#103 – Looking back on the first 99 episodes: Strong Convictions, Loosely Held
Summary

In this episode of The Drive podcast, the host Peter Atia reflects on his changing opinions about the use of metformin as a pro-longevity agent. He initially believed in its potential benefits for mitochondrial health but after observing elevated lactate levels and experimenting with different dosages, he now reserves metformin prescriptions for patients who need it for glucose and insulin regulation. Atia also discusses ongoing research, such as the TAME study, which could provide more insight into the potential benefits of metformin.

The speaker also discusses their interest in rapamycin and its potential to improve the adaptive immune system. They spent four years researching and analyzing data from animal and human studies to determine the appropriate dose. Additionally, the host talks about the importance of having a healthy obsession with a topic and the benefits of having non-objective, outcome-based activities in one's life. The speaker also shares their experiences with powerlifting and how they began lifting weights at a young age.

The conversation then shifts towards books that the speaker and their guests have been reading, including "Far From the Tree" by Andrew Solomon and "Stillness is the Key" by Ryan Holiday. The speaker also briefly discusses the use of baby aspirin for preventing blood clots during flights. They mention two supplements, Flight Tab and Nattokinase, that have shown evidence of preventing DVT.

The speaker talks about their evolving views on generic drugs after listening to a podcast with Kathryn Eban. They now only use generics from trusted companies and sometimes opt for branded drugs even if they are more expensive. The speaker also discusses the benefits of EPA and DHA and how they are potent drugs. They mention a possible podcast on the topic of omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids and their implications for public health. Lastly, the speaker talks about their personal growth in learning to say no to things and how it has improved their life.

Overall, this podcast episode provides a retrospective on the host's evolution of thought and their willingness to adapt to new information. The conversation covers various topics related to medicine, health, and personal growth, highlighting the importance of being open to new information and having a healthy obsession with a topic.