What if the biggest risk factor for cancer, heart disease, and dementia isn't your genes, diet, or blood pressure but aging itself? Listen in as biogerontologist Dr. Matt Kaeberlein reveals how understanding the biology of aging could add not just years to our lives, but healthy decades, and why your dog might hold some of the most important clues.

In this episode, Therese Markow and Dr. Matt Kaeberlein discuss aging research. He explains that aging is characterized by damage accumulation and loss of resilience, leading to functional decline. Matt highlights the hallmarks of aging, such as deregulation of nutrient sensing and DNA damage, and the potential of interventions like rapamycin to slow aging. He notes that biological age is a significant risk factor for major diseases, and that understanding and addressing aging biology could significantly extend human lifespan. They also discuss the Dog Aging Project, with 55,000 participating dogs, which aims to uncover genetic and environmental factors influencing health and longevity in pets.

Key Takeaways:

• Our bodies are constantly being exposed to stress, and stress can move us out of the optimal zone of function. When we're young, we're very resilient and able to come back to optimal function. As we get older, we lose that resilience.

• When we slow aging in laboratory animals, we prevent the onset and progression of all of the major age-related functional declines and diseases simultaneously, because we've slowed biological aging. Based on what's possible in mice, it is estimated that we could potentially gain 2-3 additional decades of life if we can achieve this in humans.

• There is a genetic component to longevity; however, how big that genetic component is to longevity is hotly debated. The environment is also a large contributor.

"Biological age is the single greatest risk factor for nine of the top 10 killers in the United States, and it's not a small effect. The magnitude of effect from biological aging dwarfs all of the other risk factors combined…it's useful to appreciate how important biological age is to the risk of developing many of the chronic diseases and functional declines that limit quality and quantity of life for most people." — Dr. Matt Kaeberlein

Episode References:

• Dog Aging Project: https://dogagingproject.org/

• Dog Aging Institute: https://dogaginginstitute.org/

• Longevity for Dogs: https://www.youtube.com/@LongevityForDogs

Connect with Dr. Matt Kaeberlein:

Professional Bio: https://halo.dlmp.uw.edu/people/matt-kaeberlein/

Publications: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=%22kaeberlein+m%22[author]

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mkaeberlein

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mkaeberlein/

Connect with Therese:

Website: www.criticallyspeaking.net

Bluesky: @CriticallySpeaking.bsky.social

Instagram: @criticallyspeakingpodcast

Email: theresemarkow@criticallyspeaking.net

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

In this episode, Therese Markow and psychologist Dr. Elizabeth Scott discuss narcissism, its clinical definition, and the characteristics of "malignant narcissism". Dr. Scott explains that narcissism involves patterns of grandiosity, a need for constant admiration, a lack of empathy, high levels of manipulation, and the narcissist's "kryptonite" - criticism. They view themselves as the victim, never at fault. Despite their arrogance, they are very insecure. Dr. Scott also discusses why treatment is challenging and why therapy often focuses on managing symptoms rather than the deeper core issues. They can't see that they have a problem, and thus are resistant to treatment.

Key Takeaways:

• The myth of Narcissus illustrates the danger of excessive self-focus, which is the hallmark of narcissism in clinical terms and is becoming increasingly common in some aspects of our modern society.

• Narcissists are very good at manipulation. They consciously will do things to sort of manage their image in the eyes of others. They may appear to show empathy at times in a relationship, but it's usually more of a means to an end than a genuine concern for the feelings of others.

• Criticism is like kryptonite to a narcissist, so even the mildest critique can provoke a strong defensive reaction: anger, denial, or shifting the blame to somebody else.

• You cannot change a narcissist's behavior, but you can control your own responses to it. Think about limits and then give yourself leeway within those to protect your own mental health.

"[Narcissists] might mimic empathetic behaviors to achieve their own ends, but it's more about manipulation than genuine caring. So they can understand maybe what empathy looks like, but not really get how it feels and how it's supposed to feel and how those behaviors are supposed to be rooted in something inside them." — Elizabeth Scott, Ph.D.

Connect with Elizabeth Scott, Ph.D.:

Twitter: https://x.com/ElizabethScott

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AboutStressManagement/

Website: https://drelizabethscott.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.elizabethscott/

Book: 8 Keys to Stress Management: https://www.amazon.com/Keys-Stress-Management-Mental-Health-ebook/dp/B00AJUKO5M

Connect with Therese:

Website: www.criticallyspeaking.net

Bluesky: @CriticallySpeaking.bsky.social

Instagram: @criticallyspeakingpodcast

Email: theresemarkow@criticallyspeaking.net

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

Do you ever feel exhausted by home life, even when the chores look "even"? This episode uncovers the hidden mental load running beneath every household and reveals how it quietly shapes stress, careers, and relationships.

Today, Therese Markow and Dr. Allison Daminger discuss her research on cognitive labor, which reveals gender inequality in household decision-making. Allison interviewed 92 couples, and they discuss the results found between both queer and heterosexual couples throughout the study. These decisions were categorized into 10 domains, ranging from maintenance to health to childcare. Throughout the episode, Allison emphasizes the need for couples to recognize and address the imbalances, suggesting starting with low-hanging fruit and fostering a growth mindset to achieve a more equitable division of labor.

Key Takeaways:

• In different-sex households, cognitive labor is overwhelmingly shouldered by women, with roughly 80% of such homes being woman-led across domains like schedules, childcare coordination, finances, and home maintenance.

• Same-sex couples tend to divide cognitive labor more deliberately and flexibly, often discussing who does what and viewing roles as changeable rather than fixed by gender stereotypes.

• Unequal cognitive labor carries real costs - chronic exhaustion, career compromises, and relationship strain - making it crucial for couples to name this work, question "it just happened this way" narratives, and experiment with small, intentional rebalances in specific domains.

• Women's lives changed dramatically in the second half of the twentieth century, in a way that men's lives did not. However, there is now an emerging trend that seems to show more men feeling a pull toward the traditional household cognitive load often carried by women.

"One reason that my research has resonated with a lot of people is that it's given them language to explain something that they experience every day. People know that they're doing a lot, but until they recognize this as a form of work that is taxing, it can be easy to kind of downplay what you're contributing to your family, especially when it feels like you and your partner are sharing the physical work relatively equitably." — Dr. Allison Daminger

Connect with Allison:

Professional Bio: https://www.allisondaminger.com/about

Substack: https://allisondaminger.substack.com/

Website: https://www.allisondaminger.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allisondaminger

Book: What's On Her Mind: The Mental Workload of Family Life - https://bookshop.org/p/books/what-s-on-her-mind-the-mental-workload-of-family-life-allison-daminger/585e2aa7eac0a0ea

Connect with Therese:

Website: www.criticallyspeaking.net

Bluesky: @CriticallySpeaking.bsky.social

Instagram: @criticallyspeakingpodcast

Email: theresemarkow@criticallyspeaking.net

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

From testosterone craze headlines to myths about prostate cancer, fertility, and aggression, men are getting a lot of confusing messages about their sexual health. Today, urologist and men's health expert Dr. Justin Dubin cuts through the noise with science-backed answers to the questions men are often too embarrassed to ask.

In this episode, Therese Markow and Dr. Justin Dubin discuss listener questions regarding men's sexual health. Dr. Dubin explains the nuances of testosterone levels, noting that normal ranges vary and can impact overall health. He highlights the importance of addressing low testosterone, which can lead to significant health issues, including all-cause mortality. He dives into the risks and benefits of testosterone replacement therapy, emphasizing the need for proper medical guidance. Additionally, Justin addresses the stigma around men's health, the role of direct-to-consumer testosterone sales, and the impact of prostate cancer treatments on sexual function.

Key Takeaways:

• Health is not just about living longer; it should also be about living better.

• There are different forms of testosterone. The majority of it, about 98%, is bound to other proteins. Free testosterone is what can bind to your receptors.

• There is really good data suggesting that men with low testosterone die at a younger age; they have a higher all-cause mortality. It's not just a mood; it's not just a sex thing. It is an overall marker for your health.

• If you are interested in future fertility and you have low testosterone, do not take real testosterone replacement therapy; there are alternative options.

• Before you go on any medication, you should know the risks and benefits of what you are thinking of taking.

"If I can stop making men think with their penises and start making them think about their penises, I think we can get a lot more guys healthier, a lot more guys happier, and a lot more guys doing the things that they want to be able to do inside and outside the bedroom." — Dr. Justin Dubin

Episode References:

• Guideline-Discordant Care Among Direct-to-Consumer Testosterone Therapy Platforms: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine/fullarticle/2799297

Connect with Dr. Justin Dubin:

Professional Bio: https://baptisthealth.net/doctors/justin-dubin/5921802

Website: https://www.themanuppod.com/

Man Up Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/1FkEhH04XdxruNg1xxsEdo

YouTube: http://youtube.com/@themanuppod

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-dubin-m-d-9a9b7917/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justindubinmd/?hl=en

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/JustinDubinMD

Connect with Therese:

Website: www.criticallyspeaking.net

Bluesky: @CriticallySpeaking.bsky.social

Instagram: @criticallyspeakingpodcast

Email: theresemarkow@criticallyspeaking.net

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

Peptides are being sold online as miracle fixes for energy, healing, and longevity—but what if the science behind them is shaky, or even dangerous?

In this episode, Therese Markow and Dr. Leigh Baxt pull back the curtain on the peptide craze, revealing what we really know (and don't know) about these heavily marketed "biohacks." They discuss the complexities and risks of unapproved peptides, which are often marketed for health enhancement. Dr. Baxt explains what peptides are and speaks to those drugs that are FDA-approved, like GLP-1 agonists and insulin, but also highlights the safety concerns of unapproved peptides, such as BPC-157 and TB-500, which lack appropriate clinical trial data and are often synthesized in unregulated labs. Dr. Baxt emphasizes the importance of proper clinical trial processes and regulatory oversight to ensure drug safety and efficacy.

Key Takeaways:

• A peptide is just a short chain of amino acids. They can be created synthetically, they can be isolated, and they are natural. The body doesn't care whether a peptide is "natural" or synthetic; what matters is its exact molecular structure.

• FDA-approved peptide drugs go through years of rigorous testing in animals and humans to prove both safety and effectiveness before reaching the market.

• Calling something "scientifically proven" can be misleading when the underlying evidence is weak, preliminary, or based only on rat studies. Especially as much of the "science" cited on peptide marketing sites comes from small, limited animal, or cell studies, not large, controlled human trials.

• Just because a product is available online or from a compounding pharmacy does not mean it is FDA-approved, well-studied, or safe; consumers must look beyond hype and ask what evidence truly exists.

• A naturally occurring peptide is generally not going to be suitable for use therapeutically.

"You can say that something is scientifically demonstrated because it showed something interesting in a rat. The key is that the people may not ask that, because a lot of times people hear 'scientific terminology' and it makes something sound really legitimate, but it doesn't mean that there's solid data." — Dr. Leigh Baxt

Evaluation of Research Grade Peptides Marketed Directly to Consumers Reveals Extensive Variability in Purity and Measured Abundance: https://www.preprints.org/manuscript/202604.1748

Connect with Dr. Leigh Baxt:

Professional Bio: https://www.mskcc.org/profile/leigh-baxt

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leigh-baxt-314b877

Connect with Therese:

Website: www.criticallyspeaking.net

Bluesky: @CriticallySpeaking.bsky.social

Instagram: @criticallyspeakingpodcast

Email: theresemarkow@criticallyspeaking.net

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

Dr. Kate Mangino exposes the hidden burden of cognitive and emotional labor at home and explains how "benevolent sexism" and unequal household roles quietly push women to the breaking point.

In this episode, Therese Markow and Dr. Kate Mangino discuss gender inequality in household responsibilities. Kate differentiates between structural and social inequalities, noting that societal norms perpetuate these "male" and "female" roles. She also emphasizes the importance of cognitive labor, which often falls on women, and addresses the emotional impact of household tasks on whichever partner carries the burden of the larger load. Dr. Mangino also encourages intentional conversations about division of labor in relationships from the time you're dating, rather than after marriage. Finally, she advocates for challenging traditional gender roles and promoting equal partnerships to improve overall well-being.

Key Takeaways:

• While there have been some improvements in the structural and social components of inequality, we are at a milestone point, not an end point. There is still a lot of work to be done.

• Cognitive labor is the project management work that happens in households - it is all about planning in your head, which is oftentimes more cumbersome than the actual physical work. It's the anticipation, research, decision-making, and evaluation of every decision within the home.

• If you're trying to push back on social norms, you may need to reconsider who our role models are, and maybe pick some new ones who are closer to where you want to be or where your family wants to be.

• We need to be better at preparing young people of all genders to match their dating habits a little bit more closely with the person they want to end up with. The more intentional that we can be about gender roles and what we're looking for in a partner, the better.

"Broadly speaking, women do more and men do less. Broadly speaking, but you can find representations of all different kinds of families, and I think what it comes down to is, regardless of gender, the person who is doing more feels burdened, feels bitter, resentful, tired, frustrated." — Dr. Kate Mangino

Connect with Dr. Kate Mangino:

Website: https://www.katemangino.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katemangino

Book: Equal Partners: Improving Gender Equality at Home - https://read.macmillan.com/lp/equal-partners/

Connect with Therese:

Website: www.criticallyspeaking.net

Bluesky: @CriticallySpeaking.bsky.social

Instagram: @criticallyspeakingpodcast

Email: theresemarkow@criticallyspeaking.net

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

Our cities are anything but concrete jungles. Listen in as Therese Markow and Dr. Dan Werb reveal the hidden world of synanthropes - the wild animals that not only live alongside us, but thrive because of us.

In this episode, Therese Markow and Dr. Dan Werb discuss Dan's new book "Our Wild Familiars", which explores how animals (and plants) adapt to urban environments. They dive into the history and impact of synanthropes, such as raccoons, coyotes, and rats. He also highlights the adaptability of these animals and why they have expanded into cities. Dr. Werb emphasizes the importance of viewing cities as living, thriving ecosystems and the need for human ecosystem-based solutions for the good of humans and animals alike in these ecosystems.

Key Takeaways:

• Humanity has a much higher risk of experiencing viral spillover events now than before, because we are increasingly intersecting with wild animals that we have never seen before in urban spaces that carry pathogens that we've never been exposed to before.

• As humans, we have a relationship with synanthropes that is so deep and long-standing that it has become central to our spiritual selves as well.

• With more small animals being drawn into cities, that is going to continue to draw in more predators, such as coyotes, which have expanded their home range by about 50 kilometers per year for the last 150-200 years.

• It may be impossible to eliminate any synanthrope that has found an ecosystem within a city. Even if you remove one creature from an area, the niche they had developed will still be there, ready for the next synanthrope to move in.

• Solutions that make life better for humans can actually be profoundly beneficial for animals as well, or at least for the functioning of our urban ecosystems.

"Cities are more biodiverse than the areas that surround them, and that's because humans, like any other organism, want to live in places that are as fertile and rich as possible." — Dr. Dan Werb

Connect with Dr. Dan Werb:

Professional Bio: https://ihpme.utoronto.ca/faculty-profile/dan-werb/, https://profiles.ucsd.edu/daniel.werb

Website: https://danwerb.substack.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danwerb/

Books:

• PREORDER: Our Wild Familiars - https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/769255/our-wild-familiars-by-dan-werb/

• City of Omens - https://www.amazon.com/City-Omens-Search-Missing-Borderlands-ebook/dp/B07QLN4K3T

• The Invisible Siege - https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/670859/the-invisible-siege-by-dan-werb/

Connect with Therese:

Website: www.criticallyspeaking.net

Bluesky: @CriticallySpeaking.bsky.social

Instagram: @criticallyspeakingpodcast

Email: theresemarkow@criticallyspeaking.net

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.