<p>In this episode, originally recorded to be the 100th episode of The Drive, Peter discusses topics that he has changed his mind about since starting the podcast as a result of preparing for interviews as well as from the actual conversations. Peter also reviews some of his favorite moments from the first 99 episodes, shares what books he's currently reading, and much more. Initially scheduled to be released as episode 100, this was delayed due to recent podcasts covering COVID-19.</p> <p><span style="color: #333333;"><strong>We discuss:</strong></span></p> <ul> <li><span style="color: #2b2e2f;">Definition of "strong convictions loosely held," and the value in trying to shoot down your own hypotheses [2:20];</span></li> <li><span style="color: #2b2e2f;">Metformin—How Peter's strong convictions have changed since 2018 [8:00];</span><span style="color: #333333;"><br /></span></li> <li><span style="color: #2b2e2f;">Getting a dog—Why Peter caved and how it's going so far [15:45];</span><span style="color: #333333;"><br /></span></li> <li><span style="color: #2b2e2f;">Rapamycin—How Peter's feelings have evolved, and the questions still needing to be answered [20:45];</span><span style="color: #333333;"><br /></span></li> <li><span style="color: #2b2e2f;">Archery, the joy of pursuing mastery, and the importance of stillness [26:50];</span><span style="color: #333333;"><br /></span></li> <li><span style="color: #2b2e2f;">Zone 2 training—Why Peter has made it a big component of his exercise regimen [37:30];</span><span style="color: #333333;"><br /></span></li> <li><span style="color: #2b2e2f;">Deadlifts—Why Peter now believes it's extremely beneficial to longevity when done properly [41:45];</span><span style="color: #333333;"><br /></span></li> <li><span style="color: #2b2e2f;">Read any good books lately? [50:00];</span><span style="color: #333333;"><br /></span></li> <li><span style="color: #2b2e2f;">Baby aspirin for preventing blood clotting—Why Peter no longer takes it, and a few alternative options [53:15];</span><span style="color: #333333;"><br /></span></li> <li><span style="color: #2b2e2f;">Generic drugs—How and why Peter's mind has shifted on generic drugs [55:45];</span><span style="color: #333333;"><br /></span></li> <li><span style="color: #2b2e2f;">Omega-3 fatty acids, EPA and DHA—How Peter's long-held views have changed [58:15];</span><span style="color: #333333;"><br /></span></li> <li><span style="color: #2b2e2f;">How Peter got better at saying "no" [1:02:30];</span><span style="color: #333333;"><br /></span></li> <li><span style="color: #2b2e2f;">Does Peter have any favorite episodes of The Drive? [1:07:15]; and</span><span style="color: #333333;"><br /></span></li> <li><span style="color: #2b2e2f;">More.</span><span style="color: #333333;"><br /></span></li> </ul> <p><span style="color: #2b2e2f;">Learn more: <a href="https://peterattiamd.com/">https://peterattiamd.com/</a><br /> <br /> Show notes page for this episode: <a href="https://peterattiamd.com/strong-convictions-loosely-held"><span style="color: #333333;"> https://peterattiamd.com/strong-convictions-loosely-held</span></a><br /> <br /> Subscribe to receive exclusive subscriber-only content: <a href="https://peterattiamd.com/subscribe/">https://peterattiamd.com/subscribe/</a><br /> <br /> Sign up to receive Peter's email newsletter: <a href="https://peterattiamd.com/newsletter/">https://peterattiamd.com/newsletter/</a><br /> <br /> Connect with Peter on <a href="http://Facebook.com/PeterAttiaMD"><u>Faceboo</u></a><u>k</u> | <a href="http://Twitter.com/PeterAttiaMD"><u>Twitter</u></a> | <a href="http://Instagram.com/PeterAttiaMD"><u>Instagram</u></a>.<br /></span></p>
Actionable Insights
1. Actively Disprove Hypotheses
In science and learning, make a hypothesis and then actively try to disprove it, as rigorously challenging your own ideas can lead to clearer understanding and simplification.
2. Master Saying No
Improve your ability to say no by recognizing that every “yes” is a “no” to something else, and practice asking for time to consider requests before committing.
3. Cultivate Non-Objective Stillness
Integrate activities that are not outcome-based into your life, such as walking a pet or swimming without tracking performance, to achieve a crucial form of stillness and mental calm.
4. Prioritize Zone 2 Training
Re-incorporate low-intensity aerobic (Zone 2) training into your routine for metabolic benefits, mitochondrial health, and neurotropic factors, and consider combining it with learning activities.
5. Perfect Deadlift for Biomechanics
Re-engage with deadlifts, focusing on perfect form with lighter weights and slow eccentrics, to audit and improve biomechanics, create spinal traction, and translate to better daily movement.
Reconsider metformin’s use for longevity in metabolically healthy individuals, as it acts as a weak mitochondrial toxin and can elevate lactate levels, potentially limiting its benefit to those with metabolic illness.
7. Consider Rapamycin for Longevity
Explore rapamycin as a potential longevity agent, noting that while dosing and cycling protocols are still being refined, current convictions suggest it offers benefits, despite lacking immediate biomarkers for efficacy.
8. Optimize EPA/DHA Intake
Recognize EPA and DHA as potent agents, particularly EPA for cardiovascular health, and aim for higher red blood cell membrane levels (e.g., 12-14%) to maximize benefits.
9. Exercise Caution with Generics
Be cautious about generic drugs, especially for those with clear biomarkers, and consider working with pharmacies that prioritize branded drugs or cross-reference generic manufacturers with FDA lists of potential bad actors.
10. Re-evaluate DVT Prevention
Reconsider the efficacy of baby aspirin for deep vein thrombosis prevention during flights, and instead explore alternatives like natokinase or Flight Tab, which have more supporting evidence.
11. Pursue Mastery Consistently
Dedicate time daily to pursue mastery in a chosen domain, focusing on the process (e.g., blank bailing in archery) rather than just the outcome, as continuous improvement and the craving for getting better are deeply satisfying.
12. Transfer Mastery Skills
Understand that the discipline and effort required to achieve mastery in one area, such as a sport, can develop transferable skills like grit and work ethic that benefit intellectual pursuits and other life domains.
13. Embrace Unforeseen Joys
Be open to experiences like getting a pet, even if they seem like more work, as they can provide intangible benefits and a unique form of “stillness” not appreciated through logical reasoning alone.
14. Reread Impactful Books
Reread books that deeply resonate with you, like “Stillness is the Key,” multiple times to fully absorb their wisdom and consider gifting them to others.
15. Value Deep Preparation
Recognize that significant learning and changes in perspective often occur during the preparation phase for discussions or tasks, not just during the public discourse itself.
16. Overcome Initial Resistance
Overcome initial resistance to new endeavors, like starting a podcast, by recognizing that perceived workload might be manageable with a supportive team, leading to unexpected enjoyment and growth.
17. Learn from Peers
Actively listen to and learn from other high-quality podcasts or peers in your field to gain insights and improve your own craft.