Brave New World

In today’s episode, Evgeny Lebedev talks about the remarkable potential of ketamine with Dr John Krystal, Professor of neuroscience at the Yale School of Medicine. Their discussion delves into the world of neurology, what ketamine actually does to our brain and the importance of glutamate receptors in treating depression. Ketamine may have gotten bad press after Friends actor Matthew Perry died of an overdose while receiving treatment with the drug, but for Dr Krystal, it is a critically overlooked solution to the epidemic of mental illness.Also in this episode:Ketamine’s complicated history starting in the 1950sThe real reason depression leads to suicideWhy ketamine is effective at dealing with traumaThe detailed procedure of ketamine therapy The importance of ketamine’s “narrow window” dosageKetamine’s reputation and why it needs to change

In today’s episode, we are excited to be joined by Peter Attia: a longevity expert, physician, and bestselling author. Peter’s podcast, The Drive, is one of the most popular in the world. Through it, he’s brought cutting edge science to the masses, sharing tips and tricks, some of which are still experimental, on how to boost your chances of ageing well. Tune into Peter and Evgeny’s conversation on what the former calls “Medicine 3.0” — his blueprint for good health — and how happiness is essential to longevity, not just a bonus. “It doesn’t matter how healthy you are,” Peter says, “if the most important relationships in your life are not happy.” Topics covered include: The difference between health span and lifespanHow AI can revolutionise clinical trials and the development of new medicines ⁠How to regulate glucose levelsTips to reducing caloric intakeWhy cancer immunity is under-researchedHow to prevent heart disease⁠Debunking the biggest myths around nutrition

Evgeny Lebedev joins Dr. Aubrey de Grey, a visionary in biomedical gerontology and co-founder of the SENS Research Foundation.Known for his radical approach to ageing, Dr. de Grey discusses why some need to awaken from a "pro-ageing trance".What’s Aubrey’s biological age?In this episode:Why we don’t “have” to ageReversing cellular agingThe ethical questions surrounding life extensionThe societal shifts we might expect if ageing becomes a treatable conditionThe science behind extending the human healthspanPlus more.

On today’s show Evgeny Lebedev is in conversation with the Oscar-winning actor, Dame Helen Mirren.They discuss everything from the evolution of fashion to the contemporary media landscape.“It’s so sad that Kurt Cobain died when he did, because he never got to see GPS”Also in this episode:The evolution of technology and why Helen is grateful to have been around in a world without itHow young people rediscover previously forgotten tech and bring it back to lifeHelen reflects on spirituality, the power of belief and how it shapes our lives, but why she doesn't believe in God.Russian heritage and the complexities of her identityHow Helen stays youthful, both in body and mind

Evgeny Lebedev is joined by Jim Poole, chairman, president and chief executive of neuroscience company Solace Life Sciences.The company owns NuCalm, a technology designed to reduce stress and improve sleep without recourse to drugs.You may have even spotted the Duchess of Sussex wearing one of their stress relief patches.In this episode, Evgeny and Jim explore the evolution of the human brain, anxiety and how to deregulate the amygdala, a small, almond-shaped part of the brain that plays a central role, which Jim says ‘feeds on fear’. In this episode:The current state of brain understandingBrain psychology and its evolutionThe autonomic nervous system and how it shapes everything from stress to relaxationHo to control anxious thoughtsHow to downregulate the amygdala, the part of the brain that triggers intense fear responsesDifferent frequencies in the brain and how they influence mental statesWhy “the Western world may be leading the cause” of anxiety

We’re joined by one of the most famous faces of alternative medicine on the planet, Deepak Chopra. The world-renowned author, health and wellness expert has been at the intersection of science and spirituality for nearly 50 years.Deepak sits down with host Evgeny Lebedev to mark the release of his 95th book ‘Digital Dharma’. He explains why artificial intelligence is the key to unlocking both personal and spiritual growth, and why humanity is at a crucial crossroads with technology. One of those roads, he says, "leads to the extinction of humanity."Other topics discussed in this episode: Ideas for a preventative health service in the UK & beyondHow VR is going to lead the future of therapeutics Why 'living our best life' needs to be more than just a soundbite How technology can change our biology What is consciousness, and why science alone doesn’t have the answerDigital Deepak, his new AI twin dispensing medical and spiritual adviceMortality and longevity Get in touch with us at podcasts@standard.co.uk 

Is there such a thing as perfect sleep? Leading expert in circadian neuroscience from Oxford University, Professor Russell Foster, joins host Evgeny Lebedev, to explain the science behind nighttime slumber and why it's crucial to living our best lives awake. The pair discuss everything from sleep hygiene, our circadian rhythm and body clocks, the impact of technology before bed and whether it actually affects us, the myths, and even some tips to improve longevity. This episode also includes excerpts from Eight Sleep founder Matteo Franceschetti, the pop star Rita Ora, and the author and actress Davinia Taylor.Topics discussed in this episode:Is sleep an indulgence?How a bad culture of sleep was heightened in the 1980sCan poor sleep link to dementia?The different types of sleep: Deep and RemThe science of our dreamsUnderstanding how circadian rhythms work and how they relate to our genetic makeupThe perfect recipe for a napSleeping pills and memory lossAre sleep apps worth the hype?The critical role of body temperatureSleep myths: Cheese and dreams, sipping Horlicks and counting sheepRita Ora’s sleep routineGet in touch with us at podcasts@standard.co.uk

On this episode of Brave New World, we’re turning our attention to nootropics and neuroscience. Nootropics are drugs and supplements which proponents say can boost alertness, increase focus, and improve memory. Today, Evgeny Lebedev meets Nootopia founder Mark Effinger, AKA Mr Noots. Since launching in 2004, Nootopia has helped 300,000 people- including doctors, biohackers, and fitness instructors- unlock their potential.  The two discuss:- The Nootopia lab and its research methods - Mark’s journey from child prodigy to entrepreneur - How the loss of his wife was the catalyst for Mark to start Nootopia- Why everyone has an ‘inherent Achilles heel’-The complexities of ADHD treatment-Natural ways to rebuild neural pathways  Plus more…  If you enjoyed the episode, please leave us a review and rating. The next episode will drop on 22 Aug. Drop us a line at podcasts@standard.co.uk  Disclaimer: you should always seek own medical advice.

In this episode of Brave New World, billionaire entrepreneur Christian Angermayer and Olympic athlete James Magnussen – who's been offered $1 million if he wins the competition's 100m freestyle swimming race – talk to Evgeny about taking part in the most radical sports event ever conceived; where doping is not just allowed but encouraged.  Christian talks about: Dropping out of university and becoming an entrepreneur Why he believes medical psychedelics will be available to prescribe within a couple of yearsHow psychedelics can help us cope with change, AI panic and our fear of the "new reality"How Ozempic has changed the game for pharmaceutical companies Why alcohol is "the worse drug of all" How the Enhanced Games will actually improve drug testing at the Olympics How most athletes struggle to make ends meet – and how the competition will help them earn proper money  James talks about:How the Enhanced Games have given him fresh purposeWhy he isn’t worried about using testosterone to “juice to the gills” – safe for the impact on his fertility Why stigma persists around performance enhancing drugsWhy this could become one of the biggest industries in the world  If you enjoyed the episode, please follow, leave us a review and vote in the poll below. The next episode will drop on 8 August. Get in touch with us at podcasts@standard.co.uk