillers, laser resurfacing, and skincare, leading with integrity and compassion. A former IFBB Pro Bodybuilder, triathlete, and personal trainer, she understands the connection between confidence and well-being. Raquel mentors aspiring nurses and offers Botox training, while her Pay It Forward Scholarship supports single mothers and women overcoming challenges. She is passionate about aesthetics, education, and women’s empowerment. “There’s some things that you can DIY, do it yourself, but then there’s others that you should really seek a professional to kind of guide …” - Raquel Merlini In this episode you will learn: Why simple, steady skincare and hydration routines matter for skin health as you age. The science and benefits of Botox, fillers, and laser treatments for skin appearance and confidence. When and why to use retinol, vitamin C, and red light therapy for lasting results. Potential risks of at-home microdermabrasion and the value of professional, controlled treatments. The role of key supplements like collagen, turmeric, and peptides in supporting healthy skin from within. How mindset and mental health tie closely to beauty, mood, and self-care routines. Resources Connect with Raquel on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rskinadmission Check out R Skin Aesthetics’ offerings: https://rskin.net/ Follow Raquel on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rskinaesthetics Listen to the SkinAdmission Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/0amO7dZ7dqio7seVuhT6qC?si=fqz0pPlbQRyF0j1mT13L6g This podcast was produced by the team at Zapods Podcast Agency: https://www.zapods.com Find the products, practices, and routines discussed on the Alively website: https://alively.com

    35 min
  5. Unlock The SECRET to Better Health through Breathwork with Stefanie Broes - E81

    12 JAN

    Unlock The SECRET to Better Health through Breathwork with Stefanie Broes - E81

    If you’re plagued by poor sleep, lingering stress, or nagging fatigue, it might be your breathing - not your workload or diet -that’s holding you back. Most of us breathe high in our chest, race through shallow breaths, or default to mouth breathing, never realizing how much it drains our energy and resilience. From chronic congestion and stress-induced tension to "inefficient" breathing patterns reinforced by our daily posture, it's easy to slip into habits that sabotage health without knowing it. Learn how to breathe properly in this episode, as we unpack the science behind functional breathing, simple daily adjustments, and routines that can unlock better sleep, sharper focus, and real relaxation. Stefanie Broes is the co-founder of moonbird, the world’s first handheld breathing coach that helps people manage stress, anxiety, and sleep problems through the power of slow breathing. With a PhD in pharmaceutical sciences and a background in health tech, Stefanie combines science and design to make breathwork accessible, evidence-based, and beautifully simple. Before starting moonbird, she worked in other startups and discovered firsthand how breathing could transform her own sleep and wellbeing. Today, she’s on a mission to help millions reconnect with their breath—one breath at a time. “If that hurts, it's a sign that you're having lots of tension in your body and you literally [are] just not relaxed enough in order to breathe really efficiently.” - Stefanie Broes In this episode you will learn: Why breathing through your nose is more efficient than through your mouth. Simple ways to check and improve your breathing pattern and posture during daily life. How breathwork can shift your body between stress and calm states. The science behind slow breathing and its benefits for sleep, stress, and recovery. The role of breathwork tools, like Moonbird, in making breath practice easier and more consistent. How breathwork can help both adults and kids relax, and why starting young matters. Resources Connect with Stefanie Broes on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stefaniebroes Check out Moonbird for updates and insights: https://www.moonbird.life/ This podcast was produced by the team at Zapods Podcast Agency: https://www.zapods.com Find the products, practices, and routines discussed on the Alively website: https://alively.com

    35 min
  6. How Cutting-Edge Science Can Reverse Your Aging - E80

    5 JAN

    How Cutting-Edge Science Can Reverse Your Aging - E80

    Treating aging feels like a never-ending game of whack-a-mole. You handle one health issue - maybe heart disease, maybe early dementia only to watch another one surface, all rooted in the same deeper process. With every year, the gap between your biological age and your energy, strength, and clarity of mind seems to widen, no matter how dedicated you are to the basics. But what if you could go beyond managing symptoms and actually target the root causes of aging itself? How might this shift not just extend your life, but improve the quality of your years - your healthspan? What would it take to actually measure, track, and meaningfully slow the pace of decline, so extra years aren’t just added at the end, but spent vibrant and active? This episode shines a light on the new science that flips our old understanding on its head, targeting aging at its cellular root rather than just patching symptoms. From promising molecules to next-gen wearables and breakthroughs like the $101 million XPRIZE, you’ll discover the practical, research-backed ways that people at the cutting edge are tracking, measuring, and working to slow the pace of aging itself. In this episode you will learn: Why the traditional approach to age-related disease misses the root cause, and how the geroscience revolution aims to fix this. The basics of four leading anti-aging tools: senolytics, NAD boosters, metformin, and rapamycin. What human studies currently show - and don’t show - about these promising interventions. How wearable tech and epigenetic clocks can now track your body’s pace of aging in real time. How the $101 million XPrize is pushing science to target aging and boost healthspan. What these breakthroughs could mean for anyone wanting to take charge of their own health journey. Resources Connect with Andrew on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mandrewmcconnell Follow Alively on Instagram for regular updates and insights: https://www.instagram.com/alively_official Learn more about healthspan from Andrew’s blog: https://www.mandrewmcconnell.com/blog This podcast was produced by the team at Zapods Podcast Agency: https://www.zapods.com Find the products, practices, and routines discussed on the Alively website: https://alively.com

    17 min
  7. The Real Reason Your Brain Is Shrinking with Dr. Tommy Wood - E79

    29/12/2025

    The Real Reason Your Brain Is Shrinking with Dr. Tommy Wood - E79

    Most people never realize their brain is shrinking - until memory slips or mental sluggishness forces them to take notice. The real reason behind this decline isn’t just age or bad luck, but an energy crisis inside the brain that starts quietly and builds over time. Even highly motivated, health-focused people can miss the hidden lifestyle mistakes and overlooked daily choices that undermine their cognitive reserve. This episode takes you beneath the surface to uncover why energy status matters most for long-term brain health, what actually speeds up brain shrinkage, and the practical steps to reverse course. You’ll get straight answers and usable strategies from a top brain health expert who turns science into powerful habits for everyday life. Dr. Tommy Wood is a neuroscientist and self-confessed professional nerd. As Associate Professor of Pediatrics and Neuroscience at the University of Washington School of Medicine, his laboratory focuses on brain health across the lifespan. He also works as a performance consultant to professional athletes including several Olympians, Formula 1 drivers and world champions, has helped found the British Society for Lifestyle Medicine, and is the author of the forthcoming book, ‘The Stimulated Mind: Future-Proof Your Brain from Dementia and Stay Sharp at Any Age’. “You don't get stronger in the gym, you get stronger when you're recovering afterwards. And the brain is essentially the same and sleep is obviously the time when that happens.” - Dr. Tommy Wood In this episode you will learn: Why the biggest driver of lower brain reserve is energy status, and how this links to long term brain health. How Dr. Wood moved from a focus on physical health to research in brain health for athletes and the public. The 3S model for brain health: stimulus, supply, and support—and which daily practices boost each area. How lifestyle choices before and after birth shape brain health, but habits later in life can shift your risk for decline. Why hearing, sleep, and diet play crucial roles, with specific steps for maintaining and improving brain function at any age. How even small changes, like more sleep and learning new skills, can make a big difference in long term brain health. Resources: Connect with Dr. Wood on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drtommywood Listen to Dr. Wood’s talk, ‘More Bigger, More Brainier’, at Ignite Seattle: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8zmYCbS0vq4 Preorder Dr. Wood’s upcoming book, ‘The Stimulated Mind’ : https://www.drtommywood.com/stimulated-mind This podcast was produced by the team at Zapods Podcast Agency: https://www.zapods.com Find the products, practices, and routines discussed on the Alively website: https://alively.com

    50 min
  8. The Truth About Today's Hottest Anti-Aging Drugs with Dr. Matt Kaeberlein - E78

    22/12/2025

    The Truth About Today's Hottest Anti-Aging Drugs with Dr. Matt Kaeberlein - E78

    Everywhere you look, there’s a new “miracle” anti-aging drug promising longer life and boundless vitality. With headlines hyping breakthroughs and social media feeds flooded with success stories and supposed shortcuts, it’s nearly impossible to know what really works - and what’s just an expensive myth. This episode pulls back the curtain on today’s hottest anti-aging drugs, revealing where the real evidence lies, what matters most for extending healthspan, and how to dodge the latest wellness fads designed to sell, not serve. Dr. Matt Kaeberlein is a renowned scientist and mentor recognized for his research in aging biology, with more than 150 published scientific papers to his name. A fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science and the American Aging Association, Dr. Kaeberlein’s early work on sirtuins at MIT helped launch a new paradigm in longevity genetics. He is co-director of the Dog Aging Project and has led landmark studies on caloric restriction, mTOR, and rapamycin, making him a sought-after authority in translational aging research and healthspan interventions. “In every animal where rapamycin has ever been tested, it is capable of not only increasing lifespan, but seemingly slowing the biological aging process.” - Dr. Matt Kaeberlein In this episode you will learn: Why lifestyle habits must be the base for any drug or supplement if you want to boost healthspan. How Dr. Kaeberlein became a leader in aging research, including his work with sirtuins and mTOR. What the latest research says about rapamycin, SGLT2 inhibitors, and NAD boosters, including where the science is strong or mixed. The risks of overhyped claims in health and wellness and how to spot real data from noise. Why a strong mindset, social ties, good sleep, movement, and nutrition are top drivers of long-term health. How to set sustainable routines for healthspan, and why consistency beats extreme change every time. Resources Connect with Dr. Kaeberlein on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mkaeberlein Learn more about what Optispan has to offer: https://www.optispan.life/ Listen to Dr. Kaeberlein’s podcast, The Optispan Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-optispan-podcast-with-matt-kaeberlein/id1728587274 This podcast was produced by the team at Zapods Podcast Agency: https://www.zapods.com Find the products, practices, and routines discussed on the Alively website: https://alively.com

    51 min

About

We profile health and wellness role models, sharing the tools, practices, and routines they use to help you live healthier, longer. Since 1950, the average lifespan has extended by 11 years, but our healthspan hasn’t kept up. We've been pursuing living longer without considering how to make those extra years vibrant and fulfilling. After all, 30 plus years of old age is a long time to spend slowly falling apart. And that's where Home of Healthspan comes in. Host Andrew McConnell interviews healthspan role models to help guide listeners through the 5 Pillars of Healthspan: Fitness Nutrition, Sleep and recovery, Stress management and Mindset, And Social connection & purpose.All so you can not only extend your years, but make them vibrantly healthy from start to finish. This is your guide to extending your healthspan, Making sure you live Alively day today, every day, for all of your days.