Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard: Eric Topol Returns on Longevity

Episode Release Date: May 21, 2025
Host: Dax Shepard
Guest: Dr. Eric Topol
Book Discussed: Super Agers: An Evidence-Based Approach to Longevity by Dr. Eric Topol

Introduction to Dr. Eric Topol

In this enlightening episode of Armchair Expert, host Dax Shepard welcomes back healthcare innovator Dr. Eric Topol, a renowned cardiologist, scientist, and author. Dr. Topol is the director and founder of the Scripps Research Institute and the author of several influential books, including Deep Medicine and his latest work, Super Agers: An Evidence-Based Approach to Longevity. The episode delves deep into Dr. Topol's insights on longevity, the evolving role of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare, and the interplay between lifestyle and genetics in extending human healthspan.

AI's Transformative Role in Healthcare

Dr. Topol and Dax Shepard engage in a spirited discussion about the advancements in AI and its potential to revolutionize medicine. Reflecting on a previous conversation six years prior, Dr. Topol highlights significant strides made in AI's diagnostic capabilities:

Eric Topol [06:21]: "We had six studies that showed that AI compared to a doctor with AI, the AI did better."

Dax humorously remarks on the unexpected outcomes of these studies:

Dax Shepard [06:25]: "Oh, Jesus. So even having the human involved in the system made it worse."

Dr. Topol speculates that the reluctance of medical professionals to integrate AI effectively might be a contributing factor. He emphasizes the necessity of training and adapting to new technologies to harness AI's full potential in disease prevention and management.

Challenges with the Pharmaceutical Industry

A significant portion of the conversation addresses Dr. Topol's courageous stance against pharmaceutical malpractices, particularly his whistleblowing on Merck's suppression of the drug Vioxx, which was linked to increased risks of heart attacks and strokes. Reflecting on the consequences of his actions, Dr. Topol shares:

Eric Topol [09:13]: "We found out they knew about it. They actively were trying to hide this from the public."

Dax commends Dr. Topol's integrity and the lasting impact of his advocacy, lamenting the ongoing issues within the pharmaceutical sector, including the opioid crisis:

Dax Shepard [12:05]: "It correlates beautifully with however much money the drug makes is what exponent it goes up by really how these drug."

Approaches to Longevity: Genetics vs. Lifestyle

In Super Agers, Dr. Topol explores the multifaceted aspects of longevity, emphasizing that genetics play a smaller role than commonly perceived. He recounts studies involving exceptionally healthy individuals, such as Mrs. L.R. and Mr. R.P., who defy typical aging markers. Discussing the heritability of longevity, Dr. Topol notes:

Eric Topol [20:37]: "So you're also seeing that it's really our lifestyle factors and the things that we can do now that our parents, grandparents couldn't do that's making a big difference."

Dax Shepard finds reassurance in the idea that lifestyle choices can significantly influence healthspan, alleviating fears rooted in family medical histories.

Omics and Personalized Medicine

Dr. Topol introduces the concept of "omics"—the comprehensive study of genomes, proteomes, and other biological data—and its role in personalized healthcare. He explains the development of organ-specific biological clocks, which assess the aging process of individual organs:

Eric Topol [57:29]: "So we can do that. Who would have ever thought we can do that?"

This innovative approach allows for tailored preventive measures, targeting specific vulnerabilities in a person's biology to extend their healthy years.

Environmental Toxins and Inflammation

Tackling environmental factors, Dr. Topol underscores the detrimental effects of microplastics, fine particulate air pollution, and "forever chemicals" on human health. He highlights groundbreaking studies linking microplastics in arteries to increased risks of heart attacks:

Eric Topol [50:21]: "They were inflamed to try to protect the body. But in fact, it was incited big time inflammation in an artery that gets in the bloodstream that you wouldn't want."

The discussion emphasizes the urgent need for regulatory measures to mitigate exposure to these pervasive toxins.

Diet, Nutrition, and Lifestyle Factors

A central theme of the episode is the critical impact of diet on longevity. Dr. Topol criticizes the high consumption of ultra-processed foods in the U.S., linking them to various age-related diseases through mechanisms of systemic inflammation. He shares alarming statistics:

Eric Topol [36:31]: "More than 70% of their intake of calories is through ultra processed food or energy. 70% for the adult population. It's horrible."

Conversely, he champions diets rich in plant-based foods and emphasizes the potential of AI-driven personalized nutrition plans to optimize individual health outcomes.

Medical Innovations: Cells, Peptides, and Beyond

Dr. Topol delves into cutting-edge medical advancements, including:

• B Cell Ablation: A breakthrough in treating autoimmune diseases by resetting the immune system, effectively "erasing" the cells responsible for attacking the body's own tissues.

  Eric Topol [54:33]: "These are B cells. B cells are the ones that produce the antibodies."

• Epigenetic Reprogramming: Dr. Topol discusses pioneering research aimed at reversing aging in animal models through partial epigenetic reprogramming, a process that has shown promise but also carries risks such as tumor development.

• Peptide Therapy: While acknowledging the potential benefits of peptides like Tessamorelin for reducing abdominal fat, Dr. Topol urges caution regarding off-label and unproven peptide uses, highlighting the lack of comprehensive studies on their long-term safety and efficacy.

Conclusion: An Optimistic Path Forward

Despite the numerous challenges discussed, Dr. Topol maintains a hopeful outlook. He envisions a future where AI and personalized medicine converge to drastically reduce the prevalence of major age-related diseases, thereby decreasing healthcare costs and enhancing global healthspan.

Eric Topol [53:05]: "The hope is that people will find ways to extend their health span and that's what it's all about."

Dax Shepard echoes this optimism, appreciating Dr. Topol's balanced perspective that recognizes both the potential and the pitfalls of emerging medical technologies.

Notable Quotes:

• Eric Topol [06:21]: "We had six studies that showed that AI compared to a doctor with AI, the AI did better."
• Dax Shepard [06:25]: "Oh, Jesus. So even having the human involved in the system made it worse."
• Eric Topol [36:31]: "More than 70% of their intake of calories is through ultra processed food or energy."
• Eric Topol [50:21]: "They were inflamed to try to protect the body. But in fact, it was incited big time inflammation in an artery that gets in the bloodstream that you wouldn't want."
• Eric Topol [53:05]: "The hope is that people will find ways to extend their health span and that's what it's all about."

Final Thoughts:

This episode of Armchair Expert offers a comprehensive exploration of longevity, blending scientific rigor with engaging dialogue. Dr. Eric Topol provides valuable insights into how advancements in AI, personalized medicine, and a deeper understanding of biology can collectively contribute to extending the human healthspan. His candid discussions about the pharmaceutical industry's challenges and the importance of lifestyle choices serve as a compelling call to action for both medical professionals and the general public.