In this episode of Up One, host Sawyer Stone and molecular biologist Dr. Bill Andrews return to the fascinating subject of aging, moving beyond the myths to focus on the tangible science of telomeres. Dr. Andrews shares the personal story that ignited his career and explains his "ride tickets" and "tug-of-war" analogies for telomere shortening and lengthening. He reveals how his lifestyle, from ultramarathon running to a plant-based diet, is a conscious effort to slow down this process and discusses the crucial difference between products that lengthen telomeres and those that only appear to do so. This episode offers a deep dive into the practical actions, from diet and exercise to specific supplements, that can genuinely impact your longevity, while also exploring the future of age reversal.

Resources:

• Inflammation Nation: The First Clinically Proven Eating Plan to End Our Nation's Secret Epidemic by Floyd H. Chilton, Ph.D.
  With Laura Tucker
• Prevent and Reverse Heart Disease: The Revolutionary, Scientifically Proven, Nutrition-Based Cure by Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn

Dr. Bill Andrews (he/him) is a molecular biologist and a pioneer in aging research, best known for discovering the human telomerase gene while at Geron Corporation. Now the CEO of Sierra Sciences, he is dedicated to finding therapies that activate telomerase to extend human lifespan. A passionate ultramarathoner, Dr. Andrews combines science and endurance in his mission to slow aging at the cellular level.

Sawyer Stone (they/she) is the Director of Administrative Services at Touchstone Essentials, a wellness company rooted in clean, plant-based supplements. With a sharp eye for strategy and a deep commitment to operational excellence, Sawyer helps keep the company moving smoothly behind the scenes. Off the clock, Sawyer is a dedicated soccer player and is passionate about building community on and off the field.

Many of us think blood sugar is only a concern for diabetics, but as Dr. Bill Andrews explains, glucose regulation plays a pivotal role in everyone's overall health. In this episode of Up One, Dr. Bill and co-host Sawyer Stone dive deep into the science of blood glucose, exploring how everything from the foods we eat to our daily habits can impact energy, cognitive function, and even the aging process. We'll debunk common myths, discover surprising facts about sugar substitutes, and learn practical strategies for managing your glucose levels to boost your longevity and disease prevention.

Dr. Bill Andrews (he/him) is a molecular biologist and a pioneer in aging research, best known for discovering the human telomerase gene while at Geron Corporation. Now the CEO of Sierra Sciences, he is dedicated to finding therapies that activate telomerase to extend human lifespan. A passionate ultramarathoner, Dr. Andrews combines science and endurance in his mission to slow aging at the cellular level.

Sawyer Stone (they/she) is the Director of Administrative Services at Touchstone Essentials, a wellness company rooted in clean, plant-based supplements. With a sharp eye for strategy and a deep commitment to operational excellence, Sawyer helps keep the company moving smoothly behind the scenes. Off the clock, Sawyer is a dedicated soccer player and is passionate about building community on and off the field.

Why, despite decades of research and billions in funding, do diseases like cancer, Alzheimer’s, and heart disease remain uncured? In this episode, Sawyer Stone and Dr. Bill Andrews explore the scientific, economic, and institutional barriers that stand in the way of true medical breakthroughs. From the politics of research funding to the myths about superfoods and supplements, this conversation separates fact from fiction—and reveals why science isn’t the obstacle, funding is.

Resources:

• Inflammation Nation: The First Clinically Proven Eating Plan to End Our Nation's Secret Epidemic by Floyd H. Chilton, Ph.D.
  With Laura Tucker
• The Kaufmann Protocol: Why we Age and How to Stop it by Dr Sandra Charlotte Kaufmann

Dr. Bill Andrews (he/him) is a molecular biologist and a pioneer in aging research, best known for discovering the human telomerase gene while at Geron Corporation. Now the CEO of Sierra Sciences, he is dedicated to finding therapies that activate telomerase to extend human lifespan. A passionate ultramarathoner, Dr. Andrews combines science and endurance in his mission to slow aging at the cellular level.

Sawyer Stone (they/she) is the Director of Administrative Services at Touchstone Essentials, a wellness company rooted in clean, plant-based supplements. With a sharp eye for strategy and a deep commitment to operational excellence, Sawyer helps keep the company moving smoothly behind the scenes. Off the clock, Sawyer is a dedicated soccer player and is passionate about building community on and off the field.