JRE #1735 – Peter Attia

by

17-Nov-21






Joe Rogan Experience #1735 – Peter Attia

Joe Rogan Experience #1735 – Peter Attia

Joe Rogan interviews Peter Attia, a physician focused on the applied science of longevity and the host of “The Drive” podcast. They discuss a wide range of topics, including wokeness, the dangers of fructose, the future of medicine, and the importance of exercise. The podcast delves into provocative topics, exploring the current cultural climate and the often-contradictory nature of scientific advancement.

Wokeness and the Erosion of Nuance

  • The podcast highlights the increasing prevalence of “wokeness” in corporate culture, specifically using Microsoft’s inclusion of pronoun statements and tribal land acknowledgments as a prime example.
  • Joe and Peter express their concerns about the overemphasis on social justice activism and the tendency to silence dissenting opinions.
  • They argue that the current “woke” movement is not a pendulum but a wrecking ball, capable of causing significant damage to individuals and institutions.
  • The conversation touches upon the dangers of oversimplification, where complex issues are reduced to easily digestible narratives, often leading to unproductive debates and the suppression of nuance.

The Dangers of Fructose

  • The podcast emphasizes the negative health effects of fructose, particularly when consumed in large quantities and in liquid form.
  • Attia highlights the role of fructose in driving nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), a growing concern that can lead to liver failure.
  • They discuss the concept of “dose response,” arguing that the impact of fructose on the body is dependent on the quantity and frequency of consumption.
  • The conversation touches upon the importance of consuming whole fruits, which naturally contain fiber, thus reducing the rapid absorption of fructose into the bloodstream.

The Importance of Exercise for Longevity

  • Attia advocates for a comprehensive exercise program that emphasizes strength training, muscle mass, and cardio-respiratory fitness.
  • He presents compelling data that demonstrates the significant reduction in all-cause mortality associated with high cardiorespiratory fitness and strength.
  • The podcast outlines Attia’s specific exercise recommendations, including zone 2 training, VO2 max training, and eccentric strength exercises.
  • He stresses the importance of maintaining muscle mass as we age, emphasizing the detrimental effects of sarcopenia and the need for consistent exercise to mitigate muscle loss.

The Future of Medicine and Cancer Detection

  • The podcast explores the potential of liquid biopsies as a powerful tool for early cancer detection.
  • Attia discusses the recent development of blood tests that can identify tumor DNA, allowing for early intervention and potentially improving treatment outcomes.
  • The conversation touches upon the role of genetic testing in identifying individual risk factors for cancer, but acknowledges the limitations of current knowledge.
  • Attia emphasizes the importance of a layered approach to cancer screening, combining multiple tools and tests to improve diagnostic accuracy.

The Theranos Scandal and the Allure of Innovation

  • The podcast recounts Attia’s personal encounter with Elizabeth Holmes, the founder of Theranos, a company that claimed to revolutionize blood testing.
  • Attia’s skepticism about Theranos’s claims and his refusal to join the company as chief medical officer are highlighted, offering a glimpse into his scientific rigor.
  • The conversation examines the psychology of con artists and the human tendency to believe in promises of quick and easy solutions, particularly when coupled with charismatic leadership.
  • The Theranos scandal serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of blind faith in unproven technologies and the importance of questioning claims, particularly when they seem too good to be true.

The Complexities of Vaccine Science and Public Discourse

  • The podcast delves into the ongoing debate surrounding COVID-19 vaccines, exploring the importance of nuance and the dangers of oversimplification.
  • Attia acknowledges the potential side effects of vaccines but stresses the importance of balancing risks and benefits, particularly for older populations with high risk for severe COVID-19.
  • The conversation highlights the role of misinformation and the politicization of science, leading to a polarized discourse that can undermine public trust in scientific institutions.
  • Attia emphasizes the importance of engaging in informed and respectful debate, recognizing the complexity of scientific knowledge and the need for open-minded inquiry.

Racing as a Passion and a Metaphor for Life

  • The podcast explores Joe and Peter’s shared passion for racing, highlighting their interest in cars, motorcycles, and the thrill of competition.
  • The conversation touches upon the importance of precision, strategy, and a deep understanding of the vehicle and the track in achieving success in racing.
  • They discuss the use of simulators to enhance racing skills and the importance of developing a feel for the car, particularly with regards to oversteer and understeer.
  • The conversation draws parallels between racing and life, emphasizing the importance of pushing boundaries, learning from mistakes, and constantly striving for improvement.

5 Memorable Quotes from the Podcast:

  • “The pendulum implies just this benign little thing that’s gonna come back. But it’s not. It’s gonna go right. And it’s gonna kill a bunch of people and ruin a bunch of lives and careers on the way back to some reasonable equilibrium.” – Peter Attia describes his perspective on the current cultural climate.
  • “I think the only reasonable equilibrium is mind-reading software. I really do.” – Peter Attia suggests a humorous solution to the communication challenges of the modern age.
  • “It’s not that freaking interesting. Right? Like, who cares if there’s a little box that I can put a drop of blood on that tells me what my CBC and chem 7 and, you know, pick your other panel. It’s like, that’s not that interesting.” – Peter Attia expresses his perspective on the limitations of Theranos’s technology.
  • “This pandemic is not going to end when everyone is vaccinated. It’s going to end when everyone is infected. Everyone will be infected. There’s zero doubt in my mind.” – Naval Ravikant’s tweet, quoted by Joe Rogan, offers a stark reality check on the future of the pandemic.
  • “I want to be able to hunt when I’m 80, and I want to drive a race car when I’m 80. Yeah. Like, and if I wanna do that, I have to put in a lot of time right now to make sure I’m strong enough to do those things.” – Joe Rogan articulates his vision for an active and fulfilling later life.