Chasing Life

1,800 lives lost and hundreds of thousands displaced. But the storm left behind more than physical damage. It exposed the lasting psychological toll disasters can take. Nearly 20 years later, catastrophic weather events have only become more common. Dr. Stefan Schulenberg, a leading expert on disaster mental health, explains how trauma lingers, what resilience really looks like, and what Katrina can teach us about facing the crises ahead. This episode was produced by Lori Galarreta Showrunner: Amanda Sealy Technical Director: Dan Dzula Executive Producer: Steve Lickteig Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Not all belly fat is created equal. Dr. Sanjay Gupta explains what makes some belly fat “toxic,” how to know if you have it, and what you can do to reduce it. Then, he tackles a follow-up question on the new blood pressure guidelines, including what lifestyle changes really work. Our show is produced by Eryn Mathewson, Jennifer Lai, Grace Walker, Lori Galaretta, Jesse Remedios, Sofia Sanchez, Kyra Dahring, and Madeleine Thompson. Medical Writer: Andrea Kane Showrunner: Amanda Sealy Senior Producer: Dan Bloom Technical Director: Dan Dzula Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

At 10 years old, brainiac 'Sean the Science Kid' Atitsogbe already has plenty in common with Dr. Sanjay Gupta: He loves to learn and explain science to his million-plus Instagram followers. He's an advocate for positivity. And when he grows up, he wants to be a ("neuro-cardio") surgeon. So, Dr. Gupta passes the mic and lets Sean interview him about the things on his heart and brain. Our show is produced by Eryn Mathewson, Jennifer Lai, Grace Walker, Lori Galaretta, Jesse Remedios, Sofia Sanchez, Kyra Dahring, and Madeleine Thompson. Medical Writer: Andrea Kane Showrunner: Amanda Sealy Senior Producer: Dan Bloom Technical Director: Dan Dzula Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nearly half of Americans have high blood pressure — and the guidelines for managing it just changed. Dr. Sanjay Gupta explains the new rules, including surprising advice on alcohol. Plus, he answers a listener’s follow-up: does the recommended daily dose of “morning sunlight” change when it’s cloudy, rainy, or even snowing? New blood pressure guidelines recommend an earlier start to treatment and skipping alcohol, CNN, August 14, 2025 Guideline for the Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Management of High Blood Pressure in Adults, The American College of Cardiology/ American Heart Association, August 14, 2025 Our show is produced by Eryn Mathewson, Jennifer Lai, Grace Walker, Lori Galaretta, Jesse Remedios, Sofia Sanchez, Kyra Dahring, and Madeleine Thompson. Medical Writer: Andrea Kane Showrunner: Amanda Sealy Senior Producer: Dan Bloom Technical Director: Dan Dzula Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Feeling overwhelmed as a new parent? Sleep-deprived and drowning in advice? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Parenting can have many different approaches and let’s face it, has changed a lot since you were an infant. Dr. David Hill, pediatrician, author, and AAP spokesperson, breaks down the new baby basics on sleep, feeding, car seats—and answers rapid-fire questions about what’s different now. Our show is produced by Eryn Mathewson, Jennifer Lai, Grace Walker, Lori Galaretta, Jesse Remedios, Sofia Sanchez, Kyra Dahring, and Madeleine Thompson. Medical Writer: Andrea Kane Showrunner: Amanda Sealy Senior Producer: Dan Bloom Technical Director: Dan Dzula Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

There’s an ad going around on social media claiming Dr. Sanjay Gupta has discovered a natural cure for Alzheimer’s. Spoiler: it’s a deepfake. Sanjay breaks down how to tell when AI is faking it and answers a listener’s question about spotting signs prostate cancer has spread. Paging Dr Gupta is a production of CNN Podcasts. Our podcast is produced by Eryn Mathewson, Jennifer Lai, Grace Walker, Lori Galaretta, Jesse Remedios, Sofia Sanchez, Kyra Dahring, and Madeleine Thompson. Andrea Kane is our medical writer, our senior producer is Dan Bloom, Amanda Sealy is our showrunner, Dan Dzula is our technical director, and the executive producer of CNN Podcasts is Steve Lickteig. With support from Jamus Andrest, Jon Dianora, Haley Thomas, Alex Manasseri, Robert Mathers, Leni Steinhardt, Nichole Pesaru, and Lisa Namerow. Special thanks to Ben Tinker and Nadia Kounang of CNN Health and Wendy Brundige. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

One of the most challenging aspects of treating chronic pain is the fact that there’s no objective way to measure it – no number or test like blood pressure or cholesterol. But soon we might have something more specific than the scale of happy face to sad face. Dr. Sanjay Gupta talks with Dr. Prasad Shirvalkar, a physician and researcher who’s implanting electrodes in patients’ brains to better understand how pain is processed—and how we might one day stop it at the source. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Close to #1 on anyone’s list for healthy aging is avoiding dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease. From diabetes to learning a new language, Dr. Sanjay Gupta explains some of the factors that can impact your risk and what you can do about it. Paging Dr Gupta is a production of CNN Podcasts. Our podcast is produced by Eryn Mathewson, Jennifer Lai, Grace Walker, Lori Galaretta, Jesse Remedios, Sofia Sanchez, Kyra Dahring, and Madeleine Thompson. Andrea Kane is our medical writer, our senior producer is Dan Bloom, Amanda Sealy is our showrunner, Dan Dzula is our technical director, and the executive producer of CNN Podcasts is Steve Lickteig. With support from Jamus Andrest, Jon Dianora, Haley Thomas, Alex Manasseri, Robert Mathers, Leni Steinhardt, Nichole Pesaru, and Lisa Namerow. Special thanks to Ben Tinker and Nadia Kounang of CNN Health and Wendy Brundige. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Three-quarters of U.S. adults are overweight or obese. But Kevin Hall, a former researcher at the National Institutes of Health and one of the world’s top experts in food science, is on a mission to take the shame out of weight gain. He joins Sanjay to talk about his new book, Food Intelligence: The Science of How Food Both Nourishes and Harms Us, and why our many misconceptions about metabolism are distracting us from the real drivers of the obesity crisis. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Are you always the one getting eaten alive while everyone else walks away bite-free? Dr. Sanjay Gupta explains why some people attract more mosquitoes and shares tips on how to avoid getting bitten including which repellents actually work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Man’s deadliest predator takes more than a million lives each year and is no bigger than your fingernail. To mark mosquito season, history professor Dr. Timothy Winegard sits down with Dr. Sanjay Gupta to unpack how we can use lessons from the past to fight mosquitoes in the future. Plus, find out how you can make your blood a little less appetizing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

You’ve likely stood in the grocery aisle wondering—what’s actually healthier: fresh or frozen produce? And when it comes to salt, should you stick with regular or go for pink Himalayan? Dr. Sanjay Gupta breaks it down, so you know exactly what to grab next time you hit the store. Chasing Life is a production of CNN Podcasts. Our podcast is produced by Eryn Mathewson, Jennifer Lai, Grace Walker, Lori Galaretta, Jesse Remedios, Sofia Sanchez, Kyra Dahring, and Madeleine Thompson. Andrea Kane is our medical writer, our senior producer is Dan Bloom, Amanda Sealy is our showrunner, Dan Dzula is our technical director, and the executive producer of CNN Podcasts is Steve Lickteig. With support from Jamus Andrest, Jon Dianora, Haley Thomas, Alex Manasseri, Robert Mathers, Leni Steinhardt, Nichole Pesaru, and Lisa Namerow. Special thanks to Ben Tinker and Nadia Kounang of CNN Health and Wendy Brundige. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dr. Sanjay Gupta sits down with researcher and clinical therapist Dr. Eric Garland to explore how mindfulness meditation can be as effective as opioids in treating chronic pain – without any of the side effects. They break down the science behind how leaning into pain, rather than avoiding it, can actually rewire the brain and provide lasting relief. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Is it just part of getting older, or something you shouldn’t ignore? From your balance to the ringing in your ears, Dr. Sanjay Gupta explains what’s normal, what’s not, and what to do about it. Chasing Life is a production of CNN Podcasts. Our podcast is produced by Eryn Mathewson, Jennifer Lai, Grace Walker, Lori Galaretta, Jesse Remedios, Sofia Sanchez, Kyra Dahring, and Madeleine Thompson. Andrea Kane is our medical writer, our senior producer is Dan Bloom, Amanda Sealy is our showrunner, Dan Dzula is our technical director, and the executive producer of CNN Podcasts is Steve Lickteig. With support from Jamus Andrest, Jon Dianora, Haley Thomas, Alex Manasseri, Robert Mathers, Leni Steinhardt, Nichole Pesaru, and Lisa Namerow. Special thanks to Ben Tinker and Nadia Kounang of CNN Health and Wendy Brundige. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Navigating supplement offerings, in a store or online, can be overwhelming. There’s a pill or a potion for everything, from losing weight to boosting brain power. But how do you know what you need? Join Dr. Sanjay Gupta for a conversation with supplement safety expert Dr. Pieter Cohen to learn how these add-ons are policed and what to look for on the label. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After losing both parents to bone cancer, one listener wants to know what that means for their own risk. Dr. Sanjay Gupta breaks it down—then tackles another question millions wonder about: Is taking a sleep pill every night worse than waking up over and over again? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Every day, in hospitals across the country, surgeons make countless life-or-death decisions. For those who operate on children, those stakes can feel even higher. Dr. David Sandberg, author of “Brain and Heart: The Triumphs and Struggles of a Pediatric Neurosurgeon,” sits down with Sanjay, a fellow neurosurgeon, to swap stories from the operating room and give a glimpse into how surgeons think under pressure. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dr. Sanjay Gupta is here with your summer sunlight guide — exactly when it’s safe to soak up some unfiltered sun, how to truly protect your eyes, and sunscreen mistakes you might be making. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On January 25th, 2025, Tim Andrews became a medical pioneer: He received a kidney transplant from a pig. Dr. Sanjay Gupta follows the incredible journey of this groundbreaking procedure – and the man at the center of it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Xenotransplantation, using animal organs in humans, may sound like science fiction, but it’s quickly becoming a reality. Dr. Sanjay Gupta answers your questions about the progress we have made using pig organs in humans and explores what this breakthrough could mean for the future of medicine. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

At any given moment, more than 100,000 people are waiting for an organ transplant. Every day, 17 of them die waiting. This is a story of survival, bravery, and a medical breakthrough that could solve everything – using organs from animals. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

From early detection to writing your doctor’s notes—Dr. Sanjay Gupta explains how AI is showing up in medicine. And when it comes to pain relief, he’s got tips for which medications to take for different types of pain. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

For something that’s a universal experience, pain has been pretty hard to measure, treat and even understand. That’s what Dr. Sanjay Gupta decided to write his forthcoming book, “It Doesn’t Have to Hurt: Your Smart Guide to a Pain-Free Life.” And in this episode, he's switching over to the guest chair to talk about the rise of chronic pain, its mental toll, and the changing approaches to treatment. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A simple question about your filtered water leads to some surprising truths about fluoride. Then: what to eat to keep your brain sharp—Dr. Sanjay Gupta shares the best foods for your memory. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Every day, thousands of people use fitness trackers and glucose monitors to better understand their health. The next wave of personal health tech might just focus on something we usually overlook: sweat. Dr. Sanjay Gupta sits down with Professor John Rogers, Director of Northwestern’s Querrey Simpson Institute for Bioelectronics, to explore the science of sweat and why it holds so much promise for the future of health monitoring. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

When Billy Joel canceled part of his tour because of a brain condition known as normal pressure hydrocephalus, a lot of you had questions. Dr. Sanjay Gupta explains what it is, how it’s diagnosed, and what you should know if someone in your life is dealing with it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The average American takes in about 34 gigabytes of information each day -- that's a lot for our brains to process and remember. Top memory expert Dr. Charan Ranganath sits down with Dr. Sanjay Gupta to share why the key to remembering more may be to memorize less. Plus, Ranganath weighs in on what could change for human memory in the age of AI. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

One in eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer, and President Biden’s recent diagnosis has many people asking: Am I at risk? Should I get screened? Dr. Sanjay Gupta breaks down what to know about PSA tests, family history, screening age, and how your diet might factor in. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Can you maintain good health into your 80s and beyond? Cardiologist Dr. Eric Topol says yes. He joins Dr. Sanjay Gupta explain why preventing the onset of major diseases is key to extending your life and health-span. And he shares the new screening tools that might help us do it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Whole, skim, oat, almond, pistachio…the milk options seem endless! But which one's actually the healthiest? Dr. Sanjay Gupta breaks it down. Plus, if someone’s in the middle of a bad dream, should you wake them? The answer might surprise you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What actually happens in the brain during pregnancy? Cognitive neuroscientist Dr. Laura Pritschet joins Dr. Sanjay Gupta to unpack the hormonal shifts and brain changes that support new parenthood and how understanding them could reshape the way we think about women’s health. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dr. Sanjay Gupta takes us to Milwaukee, where rising concerns over lead paint in public schools have parents and health officials on high alert. Plus, answers to your questions about lead in everyday life — including whether that chocolate you're eating could be a hidden source of exposure. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Author and physician Dr. Jen Gunter has earned the title ‘the Internet’s Ob/gyn’ for her work demystifying menopause – and de-bunking some of the misinformation surrounding this stage of life. Dr. Gunter and CNN Medical Correspondent Meg Tirrell break down what’s actually going on in women’s bodies during this stage of life, and how to spot the signs. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Proponents of vaccines have contended with waves of skepticism and controversy in recent years, and even if you’re first in line for your booster, the doses have stacked up in a way that inspires questions. Today, Dr. Sanjay Gupta sets the record straight on whether you can ever be too vaccinated. He also answers a question related to menopause and the supplement, creatine. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Samantha Bee is tired of the stigma that still surrounds talking about menopause. The Emmy-winning comedian and writer sits down with CNN Medical Correspondent Meg Tirrell to share why she’s opening up about this phase of her life. Plus, how she realized her body was changing – from night sweats to an ‘emotional roller coaster’ of rage. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Cereals, frostings, and other snacks in the U.S. are about to get a lot less colorful with the FDA moving to phase out artificial food dyes from the nation’s food supply. Will they also get healthier? Plus, Dr. Gupta gets a page to compare whether frozen vegetables store vitamins better than fresh produce. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Overcrowded waiting rooms. End-of-life decisions. Pandemic fatigue. These are the realities of working in emergency medicine. It’s also one of several storylines a new Max medical drama ‘The Pitt’ tackles with unflinching accuracy. Dr. Sanjay Gupta sits down with executive producer John Wells to talk about why the show resonates with so many. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The blockbuster release of GLP-1 drugs for diabetes management and weight loss have left people with a lot of unanswered questions, including this one: can you naturally boost the hormone GLP-1 without pharmaceuticals? That’s where we start today’s Paging Dr. Gupta. We’ll also cover tips on spotting bad science and finding trustworthy sources of health information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How does our relationship with nature affect our health, for better and worse? Dr. Sanjay Gupta explores this idea by pulling from personal experience as a physician, a journalist, and a father. First, he speaks with Dr. Melissa Lem, president of the Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment. And later, Britt Wray, a mental health researcher and author of Generation Dread: Finding Purpose in an Age of Climate Anxiety. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The decades-long practice of adding fluoride to drinking water is under fire. On this week’s Paging Dr. Gupta, we're sinking our teeth into the latest science, and what that means for you or your family’s dental health. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Americans are protein obsessed, but should we be? Renowned nutritionist Dr. Tim Spector sits down with Dr. Sanjay Gupta to share why the focus on protein may mean we’re missing out on another crucial nutrient. Plus, Spector weighs in on other health fads, from low-fat foods to seed oils. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

If you’ve ever found yourself at a market with questions about organic foods, you're not alone. We'll tackle that subject on today’s Paging Dr. Gupta and take another call about how to stay up to date on the measles vaccine and other shots at any age. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We often talk about exercise in the context of cardio or strength training, but there's another pillar of fitness that is especially important as we age: mobility. Dr. Sanjay Gupta sits down with Dr. Kelly Starrett, physical therapist and co-author of “Built To Move: The Ten Essential Habits to Move Freely and Live Fully,” to break down what mobility is, why it's important, and how we can in fact become more mobile and live pain-free. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Can the way you organize your space affect your mood? Dr. Sanjay Gupta answers a listener’s question about clutter and mental health. Plus, do blue light glasses really work? We break down the science behind digital eye strain and what actually helps. If you want to hear more from therapist KC Davis, check out our episode Is There Such a Thing as the Organized Brain? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Most of us try to avoid stress at all costs. But Dr. Sharon Bergquist, author of ‘The Stress Paradox,’ says too little stress can be just as bad for you. Bergquist sits down with Dr. Sanjay Gupta to explain the surprising science behind how some stress can make you healthier, and the steps you can take to harness it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ever find yourself staring at cooking oils in the store, wondering which ones are actually good for you? Dr. Sanjay Gupta clears up the confusion on which oils are healthier. Plus, how much water do you really need each day? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Research shows that kids are starting puberty earlier than ever, with the average age now beginning at 8 for girls and 9 for boys. But what does this mean for their long-term health? Sanjay sits down with Dr. Cara Natterson, a pediatrician and expert on adolescent health, to discuss the implications of early puberty, what's driving the shift, and what anyone with a young person in their life needs to know to navigate this crucial time. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It’s been five years since Covid-19 was declared a pandemic, but for some, the symptoms are still lingering—just how common is that? Plus, if you’ve ever wondered whether natural deodorant is really better for you, Dr. Sanjay Gupta weighs in. Want to learn more about personal hygiene habits? Check out our episode, 'One Doctor's Decision to Stop Showering’ or read the article, ‘How often should you shower? Advice from a doctor who bucked social norms.’ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Covid-19 pandemic unleashed a new level of conspiracy theories and medical misinformation that some dubbed an ‘infodemic.’ Science influencer and infectious disease researcher Laurel Bristow made a name online de-bunking false claims. Now, five years after COVID was declared a pandemic, she joins Dr. Sanjay Gupta to talk about her new approach to spotting shoddy science. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Pneumonia is a serious threat; what can you do to lower your risk? Plus, for all the night owls out there, Dr. Sanjay Gupta answers a listener’s question: are your late-night habits lazy, or is there actual science behind them? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices