Tony Robbins’ Life Force: Reversing Chronic Diseases

Welcome, everyone! Today, we have an incredibly exciting conversation ahead of us. We’re diving deep into the powerful concept of Life Force—a groundbreaking book by none other than Tony Robbins, who many of you know as a transformational life coach and author.

Life Force is all about harnessing the energy that drives us, the vitality that keeps us going strong, and the incredible advancements in science and health that are allowing us to live longer, healthier lives.

We’re going to explore how we can all take control of our well-being, prevent and reverse disease, and bring more energy and purpose into our lives.

Joining Tony are some of the brightest minds in health and wellness, and trust me, what you’ll hear today could change the way you think about your body, your health, and your future. So, get ready—this conversation is going to be eye-opening, inspiring, and full of life-changing insights. Let’s get started!

The Future of Longevity and Aging

Nick Sasaki: Welcome, everyone! Today, we’re diving into a fascinating conversation about the future of longevity and aging, as discussed in Tony Robbins' Life Force. Joining Tony to explore this topic are some of the most influential thinkers in the field of aging and biotechnology. We have Dr. David Sinclair, a renowned biologist from Harvard who is pioneering research on extending lifespan; Dr. Aubrey de Grey, a biomedical gerontologist who has been a leading voice on reversing the aging process; and Peter Diamandis, co-author of Life Force and futurist visionary. Let's jump right in! Tony, could you start us off by sharing your vision for the future of human longevity?

Tony Robbins: Absolutely, Nick. The future of human longevity is something I’m incredibly passionate about. What’s so exciting is that we’re entering an era where people may not just live longer, but live healthier and more vibrant lives well into their 100s and beyond. We’re talking about breakthroughs in areas like stem cell therapies, gene editing, and personalized medicine that allow us to treat aging not as an inevitable decline but as something we can actually reverse. I truly believe that within the next couple of decades, people will look back and wonder how we ever accepted aging the way we do now.

David Sinclair: I couldn’t agree more, Tony. My research has focused on what we call “biological age,” which refers to how old your cells are, versus your chronological age, which is the number of years you’ve lived. What we’re finding is that we can slow down—and even reverse—biological aging through techniques like caloric restriction, intermittent fasting, and activating certain genes. One of the most exciting areas is epigenetic reprogramming, where we can essentially reset cells to a more youthful state. This is something we’re already seeing in animal studies, and it won’t be long before we’re applying these techniques to humans.

Nick Sasaki: That’s incredible! Dr. de Grey, I know you’ve been a longtime advocate for radical life extension. How does this fit into your view on reversing aging?

Aubrey de Grey: Well, it fits perfectly. What we’re seeing with epigenetics and stem cell therapies are pieces of the puzzle we’ve been trying to solve for decades. My work focuses on what we call the “seven deadly sins” of aging—things like cell loss, mitochondrial damage, and the buildup of harmful waste in the cells. These are the root causes of aging, and we can now repair these damages at the cellular level. We’ve been looking at aging like a disease, and just like any other disease, it’s treatable and curable. I believe that if we can comprehensively address these cellular issues, living to 150 or beyond is not out of the question.

Peter Diamandis: And Aubrey, that’s what’s so exciting—technology is accelerating at an exponential rate. The biotech industry is booming, and we’re seeing advancements in fields like AI, nanotechnology, and quantum computing that are going to radically enhance our ability to extend lifespan. The key, though, is that it’s not just about adding years to life, but about adding quality years. People want to feel young, healthy, and vibrant, not just live longer.

Tony Robbins: Exactly. It’s not just about extending life, it’s about extending vitality. In Life Force, we talk about how technologies like stem cells and gene editing allow us to repair and rejuvenate tissues, making it possible to live disease-free for decades longer than we do today. It’s about staying active, mentally sharp, and physically capable. Imagine being 90 or 100 and still feeling as energetic as you did in your 30s. That’s the future we’re moving toward.

David Sinclair: And to build on that, what’s exciting about where we’re headed is that this isn’t just science fiction anymore. The trials we’re running today are showing real promise. We’re developing molecules that can activate longevity genes, we’re learning to control inflammation, and we’re finding ways to make the body clear out old, dysfunctional cells. All of this is bringing us closer to what I call “longevity escape velocity”—the point where we can extend life faster than we age.

Nick Sasaki: This is all fascinating. With these breakthroughs, do you all think there will be societal challenges, like access to these therapies or the ethical considerations of living much longer lives?

Aubrey de Grey: That’s an important question, Nick. There will definitely be challenges, especially in terms of access and equity. If only the wealthy can afford these therapies, it could create a new kind of inequality. But I’m optimistic that as these technologies develop, costs will come down, just like we’ve seen with smartphones or other technologies. There will also be ethical considerations, like overpopulation or the implications of living much longer lives. But these are challenges we need to face head-on, rather than avoid pursuing the science.

Peter Diamandis: I agree, Aubrey. These are challenges we can overcome. As with any disruptive technology, it’s about ensuring the benefits are democratized. And on the ethical front, I believe people will come to see extended life as a new normal. Think about it: not too long ago, the idea of people living into their 70s or 80s was extraordinary, but now it’s common. In the same way, I believe the idea of living into your 120s or 150s will one day be normal, too.

Tony Robbins: I believe we have an obligation to use these technologies to improve lives for everyone, not just the wealthy. That’s one of the main points of Life Force—giving people the tools to take control of their health and well-being. This is about empowering people to live their best lives, no matter their background.

Nick Sasaki: It sounds like we’re on the verge of something truly transformative, not just for individuals but for society as a whole. Thank you all for your insights today. The future of longevity and aging certainly promises to reshape our world in ways we’re only beginning to understand.

Regenerative Medicine and Cutting-Edge Therapies

Nick Sasaki: Welcome back, everyone! Today, we’re moving into a topic that feels straight out of science fiction but is very much a reality—Regenerative Medicine and Cutting-Edge Therapies. Joining Tony Robbins again are Dr. Robert Hariri, a pioneer in stem cell research, and Martine Rothblatt, CEO of United Therapeutics and a visionary in organ regeneration. Also with us is Dr. Anthony Atala, a leader in regenerative medicine and bioprinting. Let’s start with you, Tony. Can you share some of the most exciting regenerative medicine breakthroughs you’ve encountered?

Tony Robbins: Absolutely, Nick. I think what’s most mind-blowing is how far we’ve come in our ability to regenerate the body at a cellular level. In Life Force, I dive into how stem cells are being used to repair tissues, restore function in organs, and even reverse diseases that were once considered incurable. Stem cell therapy isn’t just about healing injuries anymore—it’s being used to rejuvenate entire systems within the body. For instance, you can inject stem cells into damaged joints or the heart and see not only repair but regrowth of tissues. This is no longer experimental—it’s happening right now.

Robert Hariri: That’s right, Tony. I’ve spent a lot of my career developing stem cell therapies, and we’re now at a point where we can use these cells in ways that fundamentally change how we approach medicine. What’s unique about stem cells is their ability to differentiate into any type of tissue—whether it’s muscle, nerve, or bone. This means we can repair virtually any part of the body that’s damaged, whether due to injury, disease, or aging. We’re also exploring the potential of using stem cells to regenerate entire organs, which could someday eliminate the need for organ transplants altogether.

Nick Sasaki: That’s extraordinary! Dr. Atala, you’ve been working on bioprinting organs—could you share how this technology fits into the future of regenerative medicine?

Anthony Atala: Sure, Nick. Bioprinting is one of the most exciting areas in regenerative medicine because it allows us to create tissues and organs layer by layer, much like how a 3D printer works. We’re already able to print simple tissues like skin, cartilage, and blood vessels, and we’re working toward more complex organs like kidneys and lungs. Imagine a future where, instead of waiting on long organ donor lists, we can create a custom organ for a patient using their own cells. This would not only solve the donor shortage but also eliminate the risk of organ rejection.

Martine Rothblatt: And to build on that, Anthony, the work we’re doing at United Therapeutics is focused on using biotechnology to manufacture organs, particularly lungs. We’re working on creating genetically modified pigs whose organs can be transplanted into humans. This technology could solve the problem of organ shortages and extend countless lives. What’s critical here is that we’re using technology to bridge the gap between what’s possible and what’s been limited by biology. The fusion of bioprinting and genetic modification represents the future of organ regeneration.

Tony Robbins: Exactly! This kind of innovation opens the door to some incredible possibilities. Imagine someone who has been waiting years for a kidney transplant. Instead of being tied to dialysis or hoping for a match, we can now print a functioning kidney using their own stem cells or grow it in a bioreactor. This doesn’t just save lives—it gives people their freedom back. They don’t have to live with the limitations of a failing organ, and that’s a game changer.

Nick Sasaki: It really is. But with all these advances, what challenges do you foresee as we move forward? Are there ethical or societal concerns we need to address?

Robert Hariri: Absolutely, Nick. One of the biggest challenges we face is ensuring that these technologies are accessible to everyone, not just the wealthy. While these therapies are becoming more mainstream, they are still expensive, and that creates a barrier to entry. It’s important that we develop scalable, cost-effective solutions so that regenerative medicine can be democratized.

Martine Rothblatt: I agree with Robert. Access and equity are key concerns. The other challenge is navigating the regulatory landscape. We need to make sure these therapies are safe, but we also don’t want regulations to stifle innovation. Striking that balance will be critical as these technologies become more widespread. And then, of course, there are ethical questions—like how far we should go with gene editing or creating organs. Should we be designing organs to be better than natural ones? These are questions we need to consider carefully.

Anthony Atala: And from a medical perspective, one challenge we face is making sure that these bioprinted tissues and organs function exactly like their natural counterparts. We’ve made significant progress, but creating a fully functioning organ with blood vessels, nerves, and the ability to perform its biological functions is complex. It’s not just about printing the shape of the organ—it’s about making sure it works as intended for the long term.

Tony Robbins: All great points. And this is why collaboration between scientists, engineers, ethicists, and even entrepreneurs is so important. We need to create systems where these breakthroughs are not just possible, but scalable and sustainable. That’s one of the key takeaways in Life Force—that we’re at the beginning of a new era in healthcare. But it’s up to us to ensure that everyone benefits from these advancements.

Nick Sasaki: It sounds like we’re on the verge of a medical revolution, but we need to navigate it carefully. Before we wrap up, I’d love to hear your thoughts on where you see this field in the next 10 to 20 years.

Martine Rothblatt: I believe that in 10 to 20 years, we’ll see a world where organ shortages no longer exist. We’ll have bioprinted organs and xenotransplantation as routine medical practices. People won’t have to wait for transplants—they’ll simply be able to replace a failing organ with a customized one.

Robert Hariri: I see regenerative medicine becoming a cornerstone of healthcare. Stem cells and gene editing will not only treat diseases but prevent them before they even manifest. We’ll be able to repair the body on a cellular level, making aging-related diseases a thing of the past.

Anthony Atala: I agree with both of you. The future of medicine is personalized and regenerative. We’re moving toward a time when the body’s ability to heal itself will be enhanced through biotechnology. This will extend not just life, but the quality of life.

Tony Robbins: That’s exactly it. We’re not just extending life—we’re extending vitality, energy, and freedom. The future is bright, and it’s happening now.

Nick Sasaki: Thank you, Tony, Robert, Martine, and Anthony. Regenerative medicine and these cutting-edge therapies are truly shaping a future where health and longevity are within everyone’s reach. We have so much to look forward to!

Optimizing Physical and Mental Health

Nick Sasaki: Welcome back to our ongoing conversation about Life Force by Tony Robbins. Today, we’re going to dive into one of the most important areas for anyone looking to improve their quality of life—Optimizing Physical and Mental Health. Joining Tony to discuss this crucial topic are Dr. Rhonda Patrick, a health and nutrition expert known for her research on aging and wellness, Dr. Andrew Huberman, a neuroscientist focused on brain optimization, and Dr. Mark Hyman, a leader in functional medicine. Let's start with you, Tony. Can you give us an overview of the strategies you emphasize in Life Force for optimizing both body and mind?

Tony Robbins: Thanks, Nick. In Life Force, I emphasize that optimizing health isn’t just about focusing on one aspect of your life—it’s about a holistic approach that integrates physical vitality with mental and emotional well-being. We dive into everything from diet, exercise, and sleep to cutting-edge biohacking strategies that people can use to not only improve their health but sustain it for the long term. One of the key points I make is that your mindset and your emotions are just as important as your physical health. You can be in great shape, but if your mental health is suffering, you won’t be able to live your best life. That’s why we talk about tools like meditation, neurofeedback, and even wearable technologies that help track your health and give real-time feedback.

Nick Sasaki: That’s a great point. Dr. Patrick, you’ve spent years researching the role that diet and nutrition play in optimizing physical health. What are some key strategies people can implement to improve their physical health on a daily basis?

Rhonda Patrick: Thanks, Nick. What I love about Life Force is the focus on empowering people with practical tools they can use immediately to improve their health. From a nutritional standpoint, one of the most important things people can do is eat a diet rich in micronutrients—things like vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients that support cellular health. This means incorporating a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables into your meals, along with healthy fats and lean proteins. One of the exciting areas we’re learning more about is the role of specific nutrients in slowing the aging process. For example, compounds like resveratrol, found in red wine, and NMN, which supports cellular energy, have shown promise in enhancing longevity.

But beyond diet, physical health also requires regular exercise, strength training, and proper sleep. These three things, along with good nutrition, create the foundation for vitality. I also encourage people to experiment with intermittent fasting or time-restricted eating, as this can help optimize metabolic health and improve energy levels.

Nick Sasaki: Dr. Huberman, you’ve done extensive research on how the brain and nervous system function. How can people optimize their mental and emotional health?

Andrew Huberman: Absolutely, Nick. One of the central ideas in Life Force and my own work is that the brain and body are deeply interconnected. If you want to optimize mental health, you can’t ignore the physical aspects of your health, and vice versa. One of the key strategies for improving mental clarity and emotional well-being is practicing neuroplasticity—essentially, rewiring the brain. This can be done through meditation, mindfulness, or neurofeedback.

For example, if you’re constantly stressed, your brain gets wired to respond to life’s challenges in an overreactive way. By practicing mindfulness or specific breathing techniques, you can actually reshape how your brain reacts to stress. Another important aspect is sleep. Deep, restorative sleep is critical for both cognitive function and emotional regulation. If you’re not sleeping well, it’s nearly impossible to optimize your brain’s performance. This is why in Life Force, Tony emphasizes sleep as one of the foundational pillars of health.

Nick Sasaki: And Dr. Hyman, as a pioneer in functional medicine, you look at health holistically. How does functional medicine approach optimizing health?

Mark Hyman: In functional medicine, we look at the root causes of disease rather than just treating symptoms. We consider the body as an interconnected system, where each part affects the whole. For example, chronic inflammation, poor gut health, or hormonal imbalances can all contribute to not only physical illness but mental health challenges as well. In Life Force, Tony does a great job of exploring how people can take a more personalized approach to health. One-size-fits-all doesn’t work. What’s optimal for one person might not be for another, which is why functional medicine emphasizes personalized care plans based on your unique biology, lifestyle, and genetics.

One of the simplest things people can do is to focus on their gut health, as the gut is directly connected to the brain through the gut-brain axis. Improving the gut microbiome by eating a variety of prebiotic and probiotic foods, reducing sugar intake, and avoiding processed foods can have a profound impact on both physical and mental well-being.

Tony Robbins: That’s such an important point, Mark. In Life Force, we talk a lot about how your gut is your second brain and how it influences everything from mood to immune function. When you’re optimizing your physical and mental health, it’s about creating balance in the whole system—mind, body, and emotions. That’s why in addition to nutrition and exercise, I emphasize emotional well-being. Your emotions shape your biochemistry. If you’re constantly stressed, angry, or living in fear, your body releases stress hormones like cortisol, which can wreak havoc on your health over time.

Nick Sasaki: That’s a great insight, Tony. It seems that optimizing health really comes down to creating balance and paying attention to how interconnected everything is. What role do you all see biohacking playing in the future of health optimization?

Rhonda Patrick: I think biohacking is an exciting area because it empowers people to take control of their health with real-time data. Things like wearable devices that track your sleep, heart rate, and activity levels are already widely available, and they give people the ability to make more informed choices. For example, if you see that your sleep quality is poor, you can take steps to improve it, like adjusting your bedtime routine or practicing stress-reducing techniques.

Andrew Huberman: Exactly. Biohacking technologies also allow for more personalized interventions. For instance, neurofeedback devices can give you real-time feedback on your brain’s activity, allowing you to practice techniques to improve focus, relaxation, or even emotional regulation. These technologies are still in their infancy, but they’re going to become more sophisticated and accessible in the years ahead.

Mark Hyman: The future of health optimization will likely involve a blend of traditional wellness practices—like nutrition and exercise—with these advanced biohacking technologies. What’s important, though, is that people don’t become overly reliant on technology at the expense of foundational habits like eating well, moving regularly, and taking care of their emotional health. Biohacking is a tool, but it should complement a holistic approach to health.

Tony Robbins: That’s the key, Mark. In Life Force, I talk about integrating these cutting-edge technologies with the timeless practices that we know work—exercise, good nutrition, mindfulness, and strong emotional health. That’s the recipe for not just living longer but living a life full of vitality and energy.

Nick Sasaki: Thank you, Tony, Dr. Patrick, Dr. Huberman, and Dr. Hyman. Optimizing physical and mental health is all about creating balance through a combination of traditional and advanced approaches. From nutrition and exercise to biohacking and mental wellness, people now have numerous tools to take control of their health. I’m excited to see where this field heads in the future!

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Mind-Body Connection and Emotional Well-Being

Nick Sasaki: Welcome back, everyone! Today’s topic is one that resonates with everyone on a fundamental level—The Mind-Body Connection and Emotional Well-Being. To guide us through this conversation, we have Tony Robbins, Dr. Joe Dispenza, a leading expert on neuroplasticity and healing through mindset, Brené Brown, who has done groundbreaking work on vulnerability and emotional well-being, and Eckhart Tolle, spiritual teacher and author of The Power of Now. Tony, in Life Force, you emphasize the powerful link between mind, body, and emotions. Can you start by explaining why that connection is so essential for overall health?

Tony Robbins: Absolutely, Nick. The mind-body connection is at the core of everything we discuss in Life Force. Your emotions and mental state directly influence your physical health. Science has shown us that when you're stressed, angry, or anxious, your body produces stress hormones like cortisol, which can cause inflammation and weaken your immune system. On the flip side, when you’re in a state of joy, gratitude, or peace, your body responds by releasing hormones that enhance your health, like dopamine and oxytocin. The key is learning how to cultivate emotional resilience and using your mind as a tool to support your body. This is where practices like mindfulness, meditation, and emotional self-regulation come in. If you can master your emotional state, you can dramatically improve your physical health.

Nick Sasaki: That’s a powerful point, Tony. Dr. Dispenza, you’ve done extensive research on neuroplasticity and how we can rewire our brains. How can people use their minds to not only improve emotional well-being but also influence their physical health?

Joe Dispenza: Thanks, Nick. What Tony said is exactly right—there’s an undeniable link between the mind and the body. Neuroplasticity is the brain's ability to rewire itself, and it allows us to change the way we think, feel, and ultimately, how our bodies respond. For example, when someone consistently thinks negative thoughts or is stuck in a pattern of stress or fear, their brain becomes wired to expect stress, and their body follows suit. This leads to physical ailments like high blood pressure, weakened immunity, or even chronic pain. But the beauty of neuroplasticity is that we can change that wiring. By practicing mindfulness, meditation, or even just focusing on positive emotions, we can literally rewire the brain to create new neural pathways that promote healing, reduce stress, and boost overall health.

One of the most profound effects I’ve seen is in patients who have used meditation to heal chronic conditions. By visualizing themselves healthy and practicing gratitude daily, they’ve been able to reduce symptoms, or in some cases, reverse illnesses completely. The mind truly is the body’s most powerful tool for healing.

Nick Sasaki: That’s incredible, Dr. Dispenza. Brené, you’ve done a lot of work on how emotions like vulnerability and shame impact mental and physical health. How do these emotions affect the mind-body connection?

Brené Brown: Thanks, Nick. Emotional well-being is deeply tied to physical health, and vulnerability plays a significant role in that connection. Many of us are conditioned to think of vulnerability as a weakness, but it’s actually one of the most powerful emotions we can experience. When we allow ourselves to be vulnerable—whether that means asking for help, expressing emotions, or facing uncomfortable truths—we open ourselves up to deeper connections, both with others and within ourselves.

But when we avoid vulnerability, when we suppress emotions like shame or fear, it can have real physical consequences. Suppressed emotions don’t disappear—they manifest in the body as stress, anxiety, or illness. I often say that shame is a full-contact emotion—it impacts not just your mind but your entire body. Learning how to be comfortable with vulnerability, to sit with difficult emotions and process them, can create a sense of emotional freedom that has profound effects on your physical well-being. Vulnerability, in essence, is about being present with your emotions and your body, and that presence is what fosters healing.

Nick Sasaki: It sounds like vulnerability is not only key to emotional health but also to physical well-being. Eckhart, your teachings in The Power of Now emphasize the importance of being present. How does mindfulness and living in the present moment contribute to both emotional and physical health?

Eckhart Tolle: Yes, Nick, the mind-body connection becomes clear when you realize that most suffering—whether it’s emotional or physical—stems from our identification with the mind. When we are constantly worrying about the past or the future, we disconnect from the present moment, which is where true peace and healing reside. The mind often pulls us into stories of fear, regret, or anxiety, and these thoughts create tension in the body, which manifests as stress or illness.

Living in the present moment, or practicing mindfulness, helps dissolve these mental patterns that cause suffering. When you’re fully present, you’re not thinking about the next thing you have to do or worrying about what has already happened. You’re simply here, now, experiencing life as it unfolds. This state of presence allows the body to relax, the mind to quiet, and the emotions to settle. In this space of stillness, the body’s natural ability to heal can emerge.

Tony Robbins: I completely agree, Eckhart. And in Life Force, I talk about how one of the greatest tools we have is our ability to focus. Where focus goes, energy flows. If you’re constantly focused on stress, your body will respond with tension and inflammation. But if you can train your mind to focus on gratitude, joy, or even just being present, you’ll notice a dramatic shift in your emotional and physical health. It’s about learning how to direct your mind, rather than letting your mind control you.

Nick Sasaki: It’s fascinating how interwoven our thoughts, emotions, and physical health really are. What practical steps can people take to strengthen this mind-body connection and improve their emotional well-being?

Joe Dispenza: One of the most effective tools I’ve seen is meditation. It doesn’t have to be complicated—you can start with just 5-10 minutes a day of focusing on your breath. Over time, this practice helps quiet the mind and trains the brain to stay present. Visualization is another powerful technique—imagine yourself in a state of health, joy, and abundance. The more vividly you can picture this, the more your brain begins to create the neural pathways that make it a reality.

Brené Brown: I would add that practicing vulnerability is key. This can mean sharing your feelings with someone you trust or even just being honest with yourself about what you’re feeling. Journaling is a great way to process emotions in a safe space, and it allows you to become more comfortable with your vulnerability.

Eckhart Tolle: And of course, practice presence. This can be as simple as taking a few moments throughout the day to focus on your breath or the sensation of your body. Notice how your mind is often caught in thoughts of past or future, and gently bring it back to the present moment. The more you practice, the easier it becomes to stay grounded in the now.

Tony Robbins: It’s all about developing habits that reinforce the mind-body connection. Whether it’s meditation, mindfulness, or emotional vulnerability, the key is to practice consistently. Over time, these small daily habits will have a profound impact on your health and happiness.

Nick Sasaki: Thank you, Tony, Dr. Dispenza, Brené, and Eckhart. It’s clear that the mind-body connection is one of the most powerful forces in shaping both our emotional and physical well-being. By practicing presence, vulnerability, and mindfulness, we can not only heal but thrive in every aspect of our lives.

Preventing and Reversing Chronic Diseases

Nick Sasaki: Welcome back, everyone! Today’s discussion will focus on a vital topic—Preventing and Reversing Chronic Diseases. Joining Tony Robbins are Dr. Dean Ornish, a pioneer in lifestyle medicine known for reversing chronic diseases like heart disease through lifestyle changes; Dr. David Perlmutter, a neurologist and expert on inflammation and brain health; and Dr. Jason Fung, a nephrologist and fasting expert, whose work has revolutionized the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Tony, you discuss a lot in Life Force about how chronic diseases are not just preventable but, in many cases, reversible. Can you kick us off by explaining how we can take control of our health to prevent or reverse these diseases?

Tony Robbins: Absolutely, Nick. One of the biggest messages in Life Force is that chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and even some forms of cancer aren’t just inevitable as we age—they’re largely preventable and, in many cases, reversible. The key is to take a proactive approach to your health rather than waiting for something to go wrong. This means prioritizing your diet, exercise, and mindset long before a disease takes hold.

I’ve been fascinated by how lifestyle changes can completely transform people’s health. For example, simple interventions like adjusting what you eat, incorporating intermittent fasting, and reducing inflammation can have massive impacts on your health. We now have evidence showing that by controlling factors like blood sugar and inflammation, you can prevent or even reverse conditions like type 2 diabetes or cardiovascular disease. It’s about empowering people to realize that they have the power to take control of their health rather than being a victim of disease.

Nick Sasaki: That’s such an empowering message, Tony. Dr. Ornish, you’ve been a pioneer in proving that lifestyle changes can reverse chronic diseases, especially heart disease. Could you share some of the key lifestyle interventions that have the biggest impact?

Dean Ornish: Certainly, Nick. What we’ve found through decades of research is that the most powerful tool we have for preventing and reversing chronic diseases is lifestyle. The four main factors we focus on are diet, exercise, stress management, and emotional support. When people follow a whole-food, plant-based diet that’s low in refined sugars and unhealthy fats, they can reduce inflammation, lower cholesterol, and even reverse heart disease. Exercise is also critical—regular physical activity strengthens the heart, improves circulation, and helps regulate blood sugar levels.

But it’s not just about what you eat or how much you exercise. Managing stress through techniques like yoga, meditation, and deep breathing can lower cortisol levels and reduce the risk of chronic diseases. And finally, emotional support—feeling connected to others and having a strong social network—is just as important. People who feel isolated or stressed are at higher risk for chronic diseases, so addressing mental and emotional well-being is essential.

Nick Sasaki: That’s so important, Dr. Ornish. Dr. Perlmutter, your work has focused on inflammation as a root cause of many chronic diseases, including those affecting the brain. How does reducing inflammation help prevent or reverse conditions like Alzheimer’s or other brain-related diseases?

David Perlmutter: Inflammation is at the core of many chronic diseases, especially those affecting the brain. Diseases like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and even depression are all linked to chronic inflammation. The brain is particularly sensitive to inflammation because of its delicate structure, and when inflammatory processes are constantly triggered—whether due to poor diet, stress, or lack of sleep—it can lead to neurodegeneration over time.

One of the most effective ways to reduce inflammation is through diet. By eliminating inflammatory foods like refined carbohydrates, sugars, and processed oils, and replacing them with anti-inflammatory foods like leafy greens, fatty fish, and nuts, we can significantly lower the body’s overall inflammatory response. I also recommend incorporating intermittent fasting, which helps reduce insulin levels and gives the body a break from constant digestion, allowing it to repair itself. Reducing inflammation not only protects the brain but also reduces the risk of conditions like diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Nick Sasaki: Dr. Fung, you’ve been a major advocate for using fasting as a tool to treat and even reverse type 2 diabetes. Can you explain how fasting works to combat chronic diseases?

Jason Fung: Absolutely, Nick. Type 2 diabetes is one of the most prevalent chronic diseases today, and the common treatment model focuses on managing the symptoms with medication, but not addressing the root cause. The root cause of type 2 diabetes is insulin resistance, which develops from consistently high blood sugar levels. One of the most effective ways to combat this is by allowing the body to have periods of time where it's not digesting food—this is where fasting comes in.

When you fast, your body doesn’t have a constant supply of glucose, so it begins to burn fat for energy, which lowers insulin levels and helps improve insulin sensitivity. Fasting also triggers autophagy, a process where the body cleans out damaged cells and regenerates healthier ones. This not only helps with diabetes but can also prevent and reverse other chronic conditions like heart disease and obesity. Intermittent fasting, in particular, is a simple, effective way to give the body the time it needs to heal and regulate blood sugar levels. We’ve seen incredible results in patients who have been able to reverse their type 2 diabetes with fasting protocols.

Nick Sasaki: It sounds like the combination of diet, lifestyle changes, and even fasting can have a profound impact on chronic diseases. Tony, in Life Force, you talk about how people can use these strategies not just to prevent disease but to regain their vitality. How do you see these approaches fitting into everyday life for people?

Tony Robbins: It’s all about creating sustainable habits that people can incorporate into their daily lives. What I love about the approaches that Dr. Ornish, Dr. Perlmutter, and Dr. Fung talk about is that they’re simple, powerful, and effective. You don’t need complicated medication regimens or surgeries to take control of your health. It starts with small, manageable changes—eating real, whole foods, moving your body daily, incorporating fasting if that works for you, and, just as importantly, managing your stress and connecting with others.

What’s exciting is that we now have the tools to understand how to prevent and reverse these chronic diseases. It’s no longer a mystery. The science is clear: if you can reduce inflammation, manage blood sugar levels, and strengthen your body’s natural healing mechanisms, you can not only prevent diseases like diabetes and heart disease, but you can actually reverse them. That’s empowering!

Nick Sasaki: It really is. Before we wrap up, I’d love to hear from each of you on what you think the most important takeaway is for someone looking to prevent or reverse a chronic disease.

Dean Ornish: I would say the most important thing is that lifestyle changes can have a dramatic impact, no matter where you’re starting from. You don’t need to make perfect choices every day—just begin with small, meaningful changes in your diet, exercise, and stress management. Over time, these small changes can lead to profound improvements in your health.

David Perlmutter: For me, it’s all about inflammation. If you can control inflammation, you can control the root cause of many chronic diseases. Start by reducing or eliminating processed and inflammatory foods from your diet, and focus on giving your brain and body the nutrients they need to thrive.

Jason Fung: I think the most important thing is to give your body time to heal itself. Fasting is a powerful tool that allows your body to regulate blood sugar, burn fat, and trigger cellular repair processes. Whether it’s intermittent fasting or more extended fasting, it’s a simple and effective way to combat chronic diseases.

Tony Robbins: And I’ll just add that the power is in your hands. You have the ability to take control of your health by making small, consistent changes. Chronic diseases don’t have to be a life sentence. With the right tools, mindset, and approach, you can not only prevent these conditions but, in many cases, reverse them and reclaim your vitality.

Nick Sasaki: Thank you, Tony, Dr. Ornish, Dr. Perlmutter, and Dr. Fung. By making lifestyle changes—whether through diet, fasting, or managing stress—people can take meaningful steps to prevent and even reverse chronic diseases. The science and tools are here, and it's time to spread this empowering message!

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