The Daria Hamrah Podcast

Hosted by Daria Hamrah

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Latest episode

Aug 2026

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About the show

Welcome to The Daria Hamrah Podcast—where world-leading minds translate science into real-life tools for healthspan, performance, and aesthetics. I’m Dr. Daria Hamrah . By day I’m a facial cosmetic and reconstructive surgeon and wellness enthusiast; the rest of the time I’m a teacher and relentless student of longevity. After years of speaking with colleagues and hearing your questions on social media, I launched this show to go deeper than headlines and quick takes. Here’s what’s different. We’ll often take a single theme and stay with it —sometimes for an entire month—so you actually master it. That could be metabolic and mitochondrial health, sleep architecture, brain performance, strength and protein strategy, hormones across the lifespan, the microbiome and gut, skin longevity, oncology prevention, mental fitness, relationships, and purpose. Some episodes are solo —clear frameworks and clinic-tested protocols. Many feature world leaders in their fields: scientists, physicians, and founders pushing the frontier of health and wellness. We’ll talk tools in plain language: Behavioral practices (what to do—and what to stop doing) Nutrition strategies and supplementation Business and Entrepreneurship in Healthcare How to navigate current trends and hypes withoug gimmicks And this is a two-way conversation. Your comments, reviews, and upvotes guide what we cover next. Tell us what you want more of, and we’ll build it. No hype. No one-note protocols. Just evidence, nuance, and practical steps you can start this week—whether you’re a clinician guiding patients or a motivated listener optimizing your own life. Thanks for being here. Let’s redefine aging—and living—from the inside out.

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51 recent

August 10, 2026Episode 51 hr 40 min

Menopause, HRT & Cancer: Separating Fear From Science - with Dr. Shauna Watts

Send us Fan Mail Menopause can flip your life upside down without a single hot flash, and the most dangerous part is how often nobody connects the dots. We sit down with Dr. Shauna Watts, a physician, mother of four, and BRCA1 carrier who went from caring for patients to becoming one overnight, facing risk-reducing surgery and a sudden surgical menopause that reshaped her body, brain, relationships, and identity. Her story is raw, practical, and packed with the kind of details women usually whisper about, if they talk at all. We dig into the real symptom map of perimenopause and menopause: brain fog, anxiety, sleep that breaks at 3 a.m., joint pain, skin and hair changes, weight redistribution, libido shifts, and the genitourinary symptoms that can make sex painful and trigger recurrent UTIs. Dr. Watts explains why these changes happen, why younger women get dismissed, and why “normal hormone labs” can still miss a textbook clinical picture. Then we go straight at the fear that still blocks care: hormone replacement therapy. We revisit the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) fallout, what later analysis clarified, and how to discuss HRT using individualized risk, modern formulations, and real-world tradeoffs like bone health, cardiovascular risk, mental health, and quality of life. We also talk lifestyle medicine, including alcohol, sleep, resistance training, and nutrition, plus why every clinician should be menopause-trained. If this helped you, subscribe, share it with a partner or friend, and leave a review so more people can find evidence-based menopause care. What belief about HRT or menopause do you want us to unpack next? Dr. Shauna Watts: Website: https://youbydrshaunawatts.com.au/ IG: @dr.shaunawatts @youbydrshaunawatts Podcast: All About You Podcast Tweet me @realdrhamrah IG @drhamrah

June 23, 2026Episode 41 hr 46 min

Beauty, Aging, and the Truth Nobody Wants to Hear- with Dr. Ben Talei

Send us Fan Mail The facelift internet loves a clean fight: SMAS vs deep plane, one “best” method, one winner. But what if that whole debate is a distraction from the only thing that actually predicts a great result: whether your surgeon can see how faces age in three dimensions and reverse it with intention? I sit down again with Dr. Ben Talei , Beverly Hills facial plastic surgeon, educator, and relentless anatomy nerd, to talk about what technique labels can’t capture and why most studies miss the parts patients care about most. We dig into how surgeon “vision” shows up in real outcomes: jawline clarity, midface shape, eye area youthfulness, skin quality, and even how the smile moves after facial rejuvenation surgery. Ben breaks down the logic behind planes, fixation zones, tissue glide, and why “ligament release” has become an oversimplified story that can block real understanding. We also get practical about neck contour, parotid-related volume, and why small three-dimensional corrections can beat big two-dimensional pulls when you’re chasing natural, durable change. From there, we go wider: pricing outrage and why elective cosmetic surgery behaves like a luxury market, the ethics of “profiting from insecurity,” and how social media and AI filters are driving unrealistic expectations for facelift results. We close with high-signal rapid fire on what’s underrated (nanofat), what’s overrated (biostimulators), why fillers can’t “defy gravity,” and whether hyperbaric oxygen or light therapy actually helps healing. If you want a clearer way to think about facelift technique, facial aging, and what excellence looks like, this one is for you. Subscribe, share with a friend, and leave a review on Apple Podcasts so more people can find the show. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Dr. Ben Talei 06:00 Passion for Cars and Personal Interests 10:07 Balancing Education and Practice 16:10 The Debate: SMAS vs. Deep Plane Facelifts 24:04 Understanding Aging and Surgical Techniques 31:41 The Frustration of Misunderstanding in Aesthetic Surgery 33:39 The Evolution of Surgical Techniques and Patient Expectations 35:59 The Value of Cosmetic Surgery: Price vs. Quality 39:18 Addressing Insecurities: The Role of Cosmetic Surgery 43:13 The Impact of Social Media and AI on Self-Perception 49:29 Advancements in Facial Rejuvenation Techniques 56:21 Understanding Facial Anatomy: The Key to Effective Surgery 01:00:57 Understanding Surgical Challenges and Techniques 01:01:18 The Impact of Crevasse Technique on Aesthetic Surgery 01:03:28 Innovative Approaches to Facial Anatomy 01:07:23 Exploring the Causes of Aging 01:09:09 The Complexity of Aging and Surgical Outcomes 01:15:28 The Role of Genetics in Aging 01:16:28 Cellular Biology and Aging: A Deeper Dive 01:19:12 The Future of Anti-Aging Science 01:25:00 Exploring Post-Operative Care Techniques 01:29:42 The Efficacy of Light Therapy in Healing 01:32:29 Exploring the Efficacy of Anti-Aging Treatments 01:33:03 Rapid Fire: Trends in Cosmetic Procedures 01:34:46 Underrated and Overrated Anti-Aging Interventions 01:35:48 The Importance of Patient Education in Cosmetic Surgery 01:37:04 Personal Insights: Balancing Surgery and Self-Care 01:37:49 The Intersection of Passion: Cars and Cosmetic Surgery 01:38:55 Market Trends in Classic Cars and Investments 01:41:05 The Future of Car Values and Investment Strategies 01:43:01 The Joy of Car Enthusiasm and Personal Connections Dr. Ben Talei Links: Website: https://www.beverlyhillscenter.com/dr-ben-talei/ Cupid Lips: https://www.cupid-lips.com/ IG: @drbentalei, @muybenno Tweet me @realdrhamrah IG @drhamrah

April 19, 2026Episode 31 hr 15 min

Rethinking Aging in Aesthetic Medicine: Integrating Longevity Science into Aesthetic Practice - with Dr. Suzan Obagi, MD

Send us Fan Mail Wrinkles, sagging, and pigment are easy targets because we can see them, measure them, and sell treatments for them. But I keep coming back to a more uncomfortable question: are we actually treating aging, or are we only managing the appearance of aging? In this conversation, I sit down with Dr. Suzan Obagi , a leader in cosmetic dermatology and cosmetic surgery and Associate Professor in Dermatology and Plastic Surgery from the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and former President of the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery, to follow the smoke back to the fire and talk about what really drives skin aging and recovery. We break down intrinsic aging versus extrinsic aging and why epigenetics, inflammation, and oxidative stress matter as much as lasers and injectables. Dr. Obagi explains what collagen, elastin, and glycosaminoglycans do, why their production peaks early, and why menopause can accelerate collagen decline. We also get honest about hormone replacement therapy: how estrogen affects skin, mood, joints, vessels, brain health, and wound healing, where risks truly live, and why many women are still mismanaged with symptom-only fixes. If you care about healthspan, longevity, menopause skin changes, and better surgical outcomes, this part will shift your perspective. Then we turn practical. You’ll hear the simplest high-yield skincare routine we both rely on: cleansing, well-formulated antioxidants morning and night, moisturizers that support barrier function, mineral sunscreen, and retinoids with realistic timelines for results. We also unpack why some medspa “annual” treatment advice keeps people on a treadmill, and we look ahead at where anti-aging medicine may go next, from rapamycin analogs to NMN to the promise and complexity of Yamanaka factors. If this made you rethink your approach to anti-aging skin care, hormone health, or aesthetic medicine, subscribe, share the episode with a friend, and leave a review so more people can find it. Dr. Suzan Obagi links: Instagram: @suzanobagimd Website:http://dermatology.pitt.edu/people/suzan-obagi-md Tweet me @realdrhamrah IG @drhamrah

March 23, 2026Episode 21 hr 18 min

Meta Performance: How to Transcend in the Aesthetic Industry - with Dr. Brittany Eidson

Send us Fan Mail We sit down with Dr. Brittany Eidson , board certified facial cosmetic surgeon from and owner of TruForm Surgery out of Michigan, to unpack the biggest myths patients hear about cosmetic surgery and why “quick and easy” often leads to disappointment. We talk candidly about trust, psychology, leadership, and the mindset shifts that help surgeons deliver better care without burning out. • why aesthetic results take time and why instant gratification misleads patients • how AI and social media change patient expectations and weaken medical authority • using goal-based questions to guide consultations and reset expectations • spotting red flags like perfection chasing and chronic dissatisfaction • handling unhappy patients emotionally while owning complications and learning • when outside influence from family can flip a patient’s perception • humility and empathy as core clinical skills and trust builders • military lessons on discipline teamwork and leadership in the OR • high performance vs meta performance and why delegation scales a practice • business coaching as a lever for team buy-in and burnout prevention • why rhinoplasty is so hard and why millimeters matter • dropping the imposter syndrome label and building confidence through reps and passion Her story can be used as a guide and blueprint on how to utilize "meta performance" in order to transcend your business in a competitive aesthetic and cosmetic surgery industry. Dr. Brittany Eidson Instagram: @dr.brittany_cosmeticsurgery Resources: Beyond High Performance (Book) Five Dysfunctions of a Team (Book) Alex Hormozi (Podcast) Tweet me @realdrhamrah IG @drhamrah

January 12, 2026Episode 11 hr 1 min

Rewiring Health: Muscle, Mindset, And GLPs For High-Performing Women - With Rachel Godfrey

Send us Fan Mail Stop grinding through more cardio and eating less while getting softer and more exhausted. We brought in performance coach, physiotherapist and podcast host of "The Chase Life Podcast", Rachel Godfrey to map a new operating system for women in their 40s and 50s—one built on muscle, recovery, nervous system regulation, and the standards that make results inevitable. If you’ve been told to track every macro, weigh blueberries, and just “try harder,” this conversation will feel like oxygen. We get specific about why old rules fail in midlife and how identity drives outcomes. High achievers often run on perfectionism, people pleasing, and completion addiction, which work for business but stall health. Rachel shows how to upgrade identity and build non-negotiables you can keep during travel, deadlines, and family chaos. Her minimal effective dose playbook—three strength sessions a week, protein-forward meals, planned “worst-day” routines—creates year-round consistency without burnout. We also tackle GLP-1 agonists with nuance. Used well, they turn down food noise and help break dopamine-driven cravings; used poorly, they tank appetite, slash protein, and cost you muscle. Learn how to set dosing to preserve hunger cues, keep 30–50 grams of protein per meal, and align training so fat loss doesn’t become “smaller but weaker.” Rachel breaks myths about women and weights, explains smarter exercise selection, and connects real food to collagen, skin quality, and long-term health. This is a clear, practical roadmap for women who lead, build, and care for others—and want a body that can keep up. Subscribe, share with a friend who needs a new OS, and leave a review to help more women find this message. Rachel Godfrey links: Podcast: The Chase Life Podcast Website: Chase Life Consulting Instagram: @therachelgodfrey Tweet me @realdrhamrah IG @drhamrah

December 1, 2025Episode 81 hr 48 min

How to Age-Proof Your Brain and Stay Sharp for Life - with Dr. Majid Fotuhi

Send us Fan Mail Most people think memory loss is a downhill slide you can’t stop. We don’t. In this conversation with neurologist and neuroscientist Dr. Majid Fotuhi , we map out a twelve‑week blueprint that measurably improves memory, focus, and even grows hippocampal volume by targeting the real drivers of decline: poor sleep, chronic stress, insulin resistance, hearing loss, inactivity, and hidden medical issues. Dr. Majid Fotuhi is a pioneering neurologist, neuroscientist, and professor with more than thirty-five years of experience in brain health, memory , neuroplasticity, and the prevention of Alzheimer’s disease. His work bridges research, clinical innovation, and public education. He earned his PhD in neuroscience from Johns Hopkins University, completed medical training at Harvard Medical School, and returned to Johns Hopkins for his neurology residency. He currently serves as an adjunct professor at Johns Hopkins University. An author and communicator, Dr. Fotuhi has written several books and is known for making complex science accessible. His excellence in teaching earned him the American Academy of Neurology’s prestigious award. His research has appeared in peer-reviewed journals, been presented at major conferences, and cited widely by scientists worldwide. Dr. Fotuhi has created a twelve-week program that has helped thousands of patients with memory loss, brain fog, concussion, mild cognitive impairment, and early Alzheimer’s disease. His expertise has been featured by CNN, NBC News, the Today Show, ABC News, The New York Times, The Washington Post, and The Times (London). We start by clarifying what mild cognitive impairment is, how it differs from dementia, and why so many cases are preventable. Dr. Fotuhi explains the “type 3 diabetes” model—how decades of sugar spikes and inflammation erode the blood‑brain barrier and starve neurons of a stable environment. Then we get practical. You’ll hear how a personalized “brain portfolio” guides treatment: VO2 max testing to shape exercise, sleep studies and CPAP when needed, targeted brain training that matches deficits, and labs for vitamin D, B12, and omega‑3 status. The results? Early wins in two to three weeks, statistically significant gains at six and twelve, and habits that stick. We don’t stop at diet and steps. Oral health impacts cognition by limiting whole foods and increasing inflammation; chewing itself engages neural circuits. Hearing loss quietly accelerates decline—hearing aids can move people from mild impairment back to normal. Add a simple, sustainable food approach—ditch ultra‑processed foods, eat vegetables, legumes, fruits, quality proteins, and healthy fats—and consider targeted supplementation with DHA/EPA omega‑3s and corrected D and B12 levels. Along the way, we address why amyloid hogged the spotlight, and point to powerful data: the Lancet’s estimate that 45% of dementia cases are preventable and the American Heart Association’s claim that 80% of strokes can be avoided. If you want a sharper brain by summer, this is your starting line. Subscribe, share this with someone you love, and leave a review telling us the one habit you’ll change this week. Your future brain will thank you. Links: Majid Fotuhi, MD, PhD: https://drfotuhi.com/ https://krieger.jhu.edu/mbi/directory/majid-fotuhi/ https://neurogrow.com/about-us/dr-majid-fotuhi-md-phd/ https://psychology.columbian.gwu.edu/majid-fotuhi Tweet me @realdrhamrah IG @drhamrah

November 3, 2025Episode 71 hr 24 min

From Mouth To Mortality: How Oral Health Shapes Your Future

Send us Fan Mail What if the most overlooked lever for longer life sits right behind your smile? We trace a clear line from gum inflammation and tooth loss to cardiovascular risk, metabolic control, brain health, and ultimately all-cause mortality—then show how to act on it. With oral and maxillofacial surgeon Dr. Imran Asin, we unpack the data that shifted our thinking: Lancet analyses linking tooth count to mortality, new pathology showing oral bacterial signatures inside atherosclerotic plaque, and periodontal therapy improving glycemic control. We explore hs-CRP as a practical marker for systemic inflammation and why cardiology is finally spotlighting gum disease and dental infection as risk drivers alongside smoking, dyslipidemia, and hypertension. The message is blunt: treat the mouth and you meaningfully change the body. Function matters as much as markers. Lose molars and diets slide toward ultra-processed, soft calories that spike glucose and starve the microbiome. Keep 20+ teeth, and you maintain the ability to chew fiber-rich, nutrient-dense foods and enjoy social meals that protect mood and cognition. We dive into pediatric red flags—snoring, mouth breathing, and narrow arches—plus how breastfeeding and early orthodontic expansion support airway growth, sleep quality, and long-term health. Think of this as preventive airway engineering that starts in childhood and pays dividends for decades. Chewing isn’t trivial; it lights up the hippocampus and supports cognitive resilience. That’s why preserving dentition and replacing missing teeth are brain-aware choices, not vanity. We close with a micro-prescription you can implement today: twice-daily brushing, daily flossing, quick cleans after meals, xylitol gum to shift the oral ecology, and timely tooth replacement to restore real chewing. Pair these with sleep, nutrition, and movement and you reduce risk on multiple fronts—from the plaque in your arteries to the circuits in your brain. If this resonated, follow the show and leave a quick rating on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Share this episode with someone who cares about longevity, and tell us: what’s the one oral health habit you’ll upgrade this week? Tweet me @realdrhamrah IG @drhamrah

September 14, 2025Episode 61 hr 8 min

Muscle as Medicine: How Smart Training Extends Your Healthspan - with Dr. John Rusin

Send us Fan Mail What if your workout routine actually built your body up instead of breaking it down? Dr. John Rusin , one of the world's leading experts in strength and performance, has revolutionized fitness with a philosophy that merges rehabilitation with peak performance. After nearly three years of development, Dr. Rusin has distilled his renowned certification program into his new book "Pain-Free Performance," a comprehensive guide to training that respects your body while maximizing results. His approach stems from a surprising realization: the same principles that keep elite athletes healthy apply equally to everyday people seeking longevity and quality of life. During our conversation, Dr. Rusin challenges conventional wisdom about exercise, revealing why most people waste time in the gym with movements that produce minimal results. He explains how strength training becomes truly effective only when it respects principles of adaptation—training close enough to failure, achieving sufficient volume, and moving with purpose. The good news? His clients typically train just 2-3 days weekly for 45 minutes, proving that quality trumps quantity when guided by proper methodology. For those dealing with chronic pain or movement limitations, Dr. Rusin offers immediate solutions, including his 10-minute daily "six-phase dynamic sequence" that can transform how your body moves and feels. We explore common scenarios like post-pregnancy fitness challenges and nagging shoulder injuries, with practical advice for each situation. Perhaps most powerful is Dr. Rusin's perspective on exercise as a cornerstone habit that enhances every aspect of life. "It makes me a better father, makes me a better husband, makes me a better business owner, gives me more energy, and it allows me to be at my best mentally, physically, and emotionally every single day," he shares. Whether you're a weekend warrior, dealing with chronic pain, or simply seeking to extend your healthspan, this episode offers a refreshing, science-backed approach to movement that will change how you think about fitness forever. Website: https://drjohnrusin.com IG: @drjohnrusin YouTube link: here Tweet me @realdrhamrah IG @drhamrah

July 31, 2025Episode 51 hr 48 min

Unlocking the Brain: Insights from Neuroscientist - Dr. Sarah McKay

Send us Fan Mail What if you could understand the science behind why your teenager seems impossible, why habits are so hard to break, or why menopause affects your thinking? Dr. Sarah Mackay , an Oxford-trained neuroscientist and founder of the Neuroscience Academy, joins us to demystify the complex world of the brain with warmth, wit, and scientific precision. This conversation upends common misconceptions about brain development while offering practical insights for everyday life. Dr. Mackay takes us on a journey through neuroplasticity—the brain's remarkable ability to change throughout life—explaining how this process underpins everything from habit formation to teenage rebellion. She shares evidence-based strategies for behavior change that work with your brain's natural tendencies rather than against them, like "habit stacking" to make new behaviors stick. We explore fascinating research on sex differences in the brain, revealing how both biology and social factors shape cognitive development across cultures. Dr. Mackay offers a refreshingly balanced perspective on "brain fog" during menopause, acknowledging the complex interplay between hormones, sleep, stress, and societal expectations. Perhaps most valuably, she emphasizes the profound importance of social connection for cognitive health, suggesting that meaningful relationships might matter more than trendy biohacks or optimization techniques. Throughout our discussion, Dr. Mackay's compassionate approach to aging and body image resonates deeply. Her insight that "there are no mirrors in nature" provides a powerful reframing of how we view ourselves as we age. Whether you're navigating parenthood, midlife transitions, or simply curious about how your mind works, this episode offers both scientific substance and genuine wisdom about embracing the brain's natural evolution through all life stages. Dr. Sarah McKay links: IG: @drsarahmckay X: @drsarahmmckay website: https://drsarahmckay.com Tweet me @realdrhamrah IG @drhamrah

May 28, 2025Episode 41 hr 25 min

Beyond Diets: The Truth About Obesity Medicine - with Dr. Rocio Salas-Whalen

Send us Fan Mail Two physicians challenge everything you thought you knew about weight loss in this eye-opening discussion on the biology behind obesity. Dr. Rocio Salas-Whalen , a triple board-certified endocrinologist and obesity medicine expert, joins Dr. Daria Hamrah to reframe obesity as a complex medical condition—not a failure of willpower. The conversation delves into why "eat less, exercise more" fails most people long-term. Dr. Salas-Whalen explains how genetics can account for up to 70% of obesity risk, with parents' weight before conception significantly affecting their children's predisposition. Beyond genetics, we learn how hormonal changes, aging, and environmental factors create what she calls "the perfect storm" working against sustainable weight loss. Perhaps most fascinating is the detailed explanation of how GLP-1 medications work by targeting both survival and reward eating patterns. Unlike restrictive diets, these treatments address the biological roots of weight regulation while providing psychological relief many patients describe as life-changing. The doctors share moving patient stories, including one man who transformed so dramatically he was unrecognizable—ultimately quitting his job to become a nutrition specialist after experiencing the profound impact of effective treatment. The episode also covers the alarming impact of endocrine-disrupting chemicals found in everyday items like plastic bottles and food containers, with practical advice on reducing exposure. You'll learn why building muscle might be the most important thing you can do for metabolic health, and why body composition analysis offers far more valuable information than BMI alone. Whether you're struggling with weight, supporting someone who is, or simply interested in the science of metabolism, this conversation offers compassionate, evidence-based perspectives that could change how you think about health forever. Listen now to understand why weight management shouldn't be treated as a cosmetic concern—but rather as the serious medical issue it truly is. Dr. Rocio Salas-Whalen IG: @drsalaswhalen NEW YORK ENDOCRINOLOGY, P.C. 1107 PARK AVENUE NEW YORK, NY 10128 PHONE / (212) 722-ENDO (3636) FAX / 212.722.3639 Tweet me @realdrhamrah IG @drhamrah