Extend Podcast with Darshan Shah, MD

Darshan Shah, MD
  • 4.8 (132)
  • MEDICINE
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Extend with Darshan Shah, MD is a podcast dedicated to cutting-edge science, research, tools, and protocols designed to help you extend your healthspan. Starting my medical journey at 16 and becoming one of the youngest doctors in the country, studying and training at the Mayo Clinic, Harvard Business School, Singularity University and other prestigious institutions, becoming a board certified surgeon and accumulating over two decades of practice, I have discovered that a mere 20% of health knowledge yields 80% of the results. That's why this podcast is all about cutting through the noise on how to turn back the aging clock. I interview world-renowned medical practitioners, doctors, experts, and thought leaders, offering you a step-by-step guide and actionable advice to proactively avoid disease and optimize your health. Plus, I share weekly solo episodes giving you quick, digestible protocols for successfully extending your healthspan.

  1. 21H AGO

    139. JJ Virgin: Muscle Over Weight Loss

    Most people are told to lose weight to get healthy. What if that mindset is the reason metabolic health keeps getting worse, muscle keeps disappearing, and fat loss never lasts. In this episode of Extend, we sit down with JJ Virgin, triple board certified nutrition expert and Fitness Hall of Famer, to unpack why muscle, not weight loss, is the true driver of metabolic health and longevity. We break down why calorie counting and macro percentages fail, how protein first nutrition reshapes metabolism, and why building muscle changes insulin sensitivity, fat loss, and aging at every stage of life. We also explore how simple strength tests, time efficient training structures, and a muscle first framework can reverse metabolic decline, guide safe GLP-1 use, and help people stop dieting and start rebuilding their health. JJ Virgin is a New York Times bestselling author, media personality, and founder of multiple multimillion dollar health brands, including the Mindshare Collaborative. As host of the Well Beyond 40 podcast and a leader in nutrition, fitness, and longevity, she has helped millions rethink aging, build resilient bodies, and optimize healthspan through science driven strategies. What We Discuss: (04:10) Why weight loss focused thinking worsens metabolic health (09:05) The difference between losing weight and losing muscle (14:00) Why the scale is the wrong metric for health (18:45) Muscle mass, strength, and metabolic resilience (23:10) Simple strength tests that predict longevity (30:00) Time efficient training using push pull hinge frameworks (36:40) Why steps and daily movement matter more than people think (41:50) HIIT vs zone two and how to prioritize exercise (47:10) Protein first nutrition and why macro percentages fail (55:00) GLP-1s, muscle loss, and how to use them safely (01:06:30) Hormones, thyroid health, and recognizing early warning signs (01:14:20) Why improving metabolic health leads to sustainable fat loss   Thank You to Our Sponsors: Function Health: Learn more and join using my link. Visit www.functionhealth.com/drshah  and use gift code DRSHAH25 for a $25 credit toward your membership.  Timeline: Go to timeline.com/drshah to get 20% off your order.   Learn more about Dr. Shah: Website: https://www.drshah.com/ Clinic: https://www.next-health.com/ Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/darshanshahmd/    Learn more about JJ Virgin: Website: https://jjvirgin.com/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JJVirginOfficial/  Instagram: https://instagram.com/jj.virgin/  Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/jjvirginvideos  Podcast: https://jjvirgin.com/main-podcast/  7 Day Challenge / Protein Calculator: jjvirgin.com/proteinfirst

    1h 24m

  2. 5D AGO

    138. Dr. Idrees Mughal: Why Most Viral Health Claims Fail

    Most people assume viral health advice is backed by solid science. What if much of it is built on cherry-picked studies, misleading mechanisms, and narratives designed to sell certainty rather than protect long-term health. In this episode of Extend, we sit down with Dr. Idrees Mughal, UK-trained medical doctor and nutrition researcher, to unpack why so many viral health and nutrition claims fail under real scientific scrutiny. We break down how influencers misuse studies, why single papers rarely overturn decades of evidence, and how mechanistic and animal research is often exaggerated to make claims about human health. We also explore how to evaluate health information more clearly, from spotting credential misuse and false equivalencies to understanding why human outcome data matters more than anecdotes, trends, or social media engagement. Dr. Idrees Mughal, widely known as Dr Idz, is a physician and educator who has built a global following by confronting health misinformation with evidence-based science, helping millions learn how to think critically about nutrition and wellness claims through his platforms and the School of Dr Idz.   What We Discuss: (04:00) How wellness influencers misuse nutrition science (07:28) Why one study cannot overturn decades of evidence (11:21) Credential misuse and cherry-picked research (15:48) Rodent and preclinical studies vs human outcomes (20:30) Mechanistic speculation and longevity myths (25:22) Social media echo chambers and diet tribalism (30:11) False equivalencies in carnivore and plant-based debates (38:06) Sugar vs artificial sweeteners and what the evidence shows (49:07) Why N=1 anecdotes are not evidence (55:25) When extreme elimination diets may help short term (01:03:59) Why nutrition science is not actually confusing   Thank You to Our Sponsors: IM8: Try IM8 today with a 30-day money back guarantee. You can get 10% off your first order with code DRSHAH at https://im8health.com/discount/DRSHAH.  NextHealth: Your destination for cutting-edge health optimization—from IV therapy to hormone balancing. Explore at https://www.next-health.com/   Learn more about Dr. Shah: Website: https://www.drshah.com/ Clinic: https://www.next-health.com/ Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/darshanshahmd/    Learn more about Dr. Idrees Mughal: Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/dr_idz/?hl=en  You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr_idz  Threads: https://www.threads.com/@dr_idz

    1h 7m

  3. FEB 10

    137. Ariana Thacker: Mold Toxicity, Treatment Protocols + Genetic Susceptibility

    Most people assume mold exposure causes allergies or respiratory issues. What if it is actually driving chronic inflammation, hormone disruption, and neurological symptoms that standard labs fail to detect. In this episode of Extend, we sit down with Ariana Thacker, founder and CEO of Moldco, to uncover how mold toxicity operates as a systemic, cellular-level illness and why so many patients are misdiagnosed or dismissed. We break down how mold impacts mitochondrial energy, immune signaling, gut health, and hormones, and why genetics determine who gets sick even within the same household. We also explore the real diagnostic pathway for mold related illness, from symptom cluster questionnaires and targeted biomarkers to home dust testing, and why healing only works when medical treatment and environmental remediation happen together. Ariana Thacker is a chemical engineer turned health entrepreneur who built Moldco after toxic mold exposure nearly destroyed her own health, creating an accessible care model that combines testing, telemedicine, and treatment to address one of medicine's biggest blind spots. What We Discuss: (03:46) Mold toxicity as a systemic, whole-body illness (07:03) Ariana's health crisis and discovering mold at home (11:40) Toxins, colonization, and chronic inflammation (16:02) Genetic susceptibility and the canary effect (19:22) Why standard medical testing fails mold patients (22:04) Symptom clusters, CIRS, and diagnostic pathways (26:41) Home dust testing and identifying exposure (32:14) Treatment protocols and telemedicine care (36:58) Addressing mold, Lyme, and long COVID (42:39) Recovery timelines and rebuilding health (47:34) Patient advocacy and ending medical gaslighting   Thank You to Our Sponsors: MoldCo: Home Test and Starter Panel: Use code NEXTHEALTH20 for 20% off any lab order at https://access.moldco.com/labs . IM8: Try IM8 today with a 30-day money back guarantee. You can get 10% off your first order with code DRSHAH at https://im8health.com/discount/DRSHAH.   Learn more about Dr. Shah: Website: https://www.drshah.com/ Clinic: https://www.next-health.com/ Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/darshanshahmd/    Learn more about Ariana Thacker: Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/themoldcompany/  Website: https://www.moldco.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arianadthacker/

    46 min

  4. FEB 5

    136. Dr. Goodenowe: Plasmalogens and the Hidden Science of Longevity

    Most people think brain aging is inevitable. What if the real future of longevity is protecting cellular health long before symptoms appear.   In this episode of Extend, we sit down with Dr. Dayan Goodenowe, neuroscientist and biochemist, to explore the hidden role of plasmalogens in brain health, aging, and all-cause mortality. Dr. Goodenowe shares how his work in advanced metabolomics revealed that declining plasmalogen levels can predict dementia, cancer recurrence, and shortened lifespan years before disease is diagnosed, reframing aging as a loss of health rather than a disease itself.   We explore how restoring cellular membrane integrity can reduce neuroinflammation, rebuild brain structure, and improve resilience, along with how advanced MRI and lipid-based blood testing now make it possible to measure, track, and optimize brain health in a proactive way.   What We Discuss: (01:39) What plasmalogens are and why cell membranes matter (11:23) Predicting dementia and mortality years in advance (14:52) Why aging is about losing health, not getting disease (16:03) The concept of prodromes and early loss of resilience (19:13) Plasmalogens, cancer recurrence, and systemic aging (27:35) Advanced MRI, brain inflammation, and cortical thickness (36:40) Muscle, mobility, and restoring functional resilience (40:14) The three M's of longevity: mental acuity, mobility, mood (53:42) Measuring true brain health beyond standard biomarkers (59:05) Designing a life focused on function, purpose, and vitality   Thank You to Our Sponsors: Vitaboom: For supplements you can trust and wellness solutions tailored to your health, visit https://vitaboom.com/  Learn more about Dr. Shah: Website: https://www.drshah.com/ Clinic: https://www.next-health.com/ Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/darshanshahmd/    Learn more about Dr. Goodenowe: Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/drdayangoodenowe/  Website: https://drgoodenowe.com/  Website: https://prodrome.com/  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dayangoodenowe/    Keywords: Longevity Medicine, Plasmalogens, Brain Health, Cellular Membrane Health, Preventive Care, Health Optimization, Aging Mechanisms, Neuroinflammation, Biomarkers, Advanced MRI, Metabolomics, Personalized Medicine, Proactive Health Monitoring, Functional Longevity, Human Potential Optimization, Extend Podcast, Episode 137, Dr. Dayan Goodenowe

    1h 9m

  5. FEB 3

    135. Sarah Ann Macklin: Self-Compassion and Sustainable Behavior Change

    Most people know what they should do to be healthy, yet still struggle to follow through. What if the real barrier is not discipline or knowledge, but mindset. In this episode of Extend, we sit down with Sarah Ann Macklin, a nutritionist and health educator who blends nutrition science with psychology and self-compassion. Sarah shares her journey from high fashion modeling to nutritional science, and how burnout, illness, and neurodiversity shaped her approach to sustainable health. We explore why health changes often fail when driven by restriction and scarcity, how self-compassion creates lasting behavior change, and why ultra-processed foods, stress, and comparison culture sabotage both physical and mental health. Sarah also breaks down practical tools to reconnect with hunger cues, build healthier habits, and shift from self-criticism to an abundance mindset so health no longer feels hard, rigid, or overwhelming.   What We Discuss: (00:00) Why people struggle to get healthy despite good advice (02:30) Self-compassion as the foundation of sustainable health (07:30) From high fashion modeling to nutrition and a major health wake-up call (14:30) Dyslexia, neurodivergence, and the first moment of self-compassion (18:30) Food and mental health, the SMILES trial, and omega-3 research (26:30) Body image, thinness myths, and the reality of the modeling industry (31:30) Social media, comparison culture, and rising body dysmorphia (38:30) The neuroscience of self-compassion and why positivity alone fails (43:30) Optimizers vs lapses and the shared feeling of not being enough (49:30) Clinical tools, mindful food journaling, and emotional awareness (54:30) Crash dieting, quick fixes, and why habits matter more than diets (01:00:00) Stress, mindset, and how rigid health plans backfire (01:03:30) Practical self-compassion tools and book announcement Thank You to Our Sponsors: IM8: Try IM8 today with a 30-day money back guarantee. You can get 10% off your first order with code DRSHAH at https://im8health.com/discount/DRSHAH.   Learn more about Dr. Shah: Website: https://www.drshah.com/ Clinic: https://www.next-health.com/ Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/darshanshahmd/    Learn more about Sarah Ann Macklin: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahannmacklin/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SarahAnnOfficial/  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-macklin-3498a193/

    1h 8m

  6. JAN 29

    134. Dr. Jessica Shepherd: Stop the Decline: Perimenopause Strategies

    Most people assume losing strength, energy, and bone health is inevitable as we age. But what if maintaining muscle, optimizing hormones, and protecting bone density were about targeting the right systems early rather than treating symptoms later? In this episode of Extend, we sit down with Dr. Jessica Shepherd, a board-certified OB/GYN and expert in midlife health and longevity. With years of experience merging clinical medicine with functional approaches, Dr. Shepherd shares how resistance training, hormone therapy, nutrition, and modern therapies like GLP-1 medications can work together to help women thrive through midlife and beyond. We talk about why muscle is the "organ of longevity," how bone quality and hormonal balance impact strength and metabolism, and why small, consistent lifestyle changes such as squats, grip exercises, and functional movement can have massive long-term effects. Dr. Shepherd also explores strategies to boost energy, preserve functionality, and support overall health so you can age stronger, healthier, and more resilient.   What We Discuss: (04:00) Why many physicians leave traditional medicine for longevity-focused care (07:50) Menopause, the WHI study, and how hormone therapy was misunderstood for decades (11:45) Perimenopause explained: early symptoms like brain fog, sleep disruption, and emotional changes (18:45) When women should start thinking about perimenopause and why conversations should begin in the late 30s (23:30) Patient autonomy: ruling out thyroid, mental health, stress, and nutrition before starting hormones (27:40) Hormones as optimization fuel for brain, bone, muscle, and metabolic health (30:15) Why muscle is the organ of longevity and how resistance training protects metabolism and strength (33:00) Bone health beyond density: early DEXA scans, bone quality, and osteoporosis prevention (36:30) Functional longevity tests: sit-to-stand, grip strength, farmer's carry, and real-world strength (39:50) Motivation and quick wins: how HRT and GLP-1 therapies can accelerate lifestyle change (41:15) The synergy between hormone therapy and GLP-1 medications in perimenopause (44:40) The future of hormone therapy: individualized delivery and integrated longevity care models (46:45) Creating a well space for proactive health instead of reactive disease treatment Thank You to Our Sponsors: Function Health: Learn more and join using my link. Visit www.functionhealth.com/drshah and use gift code DRSHAH25 for a $25 credit toward your membership.   Learn more about Dr. Shah: Website: https://www.drshah.com/ Clinic: https://www.next-health.com/ Instagram:@darshanshahmd   Learn more about Dr. Jessica Shepherd: Instagram:  jessicashepherdmd  Website: https://www.jessicashepherdmd.com/  Linkedin: Jessica Shepherd, MD, MBA, FACOG

    51 min

  7. JAN 27

    133. Dr. Abid Husain: The Hidden Drivers of Heart Disease

    Most people focus on cholesterol and plaque when thinking about heart health. The truth is, there are hidden drivers that can silently damage your arteries and increase cardiovascular risk. In this episode of Extend, we sit down with Dr. Abid Husain, cardiologist and expert in cardiometabolic health, to unpack how microvascular dysfunction, glycocalyx degradation, metabolic disease, and mental stress contribute to heart disease beyond traditional risk factors. We break down the role of nitric oxide, small dense LDL, clotting mechanisms, and the often overlooked impact of stress on cardiovascular health. We also explore how lifestyle interventions, targeted supplements like nattokinase and chondroitin sulfate, and metabolic management with GLP-1 therapies can strengthen vascular health and reduce hidden cardiovascular risk. Dr. Abid Husain is a cardiologist specializing in cardiometabolic medicine, who combines cutting-edge research with practical strategies to help patients optimize heart health, manage metabolic risk, and prevent cardiovascular disease. What We Discuss: (00:37) The glycocalyx: why it matters for cardiovascular health and how it protects arteries (08:50) Lifestyle strategies to strengthen the glycocalyx, including exercise and metabolic health (14:30) Supplements that support vascular integrity: nattokinase, lumbrokinase, chondroitin sulfate, and hyaluronic acid (22:10) Testing glycocalyx health: syndecan serum test and ultrasound visualization (28:45) Thrombotic risk assessment, aspirin considerations, and personalized cardiovascular strategies (36:20) Metabolic disease as a root cause of heart disease and the role of GLP-1 therapies (44:00) Hidden liver dysfunction and early detection with fibroscan and imaging (50:10) Mental health and cardiovascular risk: stress, sympathetic overdrive, and cortisol balance (55:30) Daily practices to support heart and overall health: breathing, reflection, exercise, and sleep Thank You to Our Sponsors: IM8: Try IM8 today with a 30-day money back guarantee. You can get 10% off your first order with code DRSHAH at https://im8health.com/discount/DRSHAH.    Learn more about Dr. Shah: Website: https://www.drshah.com/ Clinic: https://www.next-health.com/ Instagram:@darshanshahmd   Learn more about Dr. Abid Husain: Instagram: dr_abidhusain  Website: https://boulderlongevity.com/  You Tube: @DoctorAbidHusain

    1h 2m

  8. JAN 22

    132. Nathalie Niddam: Reverse Aging Signals with Bioregulators and Peptides

    Most people assume fatigue, low energy, and age-related decline are unavoidable. What if supporting your body, optimizing recovery, and enhancing longevity were about activating the right systems, rather than chasing symptoms? In this episode of Extend, we sit down with Nathalie Niddam, holistic nutritionist, longevity educator, and host of the Longevity Podcast with Nathalie Niddam, to unpack how bioregulators, mitochondrial peptides, and targeted nutritional strategies can support cellular health, improve energy, and enhance resilience over time. We also explore how bioregulators influence DNA expression, how mitochondrial peptides restore cellular function, and how small, consistent interventions in nutrition and lifestyle can amplify overall vitality and longevity. Nathalie Niddam is a longevity educator and holistic nutritionist who hosts the Longevity Podcast, where she shares science-backed strategies, biohacking insights, and practical tools for optimizing health, energy, and long-term performance.   What We Discuss: (00:00) Why Aging Isn't Inevitable and How Bioregulators Work (06:12) The Russian Origins of Bioregulator Research and Key Studies (13:45) How Bioregulators Support Organ Function and Longevity (21:30) Integrating Bioregulators with Peptides for Maximum Benefit (29:10) Mitochondrial Health: SS31, MOTS-C, Humanin, and Phospholipids (36:55) Testing and Optimizing Fatty Acids and Deuterium for Cellular Energy (44:40) Practical Protocols: Stacking Bioregulators for Liver, Cardiovascular, and Metabolic Support (51:25) The Role of Lifestyle, Stress, and Nervous System in Aging Reversal   Thank You to Our Sponsors: NextHealth: Your destination for cutting-edge health optimization—from IV therapy to hormone balancing. Explore at https://www.next-health.com/   Learn more about Dr. Shah: Website: https://www.drshah.com/ Clinic: https://www.next-health.com/ Instagram:@darshanshahmd   Learn more about Nathalie Niddam: Instagram: @nathalieniddam  Website: https://www.natniddam.com/ Linkedin: Nathalie Niddam

    50 min
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Hosts & Guests

4.8
out of 5
132 Ratings

About

Extend with Darshan Shah, MD is a podcast dedicated to cutting-edge science, research, tools, and protocols designed to help you extend your healthspan. Starting my medical journey at 16 and becoming one of the youngest doctors in the country, studying and training at the Mayo Clinic, Harvard Business School, Singularity University and other prestigious institutions, becoming a board certified surgeon and accumulating over two decades of practice, I have discovered that a mere 20% of health knowledge yields 80% of the results. That's why this podcast is all about cutting through the noise on how to turn back the aging clock. I interview world-renowned medical practitioners, doctors, experts, and thought leaders, offering you a step-by-step guide and actionable advice to proactively avoid disease and optimize your health. Plus, I share weekly solo episodes giving you quick, digestible protocols for successfully extending your healthspan.

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