Rapamycin, mTOR & Longevity: What Science Really Shows | 091 Matt Kaeberlein, PhD

In this episode of Sober Head podcast Esra Çavuşoğlu and Dr. Matt Kaeberlein, PhD break down rapamycin, one of the most controversial (and misunderstood) topics in longevity science. They explore how rapamycin inhibits the mTOR pathway, why dialing down mTOR is linked to slower biological aging in animal studies, and why rapamycin remains one of the most reproducible longevity interventions across multiple species. Dr. Matt Kaeberlein is one of the world’s leading researchers in the biology of aging and serves as a faculty member at the University of Washington. His research focuses on mTOR, rapamycin, dietary restriction, and metabolic processes that influence aging. He is also involved in clinical studies examining the safety and effects of rapamycin and related interventions on healthy aging in humans. Dr. Matt also explains the nuance behind the “immunosuppressant” label, why dosing and cycling matter, and what we actually know (and don’t know) about translating mouse data to humans. They also discuss the Dog Aging Project and the TRIAD rapamycin trial, what biomarkers they’re tracking, and when we might see meaningful results. Finally, Matt delivers a clear warning about hype in the longevity space, especially misleading claims about “clinically proven” anti-aging interventions and direct-to-consumer biological age tests. If you want a grounded, evidence-first conversation about what’s real vs. marketing, this episode is for you. #EsraÇavuşoğlu #AyıkKafa #ElevatingLifeEvolvingHealth #Longevilab #MattKaeberlein Dr. Matt Kaeberlein, PhD Web sites: https://www.optispan.life/matt-kaeberlein YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@optispan Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mkaeberlein/ Special thanks to T.C. Istanbul Gedik University https://www.gedik.edu.tr/en/ 00:00-04:13 Introduction to the podcast and Dr. Matt Kaeberlein, PhD 04:13-05:30 What Is Rapamycin? How It Works via mTOR 05:30-07:08 Why mTOR Inhibition Is Linked to Slower Aging 07:08-09:43 Use as an Immunosuppressant and in Organ Transplantation 09:43-10:59 Sirolimus, Rapamycin, and Brands: Are They the Same Molecule? 10:59- 13:37 Why Is the Optimal Dosage Unclear? 13:37- 15:33 What Are the Side Effects? 15:33-17:59 Brain & Gut Concerns 17:59-19:31 ealth Benefits of Rapamycin 19:31-21:03 Rapamycin vs Metformin: Not the Same Category 21:03-27:44 Ideal Age for Use 27:44-34:08 Protein Intake and Exercise on Rapamycin Days 34:08-37:11 Any correlation with growth hormone?  37:11-45:58 The Dog Aging Project  45:58-48:04 Longevity Hype Warning 48:04-52:50 Biological Age Tests 52:50-56:13 Creatine Hype: Influencer Claims 56:13-56:32 Wrap up. *About Ayık Kafa* Dr. Esra Çavuşoğlu, PhD, took her studies, starting from her personal treatment experiences and continuing with her clinical psychology education, to the next level by completing her PhD focused on Addiction. Dr. Esra in Ayık Kafa podcast discusses the world’s latest technologies, protocols, products and research in the fields of Biohacking and Longevity, while sharing first-hand information and experiences about the Disease of Addiction, as well as her latest academic studies. *About Dr. Esra Çavuşoğlu, PhD* Longevilab’s founder, Dr. Esra, is a United States and internationally trained clinical psychologist and a certified addiction therapist in New York. She served as International Development Advisor on the Yale University Faculty of Medicine Clinical Advisory Board. She is the founder and supervisor of Gaziantep Oya Bahadır Yüksel Rehabilitation Center, Dr. Esra is the designer and implementer of the Turkey Rehabilitation Model. Dr. Esra founded the Contemporary Addiction Studies Association (ÇABAÇAD) in order to combat Turkey’s growing addiction problem. Disclaimer The information and statements on our YouTube Channel Sober-Head are not intended to guide individuals towards medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult with your doctor for medical diagnostic and treatment procedures. The content is shared for informational purposes only, derived from scientific studies prepared by EMC Medya Yayıncılık Ticaret Ltd. Şti.’s researchers, consultants, and authors/scientists, as well as compilations from publicly available public