This week, Brent is joined by Dr. Ziyad Al-Aly, a physician-researcher known for some of the most comprehensive work on long COVID and its long-term impact on the body. Dr. Al-Aly explains what the latest data shows about lingering symptoms, who's most at risk, and how COVID increases the chances of conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and cognitive decline long after infection. They discuss what we now understand about reinfections, vaccines, viral persistence, and the mechanisms driving long COVID, along with the practical steps people can take to lower risk and protect their long-term health. He's a great guest, hope you enjoy.
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45:54
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45:54
The Mission of Death Clock
In this solo episode, Brent takes a step back and explores the mission of Death Clock, reflecting on the journey of the company thus far. He then pulls together the biggest lessons from prior episodes and lays out the core principles experts agree matter most for living longer and staying healthy. He walks through the fundamentals and explains how science has changed his own approach to day-to-day health. It's a straightforward, practical recap of what actually makes a difference and the steps anyone can start taking now. Hope you enjoy.
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49:26
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49:26
William Porter on Alcohol Myths
This week's guest is William Porter, author of Alcohol Explained. He joins Brent to dismantle the myths that shape our cultural relationship with drinking. Drawing from his own history with addiction and the hyper-logical framework behind his books, Porter explains what alcohol actually does to the brain and body, to its impact on sleep, to why it feels addictive in the first place. They explore the misconceptions that keep drinking on a pedestal, the emotional and social narratives that reinforce it, and how understanding the real mechanics of alcohol can empower anyone to change their relationship with it. He's a wonderful guest, hope you enjoy.
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52:51
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52:51
Dr. G. Alexander Fleming on Type 2 Diabetes
In this episode, Brent is joined by endocrinologist and longtime FDA leader Dr. G. Alexander Fleming to break down one of the most consequential diseases of modern life: type 2 diabetes. Dr. Fleming explains the real difference between type 1 and type 2, why insulin resistance is the root problem, and how biomarkers like fasting glucose, A1C, and fasting insulin work together to reveal your true metabolic health. He also discusses the promises and pitfalls of blockbuster medications like metformin and semaglutide, the public-health failures that helped fuel today's metabolic crisis, and why strength training may be one of the most important longevity tools we have. Hope you enjoy.
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54:27
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54:27
Dr. Michael Fredericson on Injury Prevention and Sustainable Exercise
In this episode of Death Clock, Brent talks with Dr. Michael Fredericson, a Stanford physician and co-director of the Stanford Center on Longevity, about how to stay fit, strong, and injury-free as we age. Drawing on decades working with Olympic athletes and Stanford's track team, Dr. Fredericson breaks down the core pillars of lifelong fitness and how they change over time. He explains the science of training safely in midlife, why running isn't bad for your knees, and how exercises like squats and core work can prevent back pain and extend your "healthspan." He's a wonderful guest, hope you enjoy.
Death Clock is devoted to understanding how transformative life change can add years to your life. Death Clock founder and CEO Brent Franson talks to authors, neuroscientists, psychologists, elite performers, doctors, and leaders to understand the science of behavior change and the daily routines that transform lives.