The Dan Buettner Podcast

When we think of a New Year "reset," we usually focus on the waistline—but what about the organ that runs the entire show? In this powerhouse episode of our New Year’s Refresh series, Blue Zones founder Dan Buettner joins world-renowned psychiatrist Dr. Daniel Amen to explore the ultimate resolution: optimizing your brain. If you’re feeling the "brain fog" of the past year or looking to sharpen yo...

Is 100 years old "too young" to die? In this historic episode, Dan Buettner (founder of Blue Zones) sits down with Dave Asprey (the "Father of Biohacking") to debate the future of human longevity. While they represent opposite ends of the spectrum—one focusing on beans and community, the other on stem cells and gene therapy—they find surprising middle ground on how to "hack" your environment for a...

Forget the restrictive diets and grueling gym schedules—what if the most effective way to "refresh" your life this year is through the heart? In this special New Year’s Re-drop, relationship expert Jillian Turecki challenges the traditional wellness narrative. She reveals why our social and romantic connections are the true foundation of longevity and mental clarity. Whether you are navigating the...

In this episode of the Dan Buettner Podcast, culinary icon Andrew Zimmern reveals why the "cheat code" for a longer, happier life starts in the kitchen. Moving far beyond his Bizarre Foods persona, Andrew joins Dan to discuss how simple shifts in how we cook and eat can add up to 11 years to your life expectancy. The conversation blends expert culinary hacks with a powerful look at sustainable eat...

While we take a break for the holidays, we wanted to revisit this powerful episode with author and motivational speaker Case Kenny to challenge the biggest myths about purpose and happiness. Case unpacks his philosophy on why loneliness is a choice and provides a roadmap for creating authentic human connection. He shares a surprising truth about how we talk to ourselves, how to get unstuck from a...

If you’re heading into the new year wanting to feel a little more grounded, joyful, and happier in your everyday life, you have to check out Happier with Gretchen Rubin. Gretchen is a happiness expert, and alongside her sister Liz Craft, she shares science-backed habits and simple, practical shifts that actually stick. In this episode, they dive into why choosing a one-word theme for the year can...

Join us for a deeply candid and powerful conversation with journalist, author, and activist Maria Shriver. Maria opens up like never before, discussing the complexities of growing up in the Kennedy dynasty and how the family value of "service" outweighed "privilege." She reveals the difficult, highly competitive dynamic she shared with her own mother, calling it the "most complicated relationship"...

He played Vincent Chase, the quintessential cool Los Angeles heartthrob who had it all. But behind the fame, money, and women, Entourage star Adrian Grenier was chasing an "empty pursuit" that left him feeling "never loved enough". In this shocking and vulnerable interview, Adrian opens up about the "cosmic bitch slap" that made him leave the pinnacle of Hollywood and trade dopamine hits for a dee...

Blue Zones founder Dan Buettner sits down with explorer, New York Times Bestselling author, and wellness expert Darin Olien (creator of the Emmy Award-winning Netflix docu-series Down to Earth with Zac Efron) for a powerful conversation that goes beyond diet and exercise. While Dan focuses on shaping your environment for healthy behavior, Darin dives into the invisible threat: the hidden toxins in...

Dan recently joined Dr. Laurie Santos, Professor of Psychology and Head of Silliman College at Yale University, for an episode of her podcast, The Happiness Lab. On The Happiness Lab, Dr. Santos shares the latest scientific research and surprising and inspiring stories that will change the way you think about happiness and what it means to be truly happy. In this episode, Dan shares how to eat lik...

The world's leading expert on longevity, Dan Buettner, brings the Blue Zones concept home to his own family, interviewing his parents, Roger (90) and Dolly (87)—the original Blue Zone All-Stars—who share the counterintuitive secrets to a 66-year happy marriage and a 10/10 life satisfaction score. In this highly personal and wisdom-packed episode, Dolly and Roger reveal the foundational relationshi...

He was a world-class athlete, trained harder than anyone, and followed the standard "healthy" high-carb diet... but by his mid-20s, Mark Sisson was secretly fighting arthritis, chronic digestive issues, and skin problems. What if the training and diet you believe is giving you a long life is actually making you sick? In this rare, candid discussion, the founder of Primal Kitchen, Mark Sisson, and...

Dive deep with visionary futurist and entrepreneur Peter Diamandis on his aggressive approach to longevity and age reversal. In this must-listen episode, the founder of the XPrize and leader in the biohacking movement reveals the cutting-edge science and extreme personal routine that has him spending over $100,000 per year to extend his healthspan. Peter makes a bold prediction: AI will double you...

"Stop calling it a "midlife crisis"!Join us with bestselling author and Modern Elder Academy founder, Chip Conley, as he completely reframes the second half of life. Chip explains why the term ""midlife crisis"" is an ancient concept that holds us back and reveals the three essential ingredients for transforming anxiety into purpose. Discover how to cultivate curiosity, leverage your experience, a...

In this candid conversation, Dan sits down with surfing legend Laird Hamilton and professional volleyball icon Gabby Reece. They reveal the secrets to their extraordinary energy, their enduring relationship, and their contrarian philosophy on how to live long and well. Laird and Gabby pull back the curtain on how they maintain the energy of two teenagers in their 50s. You'll learn the truth behind...

Cory Richards, one of the world's greatest adventure photographers, sits down with Dan Buettner to share a powerful story of turning pain into beauty. In this raw and vulnerable conversation, Cory reveals how his personal struggles with mental health, including depression and bipolar disorder, led to some of his most profound art and a deeply empathetic approach to life. This episode explores the...

Dr. Sonja Lyubomirsky, the world-renowned "Doctor of Happiness" from UC Riverside, breaks down the myths and science behind what truly makes us happy. Discover why the "hedonic treadmill"—the cycle of constantly chasing new life circumstances like a new job, marriage, or house—is designed to leave you disappointed due to Hedonic Adaptation. Dr. Lyubomirsky reveals the surprising role of your genet...

Go beyond the "alright, alright, alright" with Academy Award winner Matthew McConaughey as he dives deep into his philosophy, career, and new book, Poems and Prayers. The star of Dallas Buyers Club shares his approach to living "the documentary of life" and avoiding the "proverbial hangover on the Monday morning of our life." In this revealing episode, McConaughey opens up about his belief that "l...

In this episode, Dan sits down with Hollywood titan Jeffrey Katzenberg and health visionary Chris Wharton to uncover the secrets to a longer, healthier, and more vibrant life. You'll discover how a media mogul who built empires at Disney and DreamWorks is now using his unique skills to tackle the biggest challenge of our time: human longevity. Katzenberg and Wharton pull back the curtain on WndrHL...

In this powerful episode, Dan sits down with author and motivational speaker Case Kenny to challenge the biggest myths about purpose and happiness. Case unpacks his philosophy on why loneliness is a choice and provides a roadmap for creating authentic human connection. He shares a surprising truth about how we talk to ourselves, how to get unstuck from a rut, and his step-by-step process for turni...

In a fascinating conversation, Dan Buettner explores the surprising link between your social life and your longevity. He's joined by Vanessa Van Edwards, who teaches us how to move past awkward small talk and have conversations that actually "juice" dopamine. Vanessa also reveals the key to finding your people and why you should get out of your house and go on a "quest" to make friends. This episo...

What if the secret to a long, healthy life isn't just about your body, but your brain? In this episode, Dan Buettner sits down with renowned psychiatrist Dr. Daniel Amen to discuss how you can change your brain for the better. Dr. Amen reveals the most common mistakes people make that damage their brain and the simple, daily habits—from diet to exercise—that can help prevent dementia and cognitive...

What if the key to a longer, happier life isn't diet or exercise, but love? In this deep-dive conversation, Jillian Turecki reveals how our relationships are directly tied to our well-being and health. From navigating heartbreak to the power of a "conscious woman" community, she shares actionable advice for healing, growing, and building a foundation for a life filled with connection and purpose....

Academy Awards, Blue Zones, and Living a Life of Purpose. Can winning an Academy Award add years to your life? Dan Buettner and Laura Dern dive into a surprising study that suggests it can. Laura shares her unique perspective on success, stress, and the difference between an award and a true accomplishment. She opens up about growing up in a famous family and the lessons her parents, Bruce Dern an...

What if you could add 10 to 15 years to your life in just 2-3 years? According to Dr. David Agus, it's possible with the rapid advancements in AI and medical science. Dr. Agus, who runs the Ellison Medical Institute, joins us to share his expertise on a wide range of topics, from choosing the right doctor to the surprising lessons he's learned from performing autopsies on his patients. We dive int...