When Todd Vande Hei was told at 32 that his declining health was just “part of getting older,” he believed it—until he didn’t. In this episode of The AGEIST Podcast, Todd, now 56, shares how that mindset nearly wrecked his health and what he did to reclaim it: building a personal health team, asking hard questions, and tracking measurable outcomes. From overcoming seizures and misdiagnoses to building a business rooted in health accountability, Todd explains how we can all apply business logic to better manage our physical well-being. If you’re tired of vague advice and want a smarter, test-based approach to longevity, this conversation will show you how to start.
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Key Moments
“You have to be the CEO of your own health.”
“Half of what doctors believe today will be proven wrong in 18 months—so you have to ask, what if they’re wrong?”
“Your health is more important than your money, yet most people track their finances far more carefully.”
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Reframing Health as a Measurable Strategy
Todd Vande Hei wants you to think about your health the way a CEO approaches a company. That means assembling a team, tracking metrics, and asking tough questions. His own health journey—from seizures in his 30s to becoming the founder of Stark Health—isn’t just a personal story. It’s a model for anyone looking to move beyond vague notions of “wellness” and into a system that values evidence, accountability, and clear goals.
The Myth of Age-Related Decline
Todd’s wake-up call came when a doctor told him that fatigue, brain fog, and joint pain were simply a symptom of getting older. He accepted that for a while—until another practitioner suggested his shoulder pain was fixable without surgery. That shift in perspective sparked his transformation. “I questioned everything from that point forward,” he says, pointing out that many so-called age-related declines are actually avoidable with the right interventions.
Why Most Testing Isn’t Enough
One of Todd’s core messages is that most standard medical testing isn’t built to track optimal health—it’s designed to detect disease. That’s not enough, he argues. “You wouldn’t run a business that way, so why treat your body like that?” Instead, he advocates for DEXA scans, advanced lipid testing, and orthopedic assessments to build a more complete picture of one’s health over time.
Owning the Process
“Be the CEO of your health,” Todd advises. That means not only assembling a team of medical, nutrition, and fitness professionals but also leading that team by providing your own feedback and asking whether their strategies are working. “If you don’t track your progress,” he says, “you’re just guessing.”
Final Thoughts
Todd Vande Hei’s model isn’t about hacks or silver bullets. It’s about taking responsibility, testing over time, and setting long-term goals. For anyone serious about longevity, this interview is a powerful reminder that health isn’t something that happens to you—it’s something you build, like anything else that matters.
Tune in to hear more of Todd Vande Hei’s story and insights on The AGEIST Podcast or read the full interview transcript.
The ideas expressed here are solely the opinions of the author and are not researched or verified by AGEIST LLC, or anyone associated with AGEIST LLC. This material should not be construed as medical advice or recommendation, it is for informational use only. We encourage all readers to discuss with your qualified practitioners the relevance of the application of any of these ideas to your life. The recommendations contained herein are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. You should always consult your physician or other qualified health provider before starting any new treatment or stopping any treatment that has been prescribed for you by your physician or other qualified health provider. Please call your doctor or 911 immediately if you think you may have a medical or psychiatric emergency.
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