Chasing Life

Once defending goals in Major League Soccer, Dr. Marshall Leonard now defends lives as a physician. Today, he shares the wisdom that carried him through life transitions. Plus, the time he faced Brazilian soccer legend, Ronaldinho. This episode was produced by Sofia Sanchez. Medical Writer: Andrea Kane Showrunner: Dan Bloom Technical Dire...

When Lionel Messi and fellow stars of the FIFA World Cup enter "the zone," what's happening in their brains? Today, neuroscientist Dr. Rui Costa tells Sanjay how you can think like a top athlete and find your own "flow state." This episode was produced by Sofía Sanchez. Medical writer: Andrea Kane Showrunner: Dan Bloom Technical Director: Dan Dzula Sr. Director of Podcasts: Zach Goldbaum Learn mor...

We all know we should brush and floss our teeth. But the reason goes beyond a sparkling smile and keeping bad breath at bay. The mouth is a critical and often overlooked organ when it comes to improving overall health. Dr. Sanjay Gupta sits down with Dr. Kami Hoss, author of “If Your Mouth Could Talk,” to discuss the importance of oral health and the brushing routine he recommends for morning and...

Strength training can be confusing enough on its own. But mix in what —and when— to eat, and you might just choose to sit on the couch instead. Dr. Sanjay Gupta serves up answers in this episode of Paging Dr. Gupta. Plus, getting to the root cause of hair loss in women can help narrow down treatment choice. This episode originally aired in January of 2026. Produced by Andrea Kane & Madeleine Thomp...

What if it’s not your memory, but how you use it? Sanjay talks with six-time U.S. Memory Champion Nelson Dellis about sharpening focus, remembering more and training your brain, plus a memory challenge you can try in real time. Our show was produced by Jennifer Lai. Video Editor: Ross Helman with support by Jasmine Brooks. Medical Writer: Andrea KaneSenior Producer: Dan BloomTechnical Director: Da...

At this year’s FIFA World Cup, athletes will be required to take hydration breaks during every game. It's a smart move for anyone spending time outside this summer. Dr. Sanjay Gupta explains dehydration warning signs and when to consider an electrolyte drink. This episode was produced by Andrea Kane and Madeleine Thompson. Medical Writer: Andrea KaneSenior Producer: Dan BloomTechnical Director: Da...

Becoming a dad can change your life overnight. But it may also be changing your brain in ways you don’t even realize. Sanjay sits down with USC psychologist Dr. Darby Saxbe, author of Dad Brain: The New Science of Fatherhood and How It Shapes Men’s Lives to explore how becoming a father impacts men’s brains, hormones, and body... and what those changes can mean for mental health and longevity.  Ou...

Is sugar in wine worse than the other sugar a person might eat in a day? Dr. Sanjay Gupta steps into the middle of this ongoing debate between friends. Plus, a TikTok trend claiming honey turns toxic when added to hot tea is put to the test. This episode was produced by Leying Tang. Medical Writer: Andrea Kane Senior Producer: Dan Bloom Technical Director: Dan Dzula Learn more about your ad choice...

Migraine headaches are debilitating, and their triggers and underlying causes can be mysterious. Dr. Sanjay Gupta invites neurologist Alexander Mauskop, author of “The End of Migraines” to explain how migraines start and how to stop them. Our show was produced by Sofía Sanchez Medical Writer: Andrea Kane Senior Producer: Dan Bloom Technical Director: Dan Dzula Learn more about your ad choices. Vis...

Summer is upon us, which means sunscreen should be, too. Dr. Sanjay Gupta explains the difference between mineral and chemical formulas, and how well they protect the body’s largest organ. Plus more tips for correct application, and other ways to stay sun-safe this season.  This episode was produced by Andrea Kane and Madeleine Thompson.   Medical Writer: Andrea Kane Showrunner: Dan Bloom Technica...

For a lot of women, getting the right care at the right time can make all the difference... but that doesn’t always happen. Too often, women’s health is underfunded, under-researched, or under-treated. Melinda French Gates joins Sanjay to explain why women are still being overlooked and why midlife, menopause, and maternal and reproductive health often fall through the cracks. She also breaks down...

Should you use an air dryer or paper towels to dry your hands after washing them in a public bathroom? Dr. Sanjay Gupta shares his take. Plus, plasma donation is a growing trend across the country. Dr. Gupta digs into the reasons why and if there are any long-term health consequences. This episode was produced by Leying Tang. Medical Writer: Andrea KaneShowrunner: Dan BloomTechnical Director: Dan...

Screen time worries aren’t just for kids anymore. Families are seeing the same habits in parents and grandparents. Dr. Sanjay Gupta talks with psychiatrist Dr. Sue Varma about risks to the aging brain, warning signs and what families can do. Our show was produced by Kyra Dahring and Jennifer Lai. Medical Writer: Andrea KaneShowrunner: Dan BloomTechnical Director: Dan Dzula Learn more about your ad...

As a growing Ebola outbreak in Central Africa raises alarm, listeners have questions about what it is, how it spreads, and how worried they should be. Sanjay breaks down what we know — including why Ebola is highly infectious but not easily contagious — and why this outbreak has experts on alert. Plus, what it could mean for travel and the upcoming World Cup.  This episode was produced by Andrea K...

Dr. Sanjay Gupta returned to his alma mater, University of Michigan Medical School, where he addressed the Class of 2026. Today on Chasing Life, he shares that warm welcome to the newest grads, full of lessons from the field. Our show was produced by Sofía Sanchez Medical Writer: Andrea Kane Senior Producer: Dan Bloom Technical Director: Dan Dzula Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastcho...

If you’ve ever woken up to a sudden, painful leg cramp, you’re not alone. Sanjay takes a closer look at a listener's question about nighttime leg cramps -- and why popular remedies like bananas and magnesium don’t always help. Plus, what swollen feet and ankles can reveal about your health.  This episode was produced by Jennifer Lai with assistance from Elizabeth Corallo Medical Writer: Andrea Kan...

Thinning hair, shedding, and sudden graying can send people searching for answers. This week, Sanjay speaks with dermatologist and Harvard assistant professor Dr. Maryanne Makredes Senna about what could be driving hair loss, what to watch for, and which treatments are actually worth it. Plus, practical tips and the biggest myths to avoid. This episode was produced by Jennifer Lai and Kyra Dahring...

After a deadly outbreak on an expedition cruise ship, listeners have questions about hantavirus and what it means for them. Sanjay breaks down what we know about how it spreads, and how worried you actually need to be. Plus, what experts are saying about the pandemic potential of the virus.  This episode was produced by Andrea Kane, Jennifer Lai and Kyra Dahring. Senior Producer: Dan Bloom Technic...

More people are turning to AI for health advice, but how reliable is it? Dr. Sanjay Gupta sits down with Dr. Bob Wachter, author of "A Giant Leap," to unpack how AI is already helping patients and doctors, where it can go wrong, and how to use these tools safely without over relying on them. Dr. Gupta is a practicing neurosurgeon and member of the National Academy of Medicine’s AI Code of Conduct...

We all know drinking alcohol is bad for our health, but how much can it reduce our risk of cancer if we drink less or even cut it out entirely? This week, Dr. Sanjay Gupta digs into the correlation between consuming alcohol and risk of cancer as well as alternatives to alcohol if you’re feeling pressured to drink. Plus, we explain if silicone is a better alternative to replace plastic and what the...

GLP-1s are no longer only for weight loss or diabetes. Dr. Sanjay Gupta invites CNN's Meg Tirrell back to Chasing Life to update on the drug’s benefits and risks. Plus, why they’ve personally considered -- and decided against – taking one. Our show was produced by Sofia Sanchez Medical Writer: Andrea Kane Showrunner: Amanda Sealy Senior Producer: Dan Bloom Technical Director: Dan Dzula Learn more...

A listener named Victoria wants to know what comes next for her autistic teenage son. This week on Paging Dr. Gupta, we look at how the needs of autistic kids change as they grow up. Plus, common misconceptions about independence, college, and work for autistic teens and adults, with insight from autism researcher and Arizona State University professor Dr. Joshua Anbar.  If you want to get a glimp...

In response to a listener's call about her autistic son, Dr. Sanjay Gupta invited leading autism researcher Dr. Matthew Lerner, Director of the Social Connections and Treatment Lab at the A.J. Drexel Autism Institute, to break down how our understanding of autism has changed, what it means to be “on the spectrum” and why diagnoses are on the rise. The conversation continues next Tuesday on Paging...

Can using cannabis help women manage health issues related to endometriosis and perimenopause? Should women use weed while pregnant or breast feeding? CNN Chief Medical Correspondent Dr Sanjay Gupta tackles some of your health questions regarding weed and women.  Learn more about the effects of cannabis on women, by watching the latest installment of Dr. Gupta’s documentary series, Weed 8: Weed an...

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...