DNA Repair, Cancer & the Ageing Switch: Dr Derek Richard on the Future of Longevity
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What if the reason we age isn't simply "getting older," but a biological switch that deliberately turns down our DNA repair systems around midlife?
In this mind-expanding conversation, I sit down with longevity researcher Dr Derek Richard to unpack the emerging science behind DNA damage, inflammation, cancer risk, and why age itself remains the number one driver of chronic disease.
We explore the provocative idea that many of us begin to downregulate key DNA repair pathways around age 40, while centenarians may never experience this switch at all.
Dr Richard shares the breakthrough research behind human SSB1, the guardian of genomic integrity, and the biotech work underway to develop a therapeutic that may help switch DNA repair back on.
We also go deep on:
the DNA damageâcancer connection
why ageing is still not classified as a disease
rapamycin, metformin, NAD, NMN and the longevity supplement debate
the role of lifestyle versus therapeutics
why healthspanânot just lifespanâis the real goal
If you've ever wondered whether we can truly influence how we age, this episode will change the way you think about your biology.
CHAPTERS
00:00 Why ageing may begin with DNA damage 03:58 Meet SSB1: the guardian of your genome 06:45 The age-40 DNA repair switch 08:10 The drug designed to turn repair pathways back on 11:55 Should ageing be classified as a disease? 17:10 Healthspan vs lifespan: what actually matters 18:40 Rapamycin, mTOR and calorie restriction 22:00 Metformin, inflammation and glucose control 23:15 The supplement quality problem: NMN, NR and NAD 28:55 DNA damage, cancer and accelerated ageing 38:05 Epigenetics, sirtuins and biological age reversal 41:10 Can exercise naturally increase NAD? 43:00 Lifestyle first: what really moves the dial
JOIN OUR LIVE WELL LONGER WOMEN'S BIOHACKING RETREAT
1â6 May 2026 | RevÄ«vĆ Wellness Resort, Bali
Live Well Longer Retreat has been named Group Retreat of the Year 2025 by the prestigious Destination Deluxe Awards.
Following this global recognition, we're thrilled to return to RevÄ«vĆ Wellness Resort in Bali, 1â6 May 2026, for a deeply personalised, science-led retreat created exclusively for women ready to reclaim their vitality and redesign their future.
Co-founded by renowned biohacking experts Azra Alagic and Camilla Thompson this award-winning women-only experience blends cutting-edge biohacking with soulful rituals and ancient practices to deliver lasting transformation.
At this intimate retreat, limited to just 16 women, you'll experience:
Daily biohacking workshops tailored to women's health
Private coaching, DNA testing, and optional hormone/gut diagnostics with naturopathÂ
Hot/cold therapy, hydrotherapy, meditation and MOVEĆ movement classes
A curated, functional medicine-inspired gourmet menu
Spa treatments, traditional Balinese blessings, full moon ceremony
1:1 consult with Cocoon medical DrÂ
Whether you're curious about biohacking or already on your longevity path, this retreat delivers the clarity, support, and practical tools to thrive at every stage of life.
Spaces are extremely limited â and this retreat will sell out so get in quick :)Â
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WANT TO LEARN MORE?
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