Why, despite decades of research and billions in funding, do diseases like cancer, Alzheimer’s, and heart disease remain uncured? In this episode, Sawyer Stone and Dr. Bill Andrews explore the scientific, economic, and institutional barriers that stand in the way of true medical breakthroughs. From the politics of research funding to the myths about superfoods and supplements, this conversation separates fact from fiction—and reveals why science isn’t the obstacle, funding is.

Resources:

• Inflammation Nation: The First Clinically Proven Eating Plan to End Our Nation's Secret Epidemic by Floyd H. Chilton, Ph.D.
  With Laura Tucker
• The Kaufmann Protocol: Why we Age and How to Stop it by Dr Sandra Charlotte Kaufmann

Dr. Bill Andrews (he/him) is a molecular biologist and a pioneer in aging research, best known for discovering the human telomerase gene while at Geron Corporation. Now the CEO of Sierra Sciences, he is dedicated to finding therapies that activate telomerase to extend human lifespan. A passionate ultramarathoner, Dr. Andrews combines science and endurance in his mission to slow aging at the cellular level.

Sawyer Stone (they/she) is the Director of Administrative Services at Touchstone Essentials, a wellness company rooted in clean, plant-based supplements. With a sharp eye for strategy and a deep commitment to operational excellence, Sawyer helps keep the company moving smoothly behind the scenes. Off the clock, Sawyer is a dedicated soccer player and is passionate about building community on and off the field.

What if aging isn’t just inevitable, but a solvable biological puzzle? In this inaugural episode of Up One, hosts Sawyer Stone and Dr. Bill Andrews take a deep dive into the science of aging—from the cellular wear and tear that kicks off the process to the role of telomeres, telomerase, and lifestyle choices in determining how long (and how well) we live.

Dr. Bill breaks down the hard science behind why we age, challenges common misconceptions about anti-aging supplements and therapies, and reveals which interventions, like reducing inflammation and consistent, low-stress exercise, are actually worth your time. They also dig into controversial topics like senolytics, gene therapy, and whether humans could (or should) evolve beyond aging.

If you're curious about whether we can extend healthspan, reverse cellular aging, or even outsmart our own biology, this episode separates science from hype with a critical meta-analysis of the latest research.

Tune in to find out:

• Why telomeres are the “ride tickets” of cellular life
• The evolutionary reason we age—and why that might be changing
• How inflammation, lifestyle, and genetics shape your biological clock
• What’s legit (and what’s not) in the booming anti-aging industry
• Why Dr. Bill says the key to longevity might be… keeping exercise fun

References:

• Inflammation Nation by Floyd Chilton
• Healthy Heart, Healthy Brain by Bradley Bale, MD and Amy Doneen, DNP with Lisa Collier Cool
• Prevent and Reverse Heart Disease: The Revolutionary, Scientifically Proven, Nutrition-Based Cure by Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn
• The Telomere Effect: A Revolutionary Approach to Living Younger, Healthier, Longer by Dr. Elizabeth Blackburn and Dr. Elissa Epel

Dr. Bill Andrews (he/him) is a molecular biologist and a pioneer in aging research, best known for discovering the human telomerase gene while at Geron Corporation. Now the CEO of Sierra Sciences, he is dedicated to finding therapies that activate telomerase to extend human lifespan. A passionate ultramarathoner, Dr. Andrews combines science and endurance in his mission to slow aging at the cellular level.

Sawyer Stone (they/she) is the Director of Administrative Services at Touchstone Essentials, a wellness company rooted in clean, plant-based supplements. With a sharp eye for strategy and a deep commitment to operational excellence, Sawyer helps keep the company moving smoothly behind the scenes. Off the clock, Sawyer is a dedicated soccer player and is passionate about building community on and off the field.

Welcome to Up One, the podcast that cuts through the noise in health and wellness. Join host Sawyer Stone and longevity scientist Dr. Bill Andrews as they dive into the real science behind today’s most talked-about supplements, therapies, and diagnostics. In this trailer, we break down what Critical Meta-Analysis means, what makes our approach different, and why Up One is your trusted source for evidence-based insights into aging and human performance. If you're tired of hype and ready for facts, hit play—and take it Up One.