Fitness coach Denise Kirtley joins us to talk about why transformation in midlife begins with mindset, not macros. In this conversation, she challenges outdated views of aging, critiques perfection culture, and explains how real strength is built through daily intention. Denise also speaks candidly about social media backlash and how sharing her journey in a bikini inspires women to believe change is possible. Her message is clear: stop waiting, and just start.How long will you live? Take our quiz today to find out! Visit ageist.com/longevityquizThanks to Our Sponsorsfatty15: C15:0 is the first essential fatty acid to be discovered in 90 years, and fatty15 is on a mission to replenish your C15:0 levels and restore your long-term health. Get 15% off their 90-day subscription Starter Kit here or enter the code “AGEIST” at checkout.BON CHARGE: Rejuvenate your body and skin with the Max Red Light Therapy Device—high-powered, at-home red- and near-infrared light therapy made easy. Boost recovery, glow naturally, and feel your best in every session. Click here to save 15% with the code “ageist15”.Our Place: Our top cookware brand for non-toxic, PFA-free pots and pans. Use the code “AGEIST” for 10% off at fromourplace.com. Chapters(03:15) The Journey of Midlife Women(10:36) Choosing the Hard Path(15:16) Normalizing Healthy Living(19:32) Authenticity vs. Perfection in Aging(26:56) Navigating Personal Choices in Aesthetic Enhancements(34:21) The Impact of Body Image and Societal Expectations(41:41) Empowerment Through Self-Acceptance and ActionKey Moments"The hardest part of transformation is the mindset.""You want to change? You can literally start as soon as you listen to this podcast.""You have to get strong to have a good life because life’s going to get hard as you get older if you’re not strong."Connect with DeniseWebsite: rebellionbody.comInstagram: instagram.com/fiftyfitnessjourneyApp: rebellionbodymethod.comConnect With AGEISTNewsletterInstagramWebsiteLinkedInCheck out the Full Episode TranscriptSay hi to the AGEIST team!
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50:41
Jennifer Maanavi: Is Wellness Misleading You?
In this week’s episode, Jennifer Vaughan Maanavi, founder of Physique 57, shares why fitness must be the foundation of any wellness plan—especially as we age. She explains how the explosion of wellness trends has dangerously shifted focus away from physical health. Jennifer offers powerful insights on building a sustainable, results-driven fitness habit that supports brain health, cardiovascular health, and emotional well-being. Listeners will come away with a clear, actionable framework for prioritizing fitness as a true cornerstone of longevity and life quality.How long will you live? Take our quiz today to find out! Visit ageist.com/longevityquizThanks to Our SponsorsTimeline Nutrition: Our favorite supplement for cell support and mitochondrial function. Listeners receive 10% off your first order of Mitopure with code AGEIST at TimelineNutrition.com/ageist.Our Place – our top cookware brand for non-toxic, PFA-free pots and brands. Use code “AGEIST” for 10% off at fromourplace.com LMNT Electrolytes — our number one electrolytes for optimal hydration. Listeners receive a free 8-serving sample pack with their purchase at DrinkLMNT.com/AGEIST. Chapters(10:15) Jennifer's Journey from Finance to Fitness(20:28) The Evolution of the Wellness Industry(27:27) Integrating Fitness into the Healthcare Continuum(30:21) The Importance of Fitness in Wellness(34:50) Fitness as a Foundation for Wellness(36:50) The Evolving Landscape of Wellness Activities(41:04) The Need for Outcome-Driven Fitness Conversations(42:38) The Role of Nutrition and Supplements in Wellness(44:41) The Future of Fitness in Medical PrescriptionsKey Moments"Wellness is taking over and it's not bringing fitness with it.""You have to think about now—present value—who you are now and how you’re going to bring yourself into the future.""Fitness is preventative care; it’s the key to preventative care."Connect with Our GuestWebsite: https://physique57.comInstagram: https://instagram.com/physique57LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifervaughanmaanavi/Book: The Physique 57 SolutionConnect With AGEISTNewsletterInstagramWebsiteLinkedInCheck out the full interview transcriptSay hi to the AGEIST team!
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54:01
Dr. Mike Studer: The Health Rule You’re Getting Wrong
Physical therapist and endurance athlete Dr. Mike Studer joins us this week to break the myth of a one-size-fits-all approach to health. He shares why personalization—based on genetics, performance metrics, and lifestyle—is critical to long-term success in fitness, nutrition, and mental wellbeing. From sleep consistency to gut microbiome insights, Dr. Studer lays out practical strategies to help listeners become their own best scientist. Tune in to learn how to effectively experiment, track outcomes, and stop feeling like a failure for not thriving on someone else's plan.How long will you live? Take our quiz today to find out! Visit ageist.com/longevityquizThanks to Our SponsorsFatty15 – C15 is the first essential fatty acid to be discovered In 90 years. Fatty15 is on a mission to replenish your C15 levels and restore your long-term health. Get 15% off their 90-day subscription Starter Kit here or enter code: AGEIST at checkout.Meditate Happier – Navigating menopause isn’t just about managing physical symptoms—it’s about supporting your mind and emotions too. That’s why Meditate Happier created the Mindful Menopause Guide, with Diana Winston. It is a free, expert-led course designed to help you move through menopause with more ease, confidence, and calm. Click this link or visit: www.meditatehappier.com/menopauseTroscriptions — Precise, pharmaceutical-grade nootropics for peak performance. Whether you need laser focus, mental clarity, or a boost in cognitive endurance, Troscriptions delivers science-backed results. Use code: AGEIST for 10% off, or click here.Chapters(03:25) Understanding SNPs and Personal Choices(09:19) The Role of Autonomy and Beliefs in Health(15:54) Gamification and Measurement in Health Choices(17:46) The Importance of Sleep and Its Variability(22:50) Genetics, Microbiome, and Personal Health(26:08) Becoming Your Own Scientist in Health(28:01) The Personalization of Health and Wellness(32:36) Conclusion: Statistics vs. Individual ExperienceKey Moments“Statistics are for populations, not people.”“We’re always our own best scientist and best prescriber.”“You get dopamine, serotonin, and oxytocin from doing what you believe is healthy for your future self.”Connect with Our GuestWebsite: MikeStuder.comLinkedIn: Mike Studer on LinkedInBook: The Brain That Chooses ItselfConnect With AGEISTNewsletterInstagramWebsiteCheck out the full interview transcriptSay hi to the AGEIST team!
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39:09
Matt Zemon on Addiction, Attention and Psychedelics
Matt Zemon, author and psychedelic therapy advocate, joins us to explain how non-ordinary states of consciousness can help rewire repetitive thought patterns. He breaks down how psychedelics are being used not just for trauma recovery but to foster growth and deeper self-understanding. This episode also covers the rise of industrialized addiction and the tools available to counter its effects—from ketamine to breathwork to community. Whether you're struggling or thriving, Zemon offers grounded, practical ways to live with more intention and connection.How long will you live? Take our quiz today to find out! Visit ageist.com/longevityquizJoin our Ask David Anything Webinar on April 24th, 8pm EST. Special Thanks to Our SponsorsOur Place – Our top cookware brand for non-toxic, PFA-free pots and brands. Use code “AGEIST” for 10% off at fromourplace.com LMNT Electrolytes: Our number-one electrolytes for optimal hydration. Listeners receive a free 8-serving sample pack with their purchase at DrinkLMNT.com/AGEIST. fatty15: C15:0 is the first essential fatty acid to be discovered in 90 years, and fatty15 is on a mission to replenish your C15:0 levels and restore your long-term health. Get 15% off their 90-day subscription Starter Kit here or enter the code “AGEIST” at checkout.Key Quotes“These medicines remind us that there are other ways to think about ourselves, our relationships, our jobs, our lives.”“I already am everything, as are you. And I don’t need to become, I need to be.”“You're not broken. You just forgot how powerful you were.”Chapters(03:15) The Intersection of Psychedelics and Addiction(06:28) Psychedelics and Mental Health(09:28) Cultural Context of Addiction(12:21) Personal Experiences with Psychedelics(15:02) The Role of Connection and Community(18:07) Revelations and Non-Ordinary States of Consciousness(24:13) The Beauty of Life and Death(28:02) Transformative Journeys: Veterans and Psychedelics(30:00) Healing Through Psychedelics: A New Hope(33:23) Mindset Matters: Abundance vs. Scarcity(34:56) Exploring Psychedelics: Legal and Safe Access(37:24) Understanding Risks in Psychedelic Use(40:59) Navigating Change: Being Human in the 21st Century(42:07) Tools for Living: Expanding the ToolboxConnect with Matt ZemonWebsiteInstagram (@matt.zemon)Books: Psychedelics for Everyone andA Veteran’s Guide to Psychedelics Full Interview TranscriptConnect with AGEISTNewsletterSay hi to the AGEIST team!
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50:43
Craig Cooper: My Protocol & Bone Health Turnaround
Craig Cooper, former professional athlete and author of Your New Prime, shares the overlooked realities men face as they age. He opens up about reversing his own osteoporosis and why many men fail to prioritize bone health. Craig breaks down why typical fitness routines may actually accelerate aging and offers science-backed alternatives for maintaining strength, metabolic function, and cardiovascular resilience. This episode equips listeners with practical, often ignored insights into how to stay strong, capable, and engaged well beyond midlife.This May 26-31 in Santa Fe, NM, Rebecca Rusch and AGEIST founder David Stewart are hosting what might be the most transformative week of your year. It's what Rebecca calls "adult play summer camp," blending cutting-edge science with genuine joy.Ideal for all fitness levels – whether you're a seasoned athlete or just getting started on your wellness journey.Ready to feel better than you have in years? Your future self is waiting at meawisdom.com/enrollThanks to Our SponsorsBON CHARGE: What if there was a device that combined nature’s beneficial frequencies with red, near-infrared, and far-infrared light? BON CHARGE’s Infrared PEMF Mat Max is the all-in-one device that can help you recover faster, sleep better, elevate your focus, and achieve ultimate wellness. Use “AGEIST15” at checkout for 15% off your purchase.Timeline Nutrition: Our favorite supplement for cell support and mitochondrial function. Listeners receive 10% off your first order of Mitopure with the code “AGEIST” at TimelineNutrition.com/ageist.Our Place: Our top cookware brand for non-toxic, PFA-free pots and pans. Use code “AGEIST” for 10% off at fromourplace.com.Chapters(00:15) Introduction to Craig Cooper and His Journey(06:42) The Evolution of Health Perspectives in Aging(13:04) Bone Health: Overcoming Osteopenia(17:29) Cardiovascular Health and Longevity(24:48) Nutrition and Dietary Choices for Better Aging(26:57) Understanding Cardiovascular Health Tests(33:04) The Importance of Early Detection in Health(36:12) Cardiovascular Disease: The Leading Cause of Death(40:52) Practical Health Monitoring Tips(42:54) The Role of Personal Responsibility in Health(46:20) Inspiring Stories of Resilience and Health(52:12) Nutritional Strategies for Bone HealthKey Moments“Hormonally, [training] long slow distance just really just sucks your manhood.”“You really can’t have a discussion around longevity without focusing on arterial health.”“I've had doctors come out of UCLA to look at what I've been doing… they've never seen this sort of switch that I've been able to execute on my bone health over the course of five years.”Connect With Craig CooperConneqt Health: conneqthealth.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigcooper007/Say hi to the AGEIST team!
The AGEIST podcast is where we rewrite life after 50. Hosted by David Stewart, founder of AGEIST and Super Age, we talk with extraordinary people—scientists, creatives, and thinkers—about living vibrantly in your 50s, 60s, 70s and beyond. From longevity science to emotional well-being, fitness to purpose, we explore the tools and mindsets that help us stay curious, energized, and deeply engaged with life. This isn’t about aging gracefully—it’s about living boldly.
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