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June 5, 2025 126 mins

What if stress isn’t the enemy—but a secret ingredient for a longer, healthier life?

Rip is joined by Dr. Sharon Horesh Bergquist, physician, scientist, and author of The Stress Paradox, to explore how certain types of stress can actually help us thrive.

In this conversation, we’ll explore what she calls "good stress" and her five key stressors that can enhance our longevity and healthspan:

  • Plant-based phytochemicals
  • Intermittent intense exercise
  • Thermal stress (heat and cold exposure)
  • Circadian fasting
  • Mental and emotional challenges

These kinds of stressors can actually activate the body’s repair systems and boost our physical and mental health.

You’ll also learn why modern comfort might be making us sicker, how to safely introduce beneficial stress into our lives, and practical, actionable strategies for building resilience and boosting vitality.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the idea that stress is something to avoid at all costs, this episode will offer you a liberating and science-backed shift in perspective.

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