Unlocking Longevity: How Peptides and Tech Are Changing the Future of Health

Unlocking Longevity: How Peptides and Tech Are Changing the Future of Health

What if the future of living longer and healthier was built around you? In this episode of the YMyHealth Podcast, Co-Host Melissa Schenkman sits down with Tony Medrano, CEO and Founder of LongevityPlan.AI, to break down the science behind longevity, peptide therapies, and the rise of digital twin technology. He is a three-time Ironman Triathlon Finisher, who has seen and experienced firsthand the health benefits of digital twin technology and peptide therapies both himself in Ironman training and when working with athletes in the NBA, NFL, and on the U.S. Olympic Team. The conversation highlights the existing scientific research behind peptides, what more needs to be done, how they can benefit your health, and the ways in which LongevityPlan.AI is supporting people in their quest for longevity. Tony and his team at LongevityPlan.AI offer clients/patients both membership to their Longevity Club (which includes daily workouts and talks by scientists and healthcare professionals) and peptide therapy plans in consultation with licensed U.S. physicians.  From personalized health strategies to cutting-edge tools designed to help you optimize your body and mind, this conversation explores how technology is changing the way we think about aging — and what that could mean for your future. 🎧Tune in now to discover how how personalized health strategies and cutting-edge science can help you build your own longevity plan to live a longer and healthier life—both with and without peptide therapies in the mix. And share this info on one of today's hottest health topics with your friends!  Highlights: (00:00) Introduction to Longevity and Health Optimization (05:44) Understanding Peptides and Their Benefits (12:13) Safety and Efficacy of Peptide Therapies (16:45) The Concept of Digital Twins in Health (24:26) FDA Approval and Quality Assurance in Peptide Therapies (29:35) Longevity Club: Community and Resources for Wellness (33:05) Peptides for Healing and Recovery (37:51) Targeting Inflammation and Fat Reduction (38:48) Mental Acuity and Cognitive Enhancement (43:54) Navigating Peptide Therapy (47:50) Personalized Medicine and Longevity Planning (52:21) Engaging the Medical Community (55:26) Future of Peptide Therapy and Longevity Club *Disclaimer: The information provided in this episode is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical  advice. Our guest, Tony Medrano, while not a physician, works in consultation with licensed U.S. physicians at LongevityPlan.AI, who have take the lead in reviewing medical history, determining which patients are eligible for peptide therapies, and consulting with U.S. licensed pharmacists to determine specific dosing. Links: Are you a millennial interested in learning more about healthcare issues specifically related to your generation? Start here: https://www.ymyhealth.com/ [https://www.ymyhealth.com/] and follow us on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/ymyhealth_/ [https://www.instagram.com/ymyhealth_/] *Hey listener, we’ve got a favor to ask!* Your thoughts matter. Tell us what episodes, guests, and topics you want more of by taking our short survey. It’s quick, easy, and helps us better serve you. Take the survey HERE [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdXiBLRml1Mw7AL1ggtayxeMRIj2uI-aVHlwtfzUqT54dlzZA/viewform].  Learn more about this episode's guest, Tony Medrano here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonymedrano/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonymedrano/] *Learn about and join LongevityPlan.AI's Longevity Club and check out the company's peptide plans and medical review process here. *Follow LongevityPlan.AI on Instagram @longevityplanai [https://www.instagram.com/longevityplanai/]and on their LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/longevityplan-ai/posts/?feedView=all](where they have reseach-based articles) and Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/LongevityPlanAI/] pages. And visit them on their new TikTok @longevityplan.ai [https://www.tiktok.com/@longevityplan.ai] Interested in sponsoring the YMyHealth podcast? We'd love to partner with brands and organizations that align with our mission of providing healthcare education to millennials. Contact us at ymyhealthpodcast@gmail.com [ymyhealthpodcast@gmail.com] for sponsorship opportunities. Learn about YMyHealth's Podcast Co-Host, Melissa Schenkman here: https://www.ymyhealth.com/team/melissa-schenkman [https://www.ymyhealth.com/team/melissa-schenkman] Thanks again to our sponsor, Dr. Sarah Diekman, Director of Diekman Dysautonomia! If you’d like to learn more about our sponsor and her practice that provides care to patients with POTS and Long COVID, go to https://dysautonomiaexpert.com [https://dysautonomiaexpert.com/]

How Elizabeth Wachsberg Survived Stage 4 Colon Cancer

What would you do if your symptoms kept getting brushed off — only to find out it was Stage 4 colon cancer? In this episode of the YMyHealth Podcast recorded LIVE at Fight CRC's 2026 Call on Congress in Washington, DC, co-host Julie Woon, talks with Elizabeth Wachsberg, who shares her story of being diagnosed with colon cancer at 38 after years of misdiagnoses and unanswered questions. Now a Stage 4 colon cancer survivor, she’s shares her journey from misdiagnosis to survivorship and becoming a fierce advocate form early detection. During our discussion, Elizabeth highlights the red flags she wishes people talked about sooner, why younger adults can’t afford to ignore colorectal cancer, and how self-advocacy at doctor's appointments can truly save your life. It’s an honest, eye-opening conversation that could change the way you think about your health and how to navigate it. 🎧Tune in now to learn how to 'trust your gut' and a new way to self-advocate for a colonoscopy!   Highlights: (00:00) Introduction to Elizabeth Wachsberg's Story (01:04) Life Before Diagnosis: Symptoms and Misdiagnoses (03:53) Multiple Doctors and Missed Opportunities (07:07) The Moment of Diagnosis: Tumor in the Colon (09:32) Emotional Impact and Family Support (14:40) Understanding Stage 4 Colon Cancer and Treatment Options (16:31) Hope and the Possibility of Cure (20:04) The Role of Cultural Messaging and Young Adults (22:20) Identity and Survivorship Post-Diagnosis (26:49) Advocating for Yourself in Medical Settings (28:23) Signs and Symptoms to Watch For (29:54) Trusting Your Gut and Taking Action (32:51) Healthy Lifestyle Choices and Myths about Diet and Cancer (35:01) The Impact of Online Misinformation and Personal Decisions (36:26) The Importance of Medical Science and Treatment (39:57) Reflections on Survivorship and Hope (43:04) Allowing Yourself to Have Bad Days (44:03) Looking Forward: The Future of Cancer Treatment and Advocacy (47:02) What Gives Elizabeth Hope Today (47:51) Closing Remarks and Resources Links: Are you a millennial interested in learning more about healthcare issues specifically related to your generation? Start here: https://www.ymyhealth.com/ [https://www.ymyhealth.com/] and follow us on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/ymyhealth_/ [https://www.instagram.com/ymyhealth_/] *Hey listener, we’ve got a favor to ask!* Your thoughts matter. Tell us what episodes, guests, and topics you want more of by taking our short survey. It’s quick, easy, and helps us better serve you. Take the survey HERE [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdXiBLRml1Mw7AL1ggtayxeMRIj2uI-aVHlwtfzUqT54dlzZA/viewform].  Interested in sponsoring the YMyHealth podcast? We'd love to partner with brands and organizations that align with our mission of providing healthcare education to millennials. Contact us at ymyhealthpodcast@gmail.com [ymyhealthpodcast@gmail.com] for sponsorship opportunities. Learn more about this episode's guest, Elizabeth Wachsberg here: *Follow her on Instagram @elizabethwachsberg [https://www.instagram.com/elizabethwachsberg/] and on Tiktok @elizabethstage4story [https://www.tiktok.com/@elizabethstage4story?lang=en] Learn about YMyHealth's Podcast Co-Host and Content Marketing Strategist, Julie Woon, here: https://www.ymyhealth.com/team/julie-woon [https://www.ymyhealth.com/team/julie-woon] Thanks again to our sponsor, Dr. Sarah Diekman, Director of Diekman Dysautonomia! If you’d like to learn more about our sponsor and her practice that provides care to patients with POTS and Long COVID, go to https://dysautonomiaexpert.com [https://dysautonomiaexpert.com/]

Making Surrogacy Accessible: Inside the Surrogacy Foundation

What does it really take to build a family through surrogacy? In this episode of the YMyHealth Podcast, Co-Host Melissa Schenkman talks with Zach French, Executive Director of The Surrogacy Foundation, who pulls back the curtain on the emotional, financial, and often misunderstood realities of the surrogacy journey. From navigating the entire process from embryo creation to finding a surrogate to childbirth and breaking down barriers to challenging the stigma surrounding surrogacy, this conversation offers an honest look at what it means to create family in today’s world — and why access to that surrogacy matters more than ever. The conversation also highlights the unique work that The Surrogacy Foundation is providing to make surrogacy understandable, accessible, and affordable. Zach and his wife Alexandra (from YMyHealth Podcast Episode 101) are on a mission through their foundation to "propel surrogacy into the mainstream." 🎧Tune in now to learn the six steps of the surrogacy journey, resources, and what today's landscape looks like in the U.S. for family building for millennials and beyond. Highlights:  * (00:00) Introduction to Surrogacy and Family Building * (02:45) Zach French's Journey and Background * (05:46) Understanding the Surrogacy Process * (08:28) Building Relationships in Surrogacy * (11:15) The Role of Escrow in Surrogacy * (14:09) Current Landscape of Surrogacy in the US * (17:13) Misconceptions and Awareness of Surrogacy * (20:00) The Need for Better Research in Fertility * (23:40) The Rising Costs of Surrogacy * (26:21) Understanding Infertility and Its Impact * (27:31) Barriers to Accessing Surrogacy * (30:10) Innovative Solutions for Education and Support * (34:50) Overcoming Financial Barriers in Surrogacy * (42:34) Addressing Stigma Surrounding Surrogacy Links: Are you a millennial interested in learning more about healthcare issues specifically related to your generation? Start here: https://www.ymyhealth.com/ [https://www.ymyhealth.com/] and follow us on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/ymyhealth_/ [https://www.instagram.com/ymyhealth_/] *Hey listener, we’ve got a favor to ask!* Your thoughts matter. Tell us what episodes, guests, and topics you want more of by taking our short survey. It’s quick, easy, and helps us better serve you. Take the survey HERE [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdXiBLRml1Mw7AL1ggtayxeMRIj2uI-aVHlwtfzUqT54dlzZA/viewform].  Learn more about this episode's guest, Zach French here: linkedin.com/in/zachhfrench [https://www.linkedin.com/in/zachhfrench/] *Learn about The Surrogacy Foundation here [https://www.thesurrogacyfoundation.org/]. *Follow The Surrogacy Foundation on Instagram @thesurrogacyfoundation [https://www.instagram.com/thesurrogacyfoundation/] and on their LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-surrogacy-foundation/posts] and Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/thesurrogacyfoundation] pages. Organizations Zach highlighted in the episode:  * American Society for Reproductive Medicine [https://www.asrm.org/] (ASRM) * Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology  [https://www.sart.org/ivf-info/ivf-trends/](SART) * Hatch Fertility  [https://www.hatch.us/]   [https://www.instagram.com/poweredbychocolatemilkco/]Interested in sponsoring the YMyHealth podcast? We'd love to partner with brands and organizations that align with our mission of providing healthcare education to millennials. Contact us at ymyhealthpodcast@gmail.com [ymyhealthpodcast@gmail.com] for sponsorship opportunities. Learn about YMyHealth's Podcast Co-Host, Melissa Schenkman here: https://www.ymyhealth.com/team/melissa-schenkman [https://www.ymyhealth.com/team/melissa-schenkman] Thanks again to our sponsor, Dr. Sarah Diekman, Director of Diekman Dysautonomia! If you’d like to learn more about our sponsor and her practice that provides care to patients with POTS and Long COVID, go to https://dysautonomiaexpert.com [https://dysautonomiaexpert.com/]

Surrogacy and Healing: Alexandra French’s Journey from Cancer to Family

What happens when a life-changing diagnosis completely rewrites the plan for building your family? In this inspiring episode of the YMyHealth Podcast, Co-Host Melissa Schenkman sits down with Alexandra French, who shares her personal journey through breast cancer, surrogacy, and her mission to support others. Now the Co-Founder of The Surrogacy Foundation, Alexandra opens up about her deeply emotional journey to have her daughter through surrogacy. From the hard conversations and  "expecting the unexpected" to the hope, resilience, and support that carried her through, Alexandra shares the real side of what surrogacy looks like behind the scenes. The conversation highlights how Alexandra's journey inspired her mission to help others facing similar paths, breaking down the emotional, legal, and relational realities of surrogacy while showing how her foundation is creating meaningful support for families along the way. 🎧Tune in now to learn the biggest misconception about surrogacy and how it can be a beautiful path to building your family.  Highlights: * (00:00) Introduction to Women's Health and Surrogacy * (01:21) Alexandra's Cancer Journey and Surrogacy Decision * (05:14) Navigating Surrogacy Concerns and Relationships * (09:51) Mental Health Challenges in Surrogacy * (13:49) Communicating Surrogacy to Family and Friends * (17:58) Unexpected Challenges in the Surrogacy Process * (20:52) Dispelling Myths About Surrogacy * (22:50) The Birth of the Surrogacy Foundation * (29:13) Empowerment Through Surrogacy Links: Are you a millennial interested in learning more about healthcare issues specifically related to your generation? Start here: https://www.ymyhealth.com/ [https://www.ymyhealth.com/] and follow us on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/ymyhealth_/ [https://www.instagram.com/ymyhealth_/] *Hey listener, we’ve got a favor to ask!* Your thoughts matter. Tell us what episodes, guests, and topics you want more of by taking our short survey. It’s quick, easy, and helps us better serve you. Take the survey HERE [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdXiBLRml1Mw7AL1ggtayxeMRIj2uI-aVHlwtfzUqT54dlzZA/viewform].  Learn more about the work of this episode's guest, Alexandra French, Co-Founder of The Surrogacy Foundation here: https://alexandrafrenchatlanta.com/ [https://alexandrafrenchatlanta.com/] and learn about The Surrogacy Foundation here [https://www.thesurrogacyfoundation.org/].  *Follow The Surrogacy Foundation on Instagram @thesurrogacyfoundation [https://www.instagram.com/thesurrogacyfoundation/] and on their LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-surrogacy-foundation/posts] and Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/thesurrogacyfoundation] pages.    [https://www.instagram.com/poweredbychocolatemilkco/]Interested in sponsoring the YMyHealth podcast? We'd love to partner with brands and organizations that align with our mission of providing healthcare education to millennials. Contact us at ymyhealthpodcast@gmail.com [ymyhealthpodcast@gmail.com] for sponsorship opportunities. Learn about YMyHealth's Podcast Co-Host, Melissa Schenkman here: https://www.ymyhealth.com/team/melissa-schenkman [https://www.ymyhealth.com/team/melissa-schenkman] Thanks again to our sponsor, Dr. Sarah Diekman, Director of Diekman Dysautonomia! If you’d like to learn more about our sponsor and her practice that provides care to patients with POTS and Long COVID, go to https://dysautonomiaexpert.com [https://dysautonomiaexpert.com/]

100 Episodes of Millennial Health Stories

What happens when a podcast built on real stories, hard conversations, and health empowerment hits 100 episodes? 🎙️ Join us as we celebrate the 100th episode of the YMyHealth Podcast!!! In this special milestone episode, YMyHealth Podcast Co-Hosts Julie Woon and Melissa Schenkman share behind-the-scenes insights, as they reflect on the moments that inspired and surprised them, the impactful stories YMyHealth Contributors have shared, what's connected  listeners as they navigate their healthcare, and the YMyHealth Podcast's future plans to empower your health journey. 🎧Tune in now to here details on some of our most favorite episodes and on what's coming for Season 2 of 2026  this fall. Highlights: * (00:00) Celebrating 100 Episodes: A Milestone Reflection * (02:46) The Journey of YMyHealth Podcast * (05:51) Themes of Openness and Personal Stories * (08:40) Caregiving: The Unsung Heroes * (11:24) Invisible Struggles: Mental Health and Chronic Illness * (13:55) Prevention and Health Literacy * (16:48) Research and Its Importance in Healthcare * (19:48) Men's and Women's Health: Unique Challenges * (22:22) The Role of Policy and Advocacy * (25:23) Entrepreneurship in Healthcare * (28:20) Future Directions: Navigating the Healthcare System * (31:04) Community Engagement and Support * (33:49) Looking Ahead: Season Two Plans Links: Are you a millennial interested in learning more about healthcare issues specifically related to your generation? Start here: https://www.ymyhealth.com/ [https://www.ymyhealth.com/] and follow us on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/ymyhealth_/ [https://www.instagram.com/ymyhealth_/] *Hey listener, we’ve got a favor to ask!* Your thoughts matter. Tell us what episodes, guests, and topics you want more of by taking our short survey. It’s quick, easy, and helps us better serve you. Take the survey HERE [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdXiBLRml1Mw7AL1ggtayxeMRIj2uI-aVHlwtfzUqT54dlzZA/viewform].  We are SO grateful for those whose skill sets and financial support helped bring the YMyHealth Podcast to life!! A big thank you to our sponsor, Dr. Sarah Diekman, Director of Diekman Dysautonomia! If you’d like to learn more about our sponsor and her practice that provides care to patients with POTS and Long COVID, go to https://dysautonomiaexpert.com [https://dysautonomiaexpert.com/] Sarah Jane Ponce, Founder and COO at Digital Lumad and Podcast Director/ProducerBrand Strategist- (*You can get in touch here [https://calendly.com/sarah-hanyang/call-with-sarah-jane].)   Kendall Hackett and Jasmine Duncan of Kendall Media Co - Learn more about there company and social media content creation by visiting here. [https://www.kendallmediaco.com/] *Interested in sponsoring the YMyHealth podcast? We'd love to partner with brands and organizations that align with our mission of providing healthcare education to millennials. Contact us at ymyhealthpodcast@gmail.com [ymyhealthpodcast@gmail.com] for sponsorship opportunities. Learn about  YMyHealth's Podcast Co-Hosts: Founder, Melissa Schenkman here: https://www.ymyhealth.com/team/melissa-schenkman [https://www.ymyhealth.com/team/melissa-schenkman] Content Marketing Strategist, Julie Woon, here: https://www.ymyhealth.com/team/julie-woon [https://www.ymyhealth.com/team/julie-woon]