Your Lifestyle Is Your Medicine

Want a clearer path through the chaos of nutrition advice? We sit down with Chris McCaskill—earth scientist turned tech leader at NeXT and founder of Viva Longevity—to unpack how big data and epidemiology reveal what actually adds years of healthy life. From caddying for Jack LaLanne to building products alongside Steve Jobs, Chris traces how a scientist’s lens cuts through hype and lands on patterns that stand the test of time: mostly whole plant foods, minimal ultra-processed products, and a sharp rethink of red meat. We dig into why some influential voices attack epidemiology, how industry-funded studies create confusion, and what the Seven Countries Study really did right—diverse cohorts, rigorous food sampling, and decades-long follow-up. Chris explains how global dietary guidelines converge because the signal in the data is strong, and he names credible researchers worth following, including Walter Willett and the Harvard team behind landmark cohorts. You’ll also hear why certain “clean” meats are functionally engineered foods: high-fat, heavily salted, and bred for the bliss point that drives overeating. The conversation turns practical with insights on bending obesity curves, why simple advice loses to novelty online, and how to adopt plant-forward habits without dogma. We touch on sustainability, pandemics, and ethics, making the compelling case that cutting red meat is good for your body and the planet. If you’re ready to trade anecdotes for evidence and move beyond viral myths, this one gives you the tools to evaluate claims and make confident choices. Enjoy the episode? Follow, share with a friend, and leave a quick review to help more people find the show. Your feedback shapes future conversations—what should we explore next? Thanks for listening! Send me a DM on Facebook or Instagram