Chasing Life

For centuries, humans have tried to repair and replace our body parts -- from brass noses and pig organs to today’s lab-grown tissue. So where do we stand now?  Sanjay sits down with author Mary Roach to discuss her newest book, Replaceable You: Adventures in Human Anatomy, which explores the wild history and newest experiments behind human “upgrades,” from 3D‑printed muscle to the ethics of elect...

If it seems like everyone you know has the flu right now, you’re not that far off.  The US has had a record-breaking flu season and isn’t over yet. With the help of CNN medical correspondent Meg Tirrell, Dr. Sanjay Gupta explains how it’s not too late to protect yourself. Plus, Sanjay breaks down the recent changes to the US dietary guidelines. Producer: Sofia Sanchez Medical Writer: Andrea Kane S...

Chronic disease, anxiety, ADHD, and even the shape of a person's face could be consequences of dysfunctional breathing. And most of us, it turns out, are doing it wrong – but it’s never too late to fix it. Sanjay sits down with journalist James Nestor to discuss the fifth anniversary edition of Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art, and how simple changes to the way we breathe can start improving...

Many people lost their sense of smell and taste during the early waves of Covid-19. Is there help for those who have yet to recover? CNN Chief Medical Correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta sniffs out answers. Plus, a listener warning about a new malady striking some hardcore cannabis users. Producer & Medical Writer: Andrea Kane Showrunner: Amanda Sealy Senior Producer: Dan Bloom Technical Director: Dan ...

We often think of pain starting at the source of an injury, but the truth is, it’s all starts in our brain. Dr. Sanjay Gupta explores how discovering the root cause of pain not only helps us understand it but also how to find much needed relief.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Even as a trauma neurosurgeon, Dr. Sanjay Gupta thought he understood pain. But, when his mother fell and broke her back, it changed the way he thought about pain and how it impacts people’s lives.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After a head-spinning year in the worlds of health and technology, Audie Cornish of The Assignment sat down with Dr. Sanjay Gupta and Clare Duffy from Terms of Service, to break down the stories that ended up on all their podcasts this year. Producer: Dan Bloom Technical Director: Dan Dzula Executive Producer: Steve Lickteig Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

From the resurgence of measles to a new way to treat pain, 2025 was a challenge for public health while still offering moments of hope. Sanjay recaps the year with his top 10 health stories of 2025. Producer & Showrunner: Amanda Sealy Medical Writer: Amanda Sealy Senior Producer: Dan Bloom Technical Director: Dan Dzula Executive Producer: Steve Lickteig Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podc...

The holidays are full of stories, laughter, and maybe a little disagreement. Ever try telling a story and hear someone say, “That’s not what happened!”? There’s actually science behind it. Dr. Signy Sheldon, a psychologist at McGill University, explains why our memories differ, how they shift over time, and shares tips for telling stories that connect—without sparking family debate.  Producer: Kyr...

“Drink your milk,” we are told as children. CNN Chief Medical Correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta examines our practice of continuing to drinking cow’s milk as we grow up. Plus, how to get the best sleep if you work the night shift.  Producer & Medical Writer: Andrea Kane Showrunner: Amanda Sealy Senior Producer: Dan Bloom Technical Director: Dan Dzula Executive Producer: Steve Lickteig Learn more abou...

The average person gets two to four colds a year. With all the missed school and work, that adds up to an economic impact of about $40 billion, according to some studies. So why haven’t we cured the common cold yet? CNN Medical Correspondent Meg Tirrell explores the science, the history, and the modern attempts to finally crack the case. Producer: Jesse Remedios Medical Writer: Andrea Kane Showrun...

There’s a new sleep trend making waves: taping your mouth shut at night. Advocates say it can help you breathe better, sleep deeper, and even wake up more energized. But is it safe -- or could it put your health at risk? Sanjay breaks down what the science says about this viral “hack” and what doctors want you to know before you try it. Plus, a listener asks about calcium supplements and testoster...

Parkinson’s disease, a progressive movement disorder whose hallmark is damage to the dopamine-producing neurons in the brain, afflicts almost 12 million people worldwide. And the number of new cases is growing quickly. For roughly 13% of patients, genetics plays a key role. For many others, the underlying cause of the disease might be more mundane and insidious: environmental toxins — via the air...

Dr. Sanjay Gupta explains the science behind collagen supplements and what you should keep in mind if you’re considering them. Plus, how Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation can help those with hard-to-treat depression.   This episode was produced by Jesse Remedios.  Showrunner: Amanda Sealy   Senior Producer: Dan Bloom   Technical Director: Dan Dzula   Executive Producer: Steve Lickteig  Learn more...

As a practicing neurosurgeon and CNN’s chief medical correspondent, Dr. Sanjay Gupta can spot false health claims from a mile away. Still, he recently became the unwitting subject of an AI disinformation campaign that used his likeness to sell sham health products. On today’s episode, Dr. Gupta shares what happened, and offers tips to avoid getting duped by medical misinformation online.  Learn mo...

We all have our cooking rituals, but are some of them unsafe? Dr. Sanjay Gupta gets to the bottom of handwashing hygiene, especially when handling raw meat. Plus, how to best store those hot and cold leftovers this holiday season. Producers: Sofia Sanchez, Leying Tang, Jesse Remedios Medical writer: Andrea Kane Showrunner: Amanda Sealy Senior producer: Dan Bloom Technical Director: Dan Dzula Execu...

Could the secret to living longer be as simple as what’s for dinner? Sanjay sits down with explorer and bestselling author Dan Buettner to discuss the science behind longevity, why taste (not willpower) drives healthy habits, and how affordable, plant-based recipes inspired by the world’s longest-living communities can help you thrive. Plus, hear how AI cracked the code on America’s favorite flavo...

The FDA is planning to remove the “black box” warning from many hormone treatments for menopause -- a major shift that could change care for millions of women in this country. On this week’s Paging Dr. Gupta, we break down what who this treatment could help and what you still need to know about its risks.  This episode was produced by Jennifer Lai with assistance from Kyra Dahring and Leying Tang....

In the 1980s, Leland Vittert’s parents were told that nothing could be done about their son’s autism. But that didn’t stop them from trying. In his new memoir, anchor and reporter Vittert reveals his autism diagnosis for the first time and details how his family, especially his father, helped him achieve personal and professional success. Producer & Medical Writer: Andrea Kane Showrunner: Amanda S...

It seems like everyone’s wearing Bluetooth headphones these days. But should you be worried about the risk of cancer from this technology? Dr. Sanjay Gupta breaks it down. Plus, are protein shakes actually a shortcut to bad nutrition? Producer: Jesse Remedios Showrunner: Amanda Sealy Senior Producer: Dan Bloom Technical Director: Dan Dzula Executive Producer: Steve Lickteig Learn more about your a...

We've come a long way in integrating technology into our daily lives, but could wearable tech actually help you live longer? From detecting heartbeat irregularities to flagging signs of hypertension and hearing loss, devices like the Apple Watch are becoming unexpected players in preventive care. In a conversation taped before a live audience at The Paley Center for Media in New York, Dr. Sanjay G...

Americans are buying more organic food than ever, whether it’s apples from Washington or avocados from Mexico. But when that label says “organic,” especially on something grown thousands of miles away, how do you know it’s truly organic? We get to the bottom of that on this week’s Paging Dr. Gupta. Plus, grounding sheets claim to help with sleep and pain...but does the science back that up? This e...

Author Jonathan Gluck says most cancer stories take one of two forms:  “He or she fought valiantly and died, or he or she fought valiantly and survived.” But Gluck, who was told in the prime of life that he had an incurable type of blood cancer, has a different kind of story.  Dr. Sanjay Gupta sits down with Gluck to discuss his new book, “An Exercise in Uncertainty: A Memoir of Illness and Hope,”...

Why do some people faint at the sight of blood, while others barely flinch? Dr. Sanjay Gupta explains the surprising science behind blood phobia. Plus, what you need to know about artificial sweeteners. Producer: Jesse Remedios Showrunner: Amanda Sealy Medical Writer: Andrea Kane Senior Producer: Dan Bloom Technical Director: Dan Dzula Executive Producer: Steve Lickteig Learn more about your ad ch...

A few years ago, vaping was at the top of every parent’s list of worries — including Sanjay’s. But in just a few short years, the landscape has shifted again. Teen vaping rates have dropped, but new nicotine products have quickly taken their place. Dr. Pamela Ling, a professor at University of California San Francisco who has spent her career studying the tobacco industry’s tactics, joins Dr. Sanj...