Metabolism, Immunity & the Biology of Aging: A Conversation with Dr. Eric Verdin

In this episode of Decoding Longevity, we sit down with Dr. Eric Verdin — President and CEO of the Buck Institute for Research on Aging — to explore one of the biggest questions in biology: What actually drives aging? From metabolism and epigenetics to inflammation and immune aging, Dr. Verdin explains how the molecular systems inside our cells shape healthspan and longevity. We discuss: • Why metabolism is more than just energy production • How NAD+, ketone bodies, and insulin signaling influence aging • The role of chronic inflammation (“inflammaging”) in disease and decline • Why the immune system may be one of the central drivers of aging • The promise — and limitations — of longevity drugs like rapamycin and metformin • Why exercise, sleep, nutrition, and lifestyle still matter most today • The growing problem of “Instagram medicine” and hype in longevity science • Biomarkers, biological clocks, and the future of scientific wellness • Epigenetic reprogramming and the future of rejuvenation biology Dr. Verdin also shares the story of his scientific journey — from HIV research and chromatin biology to leading one of the world’s most influential institutes dedicated entirely to aging research. This conversation is a deep dive into the biology of aging and the future of longevity medicine. Guest: Dr. Eric Verdin — President & CEO, Buck Institute for Research on Aging Hosts: Dr. Raghav Sehgal Dr. Macsue Jacques Follow Decoding Longevity for more conversations at the intersection of aging biology, AI, biotechnology, and human health. Buck Institute of Aging: https://www.buckinstitute.org/ Eric Verdin's LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-verdin-490212/ #Longevity #Aging #Healthspan #EricVerdin #BuckInstitute #Epigenetics #Metabolism #Inflammaging #NAD #Biotechnology #Podcast