Chasing Life

Most people might think hypnosis is just stage tricks. But the science tells a different story. Dr. Sanjay Gupta talks with Stanford’s Dr. David Spiegel about how clinical hypnosis may help with pain, anxiety, and bad habits. He also explains why elite athletes use it to improve focus and performance, and how you might be able to use it yourself. Producer: Kyra Dahring 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

Four astronauts returned to Earth recently, after a historic 10-day lunar flyby mission in which they ventured farther into space than any human has before. They were part of Artemis II, NASA’s flight to test how well the agency’s Orion spacecraft, and the astronauts, operate in deep space — all in preparation for longer-term trips to the moon and beyond. CNN Chief Medical Correspondent Dr Sanjay Gupta answers some of your health-related questions about the mission, including: How do they sleep in zero gravity? What’s up with all those hot sauces? This episode was produced by Leying Tang and Andrea Kane Showrunner: Amanda Sealy Senior Producer: Dan Bloom Technical Director: Dan Dzula Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Even though everyone poops, most of us don’t really want to be reminded of that fact: we downright avoid discussing bowel habits with anyone — even our own doctor. But what happens in our gut is inextricably linked to our overall health. Dr. Sanjay Gupta sits down with neurogastroenterologist and author of the new book “You’ve Been Pooping All Wrong,” Dr. Trisha Pasricha, to discuss the brain-gut axis, the microbiome and what really is normal. Producer and 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

For decades, beta blockers were the go‑to prescription after a heart attack - meant to slow the heart rate and prevent future heart attacks. However, doctors are now reconsidering that long‑held approach. This week, Dr. Sanjay Gupta explains who may still need these drugs, who might not, and why tapering safely matters. Also, a listener question about the long‑term side effects of beta blockers. This episode was produced by Jennifer Lai and Nadia Kounang Showrunner: Amanda Sealy Senior Producer: Dan Bloom Technical Director: Dan Dzula Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

When the first iPhone was unveiled, it sparked a tech revolution. But who could have imagined how much it would reshape our lives? In this episode, Sanjay sits down with CNN’s Chief Climate Correspondent Bill Weir to talk about his new documentary 50 Years of Apple — exploring how our devices have woven themselves into our homes, our habits, and even our parenting. They dig into the rise of screen addiction, what constant device use may be doing to our brains, and where Apple (and our tech‑filled future) may be headed next. 50 Years of Apple for The Whole Story with Anderson Cooper airs Saturday April 4 at 10 p.m. ET on CNN, or you can stream it now on CNN All Access. This episode was produced by Kyra Dahring with assistance from Jennifer Lai 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

As more of us spend our days staring at screens, keeping our eyes healthy matters more than ever. This week, Dr. Sanjay Gupta digs into the small habits, smart food choices, and the right eye drops that can help protect your “super peepers” for the long run. Plus, we dig into why one listener feels weak even while staying active -- and why the difference between strength and muscle mass matters. This episode was produced by Leying Tang and Jennifer Lai. Showrunner: Amanda Sealy Senior Producer: Dan Bloom Technical Director: Dan Dzula Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Cortisol gets blamed for everything from sleepless nights to stubborn belly fat, but the real story is far more complicated. Dr. Sanjay Gupta talks with Dr. Robert Sapolsky, a neuroscientist, biologist, and Stanford University professor, and author of Why Zebras Don’t Get Ulcers, about what this stress hormone actually does and why it matters. Sapolsky explains how chronic stress affects sleep, metabolism, mood, and long‑term health, and shares what we can learn from creatures who manage stress far better than we do... including how you might do the same. Our show was produced by Jennifer Lai. 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

If you thought high cholesterol was something to worry about later in life, you’re not alone. But new advice has a lot of people wondering if they should be getting checked sooner. Dr. Sanjay Gupta breaks down the new guidelines, who should pay attention, and what it actually means for you. Want to check your risk? Try the American Heart Association’s PREVENT calculator. Producer: Kyra Dahring 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

“All About Allergies” is the new book by Dr. Zachary Rubin, a double-board certified allergist and immunologist who joins Dr. Sanjay Gupta to break down what distinguishes an allergy from an intolerance, what flags to watch out for before a reaction, and explain what to expect from a trip to the allergist’s office. Plus, Dr. Gupta shares a surprising story about a time he swelled up from eating a mango. Produced by Sofia H. Sanchez Medical Writer: Andrea Kane Showrunner: Amanda Sealy Senior Producer: Dan Bloom Technical Producer: Dan Dzula Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Americans eat hundreds of eggs a year. But when it comes to cholesterol, how much of an impact do those eggs make We crack open the science on this week’s Paging Dr. Gupta. Plus, what really happens to your pelvic floor when you lift heavier weights? This episode was produced by Jennifer Lai. Showrunner: Amanda Sealy Senior Producer: Dan Bloom Technical Director: Dan Dzula Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Most of us assume major brain decline and memory loss are inevitable as we age, but research shows that’s not the case. So what does it take to keep your brain healthy and even help it grow? Dr. Sanjay Gupta talks to neurologist and neuroscientist Dr. Majid Fotuhi about his new book, “The Invincible Brain.” It lays out a 12-week, science-backed program for preventing and even reversing cognitive decline by tapping into the brain’s remarkable ability to adapt, rebuild and even improve at any age. Producer: Andrea Kane Showrunner: Amanda SealySenior Producer: Dan BloomTechnical Director: Dan Dzula Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Whether it’s a cultural custom or hygiene preference, many households keep a strict no-shoes policy. But, how much healthier does it really keep us? Dr. Sanjay Gupta gets to the bottom of your shoes -- literally. Plus, tips on how to manage stress and anxiety when the news cycle is overwhelming. This episode was produced by Andrea Kane and Sofia H. Sanchez Showrunner: Amanda Sealy Senior Producer: Dan Bloom Technical Director: Dan Dzula Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We all know caregiving takes time, energy, and emotional bandwidth — but it may also change us for the better. Sanjay sits down with writer Elissa Strauss, author of When You Care: The Unexpected Magic of Caregiving, to explore how caregiving affects the brain, why it could be good for your health, and practical ways to care without losing yourself. Our show was produced by Jennifer Lai with assistance from Jesse Remedios. 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

US health officials have recently reduced the childhood vaccine schedule, taking cues from Denmark's leaner approach. Dr. Sanjay Gupta travels to Copenhagen to understand why some Americans think Denmark's model is worth copying. Producer & Showrunner: Amanda Sealy Medical Writer: Andrea Kane Senior Producer: Dan Bloom Technical Director: Dan Dzula Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Can modern science explain, or even define, the mystery of human consciousness? Dr. Sanjay Gupta sits down with writer Michael Pollan to talk about his new book, A World Appears: A Journey Into Consciousness, and explore the unmapped territory of our inner lives. They discuss where (and if) consciousness lives in the brain, whether plants and artificial intelligence can be conscious, and why we must protect our inner lives in an increasingly technological world. Our show was produced by Jesse Remedios with assistance from Jennifer Lai. Medical Writer: Andrea KaneShowrunner: Amanda SealySenior Producer: Dan BloomTechnical Director: Dan Dzula Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Showerhead filters and LED face masks come with a lot of beauty claims...but do they deliver? Dr. Sanjay Gupta tackles two popular hair and skin trends, with insight from dermatologist Dr. Marisa Garshick, breaking down what the science says and whether they’re worth trying at home. Producer: Kyra Dahring 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

Animals can hibernate, slowing down most metabolic functions — heart rate, blood flow, brain activity, and body temperature — then waking as if nothing happened. Humans have never done this, but what if they could? Could hibernation extend life or even save it? Dr. Sanjay Gupta explores global research into the molecular mechanics of hibernation and how these abilities might one day help fight cancer, prevent heart disease, treat depression, and even enable travel to Mars. This episode was produced by Amanda Sealy 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

Colorectal cancer is rising quickly among young adults – in fact, it’s the leading cause of cancer deaths for adults under 50 in the United States. And after actor James Van Der Beek’s diagnosis and death at 48, many are wondering how to tell when everyday symptoms might actually be something more serious. On this week's Paging Dr. Gupta, we break down the red flags and tell you what to know about screening. Plus, vibration plates are popping up in gyms and living rooms — but do they actually deliver the benefits they promise? More on what’s behind the rise of colon cancer in young people with Dr. Kimmie Ng. This episode was produced by Andrea Kane, Jennifer Lai and Kyra Dahring. Showrunner: Amanda Sealy Senior Producer: Dan Bloom Technical Director: Dan Dzula Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Love can be one of life’s greatest joys and heartbreak one of its deepest pains. Sanjay talks with psychiatrist and neuroscientist Yoram Yovell about how heartbreak affects the body, why emotional pain can feel physical, and what actually helps people heal. Producer: Kyra Dahring Medical Writer: Andrea Kane Showrunner: Amanda Sealy Senior Producer: Dan Bloom Technical Director: Dan Dzula Executive Producer: Steve Lickteig Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Is it possible to have too much of a good thing? Dr. Sanjay Gupta breaks down what research says about long-distance training and neurodegenerative diseases. Plus, he reports on which type of field is safer for young athletes to play on: turf or grass. This episode was produced by Jesse Remedios. Showrunner: Amanda Sealy Medical Writer: Andrea Kane Senior Producer: Dan Bloom Technical Director: Dan Dzula Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices