The Daria Hamrah Podcast

Daria Hamrah

Welcome to The Daria Hamrah Podcast—where world-leading minds translate science into real-life tools for healthspan, performance, and aesthetics. I’m Dr. Daria Hamrah. By day I’m a facial cosmetic and reconstructive surgeon and wellness enthusiast; the rest of the time I’m a teacher and relentless student of longevity. After years of speaking with colleagues and hearing your questions on social media, I launched this show to go deeper than headlines and quick takes. Here’s what’s different. We’ll often take a single theme and stay with it—sometimes for an entire month—so you actually master it. That could be metabolic and mitochondrial health, sleep architecture, brain performance, strength and protein strategy, hormones across the lifespan, the microbiome and gut, skin longevity, oncology prevention, mental fitness, relationships, and purpose. Some episodes are solo—clear frameworks and clinic-tested protocols. Many feature world leaders in their fields: scientists, physicians, and founders pushing the frontier of health and wellness. We’ll talk tools in plain language: Behavioral practices (what to do—and what to stop doing)Nutrition strategies and supplementationBusiness and Entrepreneurship in Healthcare How to navigate current trends and hypes withoug gimmicks And this is a two-way conversation. Your comments, reviews, and upvotes guide what we cover next. Tell us what you want more of, and we’ll build it. No hype. No one-note protocols. Just evidence, nuance, and practical steps you can start this week—whether you’re a clinician guiding patients or a motivated listener optimizing your own life. Thanks for being here. Let’s redefine aging—and living—from the inside out.

  1. How to Age-Proof Your Brain and Stay Sharp for Life - with Dr. Majid Fotuhi

    DEC 1

    How to Age-Proof Your Brain and Stay Sharp for Life - with Dr. Majid Fotuhi

    Send us a text Most people think memory loss is a downhill slide you can’t stop. We don’t. In this conversation with neurologist and neuroscientist Dr. Majid Fotuhi, we map out a twelve‑week blueprint that measurably improves memory, focus, and even grows hippocampal volume by targeting the real drivers of decline: poor sleep, chronic stress, insulin resistance, hearing loss, inactivity, and hidden medical issues. Dr. Majid Fotuhi is a pioneering neurologist, neuroscientist, and professor with more than thirty-five years of experience in brain health, memory, neuroplasticity, and the prevention of Alzheimer’s disease. His work bridges research, clinical innovation, and public education. He earned his PhD in neuroscience from Johns Hopkins University, completed medical training at Harvard Medical School, and returned to Johns Hopkins for his neurology residency. He currently serves as an adjunct professor at Johns Hopkins University. An author and communicator, Dr. Fotuhi has written several books and is known for making complex science accessible. His excellence in teaching earned him the American Academy of Neurology’s prestigious award. His research has appeared in peer-reviewed journals, been presented at major conferences, and cited widely by scientists worldwide. Dr. Fotuhi has created a twelve-week program that has helped thousands of patients with memory loss, brain fog, concussion, mild cognitive impairment, and early Alzheimer’s disease. His expertise has been featured by CNN, NBC News, the Today Show, ABC News, The New York Times, The Washington Post, and The Times (London). We start by clarifying what mild cognitive impairment is, how it differs from dementia, and why so many cases are preventable. Dr. Fotuhi explains the “type 3 diabetes” model—how decades of sugar spikes and inflammation erode the blood‑brain barrier and starve neurons of a stable environment. Then we get practical. You’ll hear how a personalized “brain portfolio” guides treatment: VO2 max testing to shape exercise, sleep studies and CPAP when needed, targeted brain training that matches deficits, and labs for vitamin D, B12, and omega‑3 status. The results? Early wins in two to three weeks, statistically significant gains at six and twelve, and habits that stick. We don’t stop at diet and steps. Oral health impacts cognition by limiting whole foods and increasing inflammation; chewing itself engages neural circuits. Hearing loss quietly accelerates decline—hearing aids can move people from mild impairment back to normal. Add a simple, sustainable food approach—ditch ultra‑processed foods, eat vegetables, legumes, fruits, quality proteins, and healthy fats—and consider targeted supplementation with DHA/EPA omega‑3s and corrected D and B12 levels. Along the way, we address why amyloid hogged the spotlight, and point to powerful data: the Lancet’s estimate that 45% of dementia cases are preventable and the American Heart Association’s claim that 80% of strokes can be avoided. If you want a sharper brain by summer, this is your starting line. Subscribe, share this with someone you love, and leave a review telling us the one habit you’ll change this week. Your future brain will thank you. Links: Majid Fotuhi, MD, PhD: https://drfotuhi.com/ https://krieger.jhu.edu/mbi/directory/majid-fotuhi/ https://neurogrow.com/about-us/dr-majid-fotuhi-md-phd/ https://psychology.columbian.gwu.edu/majid-fotuhi Tweet me @realdrhamrah IG @drhamrah

    1h 49m
  2. From Mouth To Mortality: How Oral Health Shapes Your Future

    NOV 3

    From Mouth To Mortality: How Oral Health Shapes Your Future

    Send us a text What if the most overlooked lever for longer life sits right behind your smile? We trace a clear line from gum inflammation and tooth loss to cardiovascular risk, metabolic control, brain health, and ultimately all-cause mortality—then show how to act on it. With oral and maxillofacial surgeon Dr. Imran Asin, we unpack the data that shifted our thinking: Lancet analyses linking tooth count to mortality, new pathology showing oral bacterial signatures inside atherosclerotic plaque, and periodontal therapy improving glycemic control. We explore hs-CRP as a practical marker for systemic inflammation and why cardiology is finally spotlighting gum disease and dental infection as risk drivers alongside smoking, dyslipidemia, and hypertension. The message is blunt: treat the mouth and you meaningfully change the body. Function matters as much as markers. Lose molars and diets slide toward ultra-processed, soft calories that spike glucose and starve the microbiome. Keep 20+ teeth, and you maintain the ability to chew fiber-rich, nutrient-dense foods and enjoy social meals that protect mood and cognition. We dive into pediatric red flags—snoring, mouth breathing, and narrow arches—plus how breastfeeding and early orthodontic expansion support airway growth, sleep quality, and long-term health. Think of this as preventive airway engineering that starts in childhood and pays dividends for decades. Chewing isn’t trivial; it lights up the hippocampus and supports cognitive resilience. That’s why preserving dentition and replacing missing teeth are brain-aware choices, not vanity. We close with a micro-prescription you can implement today: twice-daily brushing, daily flossing, quick cleans after meals, xylitol gum to shift the oral ecology, and timely tooth replacement to restore real chewing. Pair these with sleep, nutrition, and movement and you reduce risk on multiple fronts—from the plaque in your arteries to the circuits in your brain. If this resonated, follow the show and leave a quick rating on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Share this episode with someone who cares about longevity, and tell us: what’s the one oral health habit you’ll upgrade this week? Tweet me @realdrhamrah IG @drhamrah

    1h 24m
  3. Muscle as Medicine: How Smart Training Extends Your Healthspan - with Dr. John Rusin

    SEP 14

    Muscle as Medicine: How Smart Training Extends Your Healthspan - with Dr. John Rusin

    Send us a text What if your workout routine actually built your body up instead of breaking it down? Dr. John Rusin, one of the world's leading experts in strength and performance, has revolutionized fitness with a philosophy that merges rehabilitation with peak performance. After nearly three years of development, Dr. Rusin has distilled his renowned certification program into his new book "Pain-Free Performance," a comprehensive guide to training that respects your body while maximizing results. His approach stems from a surprising realization: the same principles that keep elite athletes healthy apply equally to everyday people seeking longevity and quality of life. During our conversation, Dr. Rusin challenges conventional wisdom about exercise, revealing why most people waste time in the gym with movements that produce minimal results. He explains how strength training becomes truly effective only when it respects principles of adaptation—training close enough to failure, achieving sufficient volume, and moving with purpose. The good news? His clients typically train just 2-3 days weekly for 45 minutes, proving that quality trumps quantity when guided by proper methodology. For those dealing with chronic pain or movement limitations, Dr. Rusin offers immediate solutions, including his 10-minute daily "six-phase dynamic sequence" that can transform how your body moves and feels. We explore common scenarios like post-pregnancy fitness challenges and nagging shoulder injuries, with practical advice for each situation. Perhaps most powerful is Dr. Rusin's perspective on exercise as a cornerstone habit that enhances every aspect of life. "It makes me a better father, makes me a better husband, makes me a better business owner, gives me more energy, and it allows me to be at my best mentally, physically, and emotionally every single day," he shares. Whether you're a weekend warrior, dealing with chronic pain, or simply seeking to extend your healthspan, this episode offers a refreshing, science-backed approach to movement that will change how you think about fitness forever. Website: https://drjohnrusin.com IG: @drjohnrusin YouTube link: here Tweet me @realdrhamrah IG @drhamrah

    1h 8m
  4. Unlocking the Brain: Insights from Neuroscientist - Dr. Sarah McKay

    JUL 31

    Unlocking the Brain: Insights from Neuroscientist - Dr. Sarah McKay

    Send us a text What if you could understand the science behind why your teenager seems impossible, why habits are so hard to break, or why menopause affects your thinking? Dr. Sarah Mackay, an Oxford-trained neuroscientist and founder of the Neuroscience Academy, joins us to demystify the complex world of the brain with warmth, wit, and scientific precision. This conversation upends common misconceptions about brain development while offering practical insights for everyday life. Dr. Mackay takes us on a journey through neuroplasticity—the brain's remarkable ability to change throughout life—explaining how this process underpins everything from habit formation to teenage rebellion. She shares evidence-based strategies for behavior change that work with your brain's natural tendencies rather than against them, like "habit stacking" to make new behaviors stick. We explore fascinating research on sex differences in the brain, revealing how both biology and social factors shape cognitive development across cultures. Dr. Mackay offers a refreshingly balanced perspective on "brain fog" during menopause, acknowledging the complex interplay between hormones, sleep, stress, and societal expectations. Perhaps most valuably, she emphasizes the profound importance of social connection for cognitive health, suggesting that meaningful relationships might matter more than trendy biohacks or optimization techniques. Throughout our discussion, Dr. Mackay's compassionate approach to aging and body image resonates deeply. Her insight that "there are no mirrors in nature" provides a powerful reframing of how we view ourselves as we age. Whether you're navigating parenthood, midlife transitions, or simply curious about how your mind works, this episode offers both scientific substance and genuine wisdom about embracing the brain's natural evolution through all life stages. Dr. Sarah McKay links: IG: @drsarahmckay X: @drsarahmmckay website: https://drsarahmckay.com Tweet me @realdrhamrah IG @drhamrah

    1h 49m
  5. Beyond Diets: The Truth About Obesity Medicine - with Dr. Rocio Salas-Whalen

    MAY 28

    Beyond Diets: The Truth About Obesity Medicine - with Dr. Rocio Salas-Whalen

    Send us a text Two physicians challenge everything you thought you knew about weight loss in this eye-opening discussion on the biology behind obesity. Dr. Rocio Salas-Whalen, a triple board-certified endocrinologist and obesity medicine expert, joins Dr. Daria Hamrah to reframe obesity as a complex medical condition—not a failure of willpower. The conversation delves into why "eat less, exercise more" fails most people long-term. Dr. Salas-Whalen explains how genetics can account for up to 70% of obesity risk, with parents' weight before conception significantly affecting their children's predisposition. Beyond genetics, we learn how hormonal changes, aging, and environmental factors create what she calls "the perfect storm" working against sustainable weight loss. Perhaps most fascinating is the detailed explanation of how GLP-1 medications work by targeting both survival and reward eating patterns. Unlike restrictive diets, these treatments address the biological roots of weight regulation while providing psychological relief many patients describe as life-changing. The doctors share moving patient stories, including one man who transformed so dramatically he was unrecognizable—ultimately quitting his job to become a nutrition specialist after experiencing the profound impact of effective treatment. The episode also covers the alarming impact of endocrine-disrupting chemicals found in everyday items like plastic bottles and food containers, with practical advice on reducing exposure. You'll learn why building muscle might be the most important thing you can do for metabolic health, and why body composition analysis offers far more valuable information than BMI alone. Whether you're struggling with weight, supporting someone who is, or simply interested in the science of metabolism, this conversation offers compassionate, evidence-based perspectives that could change how you think about health forever. Listen now to understand why weight management shouldn't be treated as a cosmetic concern—but rather as the serious medical issue it truly is. Dr. Rocio Salas-Whalen IG: @drsalaswhalen NEW YORK ENDOCRINOLOGY, P.C.1107 PARK AVENUE NEW YORK, NY 10128 PHONE / (212) 722-ENDO (3636) FAX / 212.722.3639 Tweet me @realdrhamrah IG @drhamrah

    1h 25m
  6. Your Body Is Not Betraying You: Understanding the Science of Menopause - with Dr. Mary Claire Haver

    APR 17

    Your Body Is Not Betraying You: Understanding the Science of Menopause - with Dr. Mary Claire Haver

    Send us a text Menopause represents a profound transition that affects every woman, yet remains shockingly misunderstood by the medical establishment. Dr. Mary Claire Haver, board-certified OBGYN, certified menopause specialist, and bestselling author of "The New Menopause," joins us to expose the striking gaps in menopause education and treatment that leave millions suffering unnecessarily. The conversation quickly moves beyond hot flashes to reveal how menopause impacts virtually every body system. "I knew more about the bottom of the ocean than about menopause," Dr. Haver confesses, despite years of medical training. She explains how falling estrogen levels affect brain function (70% of women experience cognitive changes), cardiovascular health (2-3x increased risk of metabolic syndrome), bone density (greatest acceleration of bone loss occurs during perimenopause), and mental health (40% increase in disorders during transition). Most surprisingly, Dr. Haver reveals how a single flawed study from 2002 dramatically altered women's health for decades, creating widespread fear about hormone replacement therapy despite subsequent research showing its benefits far outweigh risks for most women. "For the vast majority of patients, especially starting early, the benefits will far outweigh the risks. She'll live longer, have less cardiovascular disease, less osteoporosis, less dementia." Beyond medical interventions, Dr. Haver offers practical strategies for navigating menopause: prioritizing protein intake and strength training to preserve muscle mass ("the most geroprotective thing in the woman is the muscle"), consuming diverse plant foods for gut health, and addressing stress. She emphasizes that understanding menopause's comprehensive impact is essential not only for women's health but for relationships, noting that many divorces trace back to unrecognized and untreated menopause symptoms. Whether you're approaching menopause, supporting a partner through it, or seeking to better understand women's health beyond reproductive years, this episode offers invaluable insights that could transform your perspective on this universal female experience. Share it with someone who needs this information—chances are, that's almost everyone. Dr. Mary Claire Haver Website: https://maryclairewellness.com The Pause Life: https://thepauselife.com Instagram: @drmaryclaire Book Link: The New Menopause Tweet me @realdrhamrah IG @drhamrah

    58 min
  7. Hormone Optimization: The Key to Male Vitality - with Dr. Christopher Asandra

    MAR 29

    Hormone Optimization: The Key to Male Vitality - with Dr. Christopher Asandra

    Send us a text Dr. Christopher Asandra pulls back the curtain on men's health in this riveting conversation about the testosterone crisis sweeping through modern society. The alarming reality? Today's average man has approximately half the testosterone levels of men from just 40-50 years ago – a biochemical shift with profound implications for energy, mental clarity, sexual function, and overall vitality. For too many men, the first signs of hormonal decline – fatigue, irritability, brain fog, decreased libido – are dismissed as "normal aging" or worse, treated with antidepressants without addressing the root cause. Dr. Isandra explains why conventional medicine often fails these patients and outlines a more comprehensive approach to men's hormonal health that goes far beyond simply prescribing pills. The conversation tackles persistent myths about testosterone therapy, exploring why the FDA recently removed its "black box" warning and how properly administered hormone optimization differs dramatically from black market steroid abuse. Equally valuable are the actionable lifestyle strategies Dr. Asandra shares – from resistance training (particularly lower body exercises) to sleep optimization – that can naturally boost testosterone by 20-30% in many men. Most powerful are the transformation stories from Dr. Asandra's practice – men who reclaimed their vitality, saved their marriages, and rediscovered themselves after proper hormone optimization. As one patient tearfully confessed, "it saved my life." Whether you're experiencing symptoms yourself or care about someone who might be, this episode provides the knowledge to recognize hormonal decline and the roadmap to address it effectively. Dr. Christopher Asandra contact: https://asandramd.com/ IG: @asandramd Tweet me @realdrhamrah IG @drhamrah

    1h 9m
  8. Empowerment Through Leadership and Wellness Transformation - with Anthony Blanco

    JAN 1

    Empowerment Through Leadership and Wellness Transformation - with Anthony Blanco

    Send us a text What if the key to unlocking your potential lies in the synergy between business strategies and personal goals? Join us in this episode of the Daria Hamrah podcast as we welcome the insightful Anthony Blanco, a business and mindset coach who passionately shares his journey from a sales consultant to an advocate for holistic personal and professional growth. Anthony reveals how embracing clarity, discipline, and consistent habits has guided him and others toward success. Expect to gain a fresh perspective on aligning business ambitions with personal aspirations for an all-encompassing sense of fulfillment. Discover how structured processes, leadership, and emotional intelligence intersect to create a culture of excellence in Anthony's world. By fostering an environment where mistakes are seen as opportunities to learn rather than failures, businesses can thrive and evolve. We explore the nuances of leadership scalability, highlighting the necessity for data-driven decisions and effective delegation. Anthony's philosophy underscores the importance of empowering every team member to lead, ensuring a dynamic and resilient organizational structure. Anthony also shares his transformative wellness journey, sparked by a personal health crisis, leading to a thriving nutrition business. By focusing on the interplay of mindset, nutrition, and fitness, he demonstrates how personal triumphs can inspire broader community change. As we discuss coaching strategies for both business and nutrition, Anthony's emphasis on client readiness and practical approaches provides listeners with actionable insights. This episode is a treasure trove of inspiration and knowledge for those eager to enhance their personal and professional lives. Anthony Blanco:  URL: https://www.anthonyblanco.com/ https://www.instagram.com/anthonyblanco_coach/ https://www.facebook.com/anthonyblanco.coach/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthony-blanco-88647711 Tweet me @realdrhamrah IG @drhamrah

    1h 18m
4.9
out of 5
35 Ratings

About

Welcome to The Daria Hamrah Podcast—where world-leading minds translate science into real-life tools for healthspan, performance, and aesthetics. I’m Dr. Daria Hamrah. By day I’m a facial cosmetic and reconstructive surgeon and wellness enthusiast; the rest of the time I’m a teacher and relentless student of longevity. After years of speaking with colleagues and hearing your questions on social media, I launched this show to go deeper than headlines and quick takes. Here’s what’s different. We’ll often take a single theme and stay with it—sometimes for an entire month—so you actually master it. That could be metabolic and mitochondrial health, sleep architecture, brain performance, strength and protein strategy, hormones across the lifespan, the microbiome and gut, skin longevity, oncology prevention, mental fitness, relationships, and purpose. Some episodes are solo—clear frameworks and clinic-tested protocols. Many feature world leaders in their fields: scientists, physicians, and founders pushing the frontier of health and wellness. We’ll talk tools in plain language: Behavioral practices (what to do—and what to stop doing)Nutrition strategies and supplementationBusiness and Entrepreneurship in Healthcare How to navigate current trends and hypes withoug gimmicks And this is a two-way conversation. Your comments, reviews, and upvotes guide what we cover next. Tell us what you want more of, and we’ll build it. No hype. No one-note protocols. Just evidence, nuance, and practical steps you can start this week—whether you’re a clinician guiding patients or a motivated listener optimizing your own life. Thanks for being here. Let’s redefine aging—and living—from the inside out.

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