Healthspan Digest
Aaron Shaw
Your Shortcut to a Longer, Healthier Life
What if you could add years to your life and life to your years? Healthspan Digest makes it simple by breaking down the science of living vibrantly into practical, actionable advice. In just 20–30 minutes, each episode gives you one science-backed action item you can start today to improve your healthspan—the length of time you stay healthy, energetic, and thriving.
No gimmicks, no fads—just real strategies from your host, Aaron Shaw, an expert with nearly 30 years in health, fitness, and rehabilitation. From optimizing your nutrition, exercise, and sleep to building emotional wellbeing and resilience against injuries and illness, every episode is packed with insights that fit into your busy life.
If you’re ready to cut through the noise and take charge of your health, hit play and start your healthspan journey today.
Learn more at www.HealthspanPillars.com.
All episodes
Best episodes
Seasons
Top 10 Healthspan Digest Episodes
Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best Healthspan Digest episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to Healthspan Digest for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite Healthspan Digest episode by adding your comments to the episode page.
Power Pauses: The Secret to Reducing Stress & Boosting Energy
Healthspan Digest
02/25/25 • 41 min
Got a question or feedback? Send me a text!
Are you constantly on the go, feeling stressed, overwhelmed, or stuck in a cycle of burnout? In this episode of Healthspan Digest, host Aaron Shaw welcomes yoga instructor, personal trainer, and author Megan Nolan to explore the power of movement as a tool for emotional well-being, stress relief, and overall resilience.
Megan shares her game-changing “Power Pause” method—a simple yet effective way to reset your nervous system, boost energy, and regain focus in just two minutes. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, busy professional, or high-achiever struggling with stress, this conversation is packed with actionable insights you can implement today.
What You’ll Learn:
✔️ How movement and breath-work directly impact stress and anxiety
✔️ The science behind shifting your nervous system in seconds
✔️ Practical strategies to build resilience without overhauling your schedule
✔️ How to integrate Power Pauses into your daily routine for lasting benefits
🔔 Your One Action Item: Set an alarm today for a short movement break and experience the impact firsthand!
👉 Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs it! For more insights on exercise, nutrition, sleep, emotional well-being, and preventative care, follow Aaron Shaw and check out Megan’s book The Warrior’s Journey.
🎧 Listen now and start taking control of your stress & energy today!
FREE Coaching Plans at Healthspan Pillars!
LinkedIn
FaceBook
Healthspan YouTube Channel
You’re Not Too Old—You’re Just Out of Practice
Healthspan Digest
05/20/25 • 29 min
Got a question or feedback? Send me a text!
The Second Half Can Be the Best Half... If You Train for It
You’re not too old to feel strong, energized, and in control again—you might just be out of practice.
In this episode, Healthspan coach Aaron Shaw breaks down why most of the physical decline we associate with aging is actually due to disuse—not destiny. And more importantly, how to flip the script in your 40s, 50s, 60s and beyond.
If you’ve been feeling tired, heavy, or off-track... this is your reset button.
Midlife isn’t a decline—it’s a performance phase. But only if you train for it.
🎯 You’ll Learn:
• Why aging isn’t the problem—inactivity is
• How your body wants to adapt when challenged
• What it means to treat midlife like a “training block”
• The 6 simple actions to reclaim your edge (and feel like yourself again)
→ Resistance training
→ 5,000+ steps before lunch
→ Strength workouts 2x/week
→ Tracking your sleep
→ Taking on a physical challenge
→ Identifying and fixing your #1 energy leak
Most of us know what we should be doing—but we get stuck on what to do next or how to make it stick.
👉 Need a clear, realistic plan?
Reach out for a one-time consult—no long-term commitment, no sales pitch.
Just a custom, science-backed game plan to get you moving in the right direction.
FREE Coaching Plans at Healthspan Pillars!
LinkedIn
FaceBook
Healthspan YouTube Channel
05/13/25 • 16 min
Got a question or feedback? Send me a text!
Tired of rushed doctor visits and generic advice? In this episode, Healthspan PhysioCoach Aaron Shaw shares five powerful questions to bring to your next primary care appointment—so you don’t just get treated, you get prevented. Learn how to spark real conversations about longevity, optimize your blood markers, explore VO2 max testing, and shift your care from reactive to proactive. This is the episode your future self will thank you for.
FREE Coaching Plans at Healthspan Pillars!
LinkedIn
FaceBook
Healthspan YouTube Channel
04/01/25 • 29 min
Got a question or feedback? Send me a text!
If you’ve ever thought VO2 max was just for elite athletes or lab testing... think again.
In this episode, Aaron Shaw breaks down why VO2 max is one of the most powerful—and overlooked—predictors of how long and how well you’ll live. Whether you’re a former athlete who’s fallen out of routine or just someone who wants more energy and resilience, this one’s for you.
👉 You’ll learn:
• What VO2 max really is (in simple terms)
• Why it’s a key indicator of healthspan and not just fitness
• How even small improvements can cut your risk of death by 50–70% (seriously)
• How Aaron’s maintained a top-7% VO2 max at age 50+ with minimal structured training
• Two simple ways to improve your VO2 max—no sprints, no fancy lab tests required
• How to use wearables like WHOOP, Garmin, or Apple Watch to track your progress
Aaron also shares his own transformation—from structured road bike racer to a busy professional maintaining high-level VO2 with just a few smart weekly workouts.
🎯 One challenge for listeners:
Pick one day in the next 7 days to train your VO2 max—and take control of your future health.
🧠 Backed by insights from Dr. Peter Attia, Dr. Andrew Huberman, and the latest research, this episode gives you the tools and motivation to take action—starting now.
📲 Follow + share this episode with a friend who needs a nudge to start training again.
💪 You don’t have to be an athlete to build an engine that lasts a lifetime.
FREE Coaching Plans at Healthspan Pillars!
LinkedIn
FaceBook
Healthspan YouTube Channel
05/14/24 • 51 min
Got a question or feedback? Send me a text!
Video of Interview Here
Deb Armstrong, an Olympic gold medalist and influencer in the skiing community, joins Aaron Shaw on his podcast to discuss healthspan, balancing the demands of life, and staying motivated to take care of oneself.
Deb shares insights into her athletic career and the changes she has witnessed in alpine skiing over the years. She emphasizes the importance of cultivating healthy habits, such as eating real food and getting enough sleep, and offers advice on making positive changes in one's life. Deb Armstrong emphasizes the importance of incremental lifestyle changes and setting goals to stay motivated. She encourages people to focus on the process rather than the end result, taking things one step at a time. Aaron Shaw adds that it's important to be realistic and appreciate that big achievements are accomplished one small step at a time. They discuss the significance of being mindful and intentional in daily activities, such as walking with proper form and paying attention to the body's needs. Deb shares her commitment to increasing mobility and aging gracefully, setting herself up for a strong ski career and quality time with her son. They conclude by suggesting that listeners take a walk after dinner as a simple and effective way to improve health.
Takeaways
- Deb Armstrong is an Olympic gold medalist and influencer in the skiing community.
- She discusses healthspan, balancing the demands of life, and staying motivated to take care of oneself.
- Deb shares insights into her athletic career and the changes she has witnessed in alpine skiing.
- She emphasizes the importance of cultivating healthy habits, such as eating real food and getting enough sleep.
- Deb offers advice on making positive changes in one's life and staying motivated. Make incremental lifestyle changes and set goals to stay motivated.
- Focus on the process rather than the end result.
- Be realistic and appreciate that big achievements are accomplished one small step at a time.
- Be mindful and intentional in daily activities.
- Increase mobility and age gracefully.
- Take a walk after dinner to improve health.
Aaron's day 1 ski lesson is here at Ski Strong and lesson 2 is here.
FREE Coaching Plans at Healthspan Pillars!
LinkedIn
FaceBook
Healthspan YouTube Channel
01/28/25 • 28 min
Got a question or feedback? Send me a text!
What is Healthspan? Simple Habits to Live Longer, Healthier, and Better
In this episode of the Healthspan Digest Podcast, Aaron Shaw breaks down the concept of healthspan and why it’s the key to living a longer, healthier, and more vibrant life. More than just the number of years you live (lifespan), healthspan is about how many of those years you spend in good health, free from chronic disease and significant disability.
Aaron explores:
✅ The difference between lifespan and healthspan
✅ Why extending your healthspan is simple, but not always easy
✅ The 5 pillars of healthspan: exercise, nutrition, sleep, emotional well-being, and preventative care
✅ Common mistakes people make when trying to improve their health
✅ Why relying on quick fixes or the medical system isn’t the solution
✅ Actionable tips to start improving your healthspan today
💡 This episode is packed with practical advice and powerful insights. Whether you’re middle-aged, feeling the effects of past injuries, or simply motivated to maximize your health and well-being, Aaron’s science-backed, real-world strategies will help you take control of your healthspan.
🎙️ Take the first step today by assessing your current habits and making small, consistent changes. You’re worth it!
#healthspan #longevity #healthtips #healthyliving #exercise #nutrition #sleeptips #emotionalwellbeing #preventativecare #healthyhabits #wellnessjourney #lifestylechanges #fitnessmotivation #healthspanpodcast #aaronshaw
➡️ Listen now and discover how to live better, longer!
FREE Coaching Plans at Healthspan Pillars!
LinkedIn
FaceBook
Healthspan YouTube Channel
Fueling for Success: How Nutrition Timing Can Boost Your Workouts
Healthspan Digest
10/22/24 • 27 min
Got a question or feedback? Send me a text!
FREE 3-Week Kickstarter Program HERE!
Are you fueling your workouts the right way? In this episode of Healthspan Digest, host Aaron Shaw dives deep into the science behind pre-workout nutrition and why timing is everything when it comes to optimizing your performance. Whether you’re prepping for a long bike ride, a strength-training session, or just trying to make it through a morning workout without feeling wiped out, this episode is packed with actionable tips to help you get the most from your exercise routine.
Aaron debunks common myths about pre-exercise fueling—like whether you really need to eat right before every workout or if fasted cardio is the secret to fat loss. He also shares personal stories from his own experience as a competitive cyclist and healthspan coach, making it easy to understand how nutrition timing can directly impact your energy levels and results.
Key Takeaways:
•Learn how to properly fuel for cardiovascular workouts vs. strength training.
•Discover the truth behind popular myths like “you must eat before every workout” and “fasted cardio is always better.”
•Get practical tips on what to eat and when, especially for early morning workouts.
•Find out why paying attention to the quality and timing of your meals could be the missing link to better performance.
If you’re curious about how to tweak your nutrition for more energy and better results, this episode is for you. Plus, Aaron teases his upcoming episode on post-workout nutrition, so stay tuned!
Subscribe now on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and don’t miss out on the next episode of Healthspan Digest, where we continue to explore ways to extend your healthspan and improve your quality of life through smart, actionable strategies.
FREE Coaching Plans at Healthspan Pillars!
LinkedIn
FaceBook
Healthspan YouTube Channel
Mastering Mindset Shifts: Overcoming Mental Barriers & Building Resilience with Life Coach Anne Levine
Healthspan Digest
02/11/25 • 60 min
Got a question or feedback? Send me a text!
How do high achievers sustain success while maintaining balance and well-being? In this episode of HealthSpan Digest, life coach Anne Levine shares powerful insights on building resilience, overcoming mental roadblocks, and creating change that actually sticks.
Anne, founder of Annex Life Coaching, helps professionals bridge the gap between ambition and personal fulfillment. We dive deep into:
✅ Lessons from endurance sports—How ultra-marathons & triathlons build mental strength
✅ Breaking negative thought patterns—How to reframe setbacks & develop self-compassion
✅ Sustainable habit change—The key to making small improvements that compound over time
✅ The power of mindfulness & mindset work—How to work with your thoughts instead of against them
✅ One simple action you can take today to improve your emotional well-being and overall healthspan
If you’ve ever struggled with motivation, self-discipline, or maintaining consistency, this episode is packed with insights to help you break through mental barriers and take action.
🎧 Listen now and start creating meaningful change in your life!
💡 Join the Conversation: What’s one small mindset shift that helped you improve your health or performance? Share your thoughts in a review or tag me on social!
📌 Connect with Anne Levine:
👉 Website: https://annexlifecoaching.com/
👉 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/annexlifecoaching/
📌 Follow HealthSpan Digest for More:
🌎 Website: [Insert Link]
📸 Instagram: [Insert Link]
🎙️ Podcast: [Insert Link]
👉 Rate & Review the Podcast – Your support helps more people discover life-changing healthspan strategies!
FREE Coaching Plans at Healthspan Pillars!
LinkedIn
FaceBook
Healthspan YouTube Channel
The 5-Minute Happiness Fix: Proven Ways to Boost Your Mood!
Healthspan Digest
02/04/25 • 7 min
Got a question or feedback? Send me a text!
Want to be happier? Science has the answers! In this episode, I break down five powerful, research-backed strategies that you can start using today to improve your mood, energy, and overall well-being—all in just five minutes.
These aren’t just feel-good ideas; they’re proven methods supported by psychology and neuroscience to help you rewire your brain for happiness.
In This Episode:
✅ Practice Gratitude – The simple habit that rewires your brain for positivity
✅ Move Your Body – How even 10 minutes of movement can boost mood instantly
✅ Prioritize Sleep – The link between quality sleep and happiness
✅ Strengthen Social Connections – Why real relationships matter more than social media
✅ Perform Acts of Kindness – The surprising way helping others boosts your own happiness
🎯 Action Challenge: Pick one of these five tips and apply it today! Then, send me a message or share your experience in the comments—I’d love to hear how it works for you.
🔔 If you love high-impact, science-based health and longevity tips, subscribe to the podcast! And don’t forget to leave a rating or review—it helps more people discover life-changing healthspan strategies.
📩 Follow me on social media for more insights on longevity, fitness, and emotional well-being!
#happiness #mentalhealth #scienceofhappiness #emotionalwellbeing #personaldevelopment #gratitude #exercise #sleep #kindness #stressrelief
FREE Coaching Plans at Healthspan Pillars!
LinkedIn
FaceBook
Healthspan YouTube Channel
Overcoming Gym Anxiety: 4 Steps to Build Confidence and Get Started
Healthspan Digest
04/22/25 • 26 min
Got a question or feedback? Send me a text!
Does the thought of walking into a gym stress you out? You’re not alone—and today’s episode of HealthSpan Digest is your guide to overcoming gym anxiety and getting started with resistance training the right way.
Whether you’re brand new to fitness, returning after a long break, or just feel out of place in the gym environment, Aaron Shaw—Healthspan coach, occupational therapist, and strength & conditioning specialist—breaks down 4 simple and practical tips to help you move past fear and into action.
You’ll learn:
- Why resistance training is essential for healthspan and longevity
- How to start small and build momentum
- How to mentally reframe your gym experience
- What exercises are best for beginners (including a sample 20-minute plan you can use today)
- Why having a plan removes anxiety and boosts confidence
This episode is your no-BS, judgment-free blueprint for getting in the door, building consistency, and feeling proud of your progress—no matter where you’re starting from.
🎧 BONUS: Aaron shares a ready-to-use workout you can bring to the gym today!
Resources Mentioned:
💪 FREE 3-Week HealthSpan Foundations Program
📲 Affordable 8-Week Training Plan – Beginner to Intermediate
📩 Have a question or topic idea? Reach out via LinkedIn or YouTube – Aaron responds to every message.
FREE Coaching Plans at Healthspan Pillars!
LinkedIn
FaceBook
Healthspan YouTube Channel
Show more best episodes
Show more best episodes
FAQ
How many episodes does Healthspan Digest have?
Healthspan Digest currently has 62 episodes available.
What topics does Healthspan Digest cover?
The podcast is about Health & Fitness, Exercise, Nutrition, Sleep, Physical Therapy, Fitness, Podcasts, Habits and Longevity.
What is the most popular episode on Healthspan Digest?
The episode title 'Mastering Mindset Shifts: Overcoming Mental Barriers & Building Resilience with Life Coach Anne Levine' is the most popular.
What is the average episode length on Healthspan Digest?
The average episode length on Healthspan Digest is 27 minutes.
How often are episodes of Healthspan Digest released?
Episodes of Healthspan Digest are typically released every 7 days.
When was the first episode of Healthspan Digest?
The first episode of Healthspan Digest was released on Apr 2, 2024.
Show more FAQ
Show more FAQ