Episode 62 — Longevity Unlocked Part 2: Optimism, Purpose & Aging with Power
Guest: Zach Gurick (Host of Fully Alive)
In Part 2 of this compelling two-part conversation, Alan continues his discussion with longevity researcher and Fully Alive podcast host, Zach Gurick, and this time, the lens shifts from tools and tech… to the emotional, relational, and psychological drivers of living longer, stronger, healthier lives.
Zach and Alan explore why mindset, purpose, social connection, and personal meaning are just as critical as nutrition, supplements and exercise, and how these human factors shape our biology every bit as much as the physical choices we make.
They highlight remarkable real-world examples - including an 86-year-old cyclist who continues to ride across continents, and a woman who started a university degree at 97 and graduated at 101 - as evidence that “it’s not about being youthful… it’s about staying useful.”
This episode is a powerful reminder that while tech may help, the real engines of healthy longevity are still within our everyday reach.
Key Topics Covered
The link between optimism and living up to 15% longer
Why purpose and social ties are critical medicine for aging well
The importance of continuing to learn, stretch, and challenge the brain
How lifestyle choices can override genetic predispositions (epigenetics)
The future: personalised healthcare, remote diagnostics, and AI-driven support
Mentioned in this episode
Biomarkers & body composition testing (DEXA)
Oura Ring, Whoop Band
The idea of “Midlife as a second adolescence”
Longevity Health AI (future preventative care model)
Connect with Zach
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zach-gurick-9684883a/
Fully Alive Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/3AcTddLTj0ZDdx2ufZAlQi
Busy Pro Fast Wellness
Hosted by Alan Welch — simple, fast and research-based ideas to feel better, stronger and sharper… even when you’re busy.
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With guest, Zach Gurick - Longevity Researcher & Host of Fully Alive #61
In this first part of Alan’s conversation with longevity researcher Zach Gurick, they explore how busy professionals can improve healthspan through practical daily lifestyle shifts — before getting into the world of cutting-edge biohacking tech.
Zach highlights a powerful truth:
longevity is not reserved for scientists, biohackers, or elite athletes — it begins with the fundamentals.
Diet, sleep, movement, hydration, protein intake, glucose control, and the environment we sleep in are still 95% of the game.
They discuss:
simple longevity habits that are free or low-effort
the importance of protein + anti-inflammatory foods
time-restricted eating and autophagy
sleep hygiene upgrades that require no gadgets
the potential future role of AI-driven testing & personalised health analysis
Zach also shares early insights into emerging longevity tech — from AI-powered bikes to data-rich sleep systems — offering a fascinating glimpse into where healthcare may be headed.
Part 2 which is far more story driven is out next week. This one is a must listen for a heavy dose of inspiration and motivation.
Science & Tech Mentioned
CAROL Bike — AI sprint-based cycling training
Website: https://carolbike.com/
EleMind — neuro headband for sleep & brainwave modulation
Website: https://elemindtech.com/Get Bia — next-generation sleep mask (2025 expected)
Website: INSERT LINK
OxeFit — AI-powered home strength & performance platform
Website: https://www.oxefit.com/
CLEERLY — AI coronary CT angiogram (plaque mapping)
Website: https://cleerlyhealth.com/
DEXA SCAN - many providers depending on where you live.
Connect with Zach
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zach-gurick-9684883a/
Fully Alive Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/3AcTddLTj0ZDdx2ufZAlQi
Stay Connected:
Subscribe: Don't miss an episode—subscribe to Busy Pro, Fast Wellness on all major podcast providers such as Spotify, YouTube, Apple...
Follow: Follow us on YouTube for weekly inspiration and updates.
Support the Podcast: If you enjoy our content, consider leaving a review and sharing the podcast with others who might benefit.
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Inner Freedom: Flow, Balance, and the Rhythm of Living Well #60
Inner Freedom: Flow, Balance, and the Rhythm of Living Well
You can’t stop the waves — but you can learn to surf.
In this milestone 60th episode, Alan reflects on what it truly means to live well — in work, in health, and in spirit. As Busy Pro Fast Wellness turns sixty episodes strong, Alan shares his own personal journey toward balance, flow, and inner freedom, offering an honest look at how far he’s come and the lessons that continue to guide him.
Drawing inspiration from Jon Kabat-Zinn’s timeless wisdom, “You can’t stop the waves, but you can learn to surf” - Alan explores how wellness isn’t about control, but rhythm. He discusses breaking free from old habits, finding clarity in a fast-paced digital world, and reclaiming the ability to choose one’s response amid constant distraction.
Listeners are guided through two practical ideas to bring more flow into their week:
1️⃣ Flow, Don’t Force — A mental reset for releasing control and letting things unfold naturally.
2️⃣ The Micro-Pause — A 20-second act of presence between tasks that restores calm and autonomy.
As Alan turns toward both personal and podcast milestones, he reminds listeners that wellness isn’t a finish line — it’s a rhythm to be practiced. He closes with a thought-provoking quote from Maya Angelou:
“You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them.”
Stay Connected:
Subscribe: Don't miss an episode—subscribe to Busy Pro, Fast Wellness on all major podcast providers such as Spotify, YouTube, Apple...
Follow: Follow us on YouTube for weekly inspiration and updates.
Support the Podcast: If you enjoy our content, consider leaving a review and sharing the podcast with others who might benefit.
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Mental Fitness Is Muscle Too: guest Joe Rodonis #59
Mental Fitness Is Muscle Too — Insights from Joe Rodonis
Train your body. Strengthen your mind. Find your edge.
In this energising conversation, Alan speaks with strength coach and podcast host Joe Rodonis about the powerful connection between training the body and training the mind. Together, they explore how resilience, mindfulness, and Stoic philosophy can help busy professionals build strength that lasts - both physically and mentally.
Joe is a strength coach, Tonal trainer, and host of The Athlete’s Pursuit podcast. In this down-to-earth discussion on the parallels between mental and physical fitness Joe dives into topics such as the continuous process of mental training, finding emotional balance through Stoic principles, and the importance of mindfulness in managing stress.
Joe shares his journey from corporate life to coaching, how personal loss shaped his growth, and why consistency — not perfection — is the real key to progress. The episode also touches on tracking habits for better balance, integrating strength and running routines, and the quiet discipline behind self-compassion and growth.
🔗 Connect with Joe Rodonis
Joe Rodonis on Instagram → @joerodonis
Podcast → https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/athletespursuit/
Explore Jo Redonis → https://rodonistraining.com/
Tonal Training → www.tonal.com
Hashtags:
#BusyProFastWellness #JoeRodonis #MentalFitness #StoicMindset #StrengthTraining #MindBodyConnection #WellnessForProfessionals
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Quiet the Voice: Performing Under Pressure: #58
Quiet the Voice: Performing Under Pressure
In this episode of Busy Pro Fast Wellness, host Alan shares a personal story from his time as a university music student - a moment of high anxiety and transformation. As a second-study pianist under the guidance of Marios Papadopoulos, Alan was invited to perform in front of elite concert pianists. What began as a deeply uncomfortable experience unfolded into a turning point in his performance mindset.
Reflecting on nerves, self-doubt, and the voice of internal criticism, Alan weaves in key concepts from Timothy Gallwey’s The Inner Game of Tennis - including the battle between the judging Self 1 and the intuitive Self 2.
Listeners are offered a quick and practical tool, the 3-Breath Reset, to help shift from overthinking into presence — a simple practice for anyone facing pressure in work, performance, or daily life.
This is an episode about trust, letting go, and discovering what can happen when we stop trying so hard.
Alan Welch is a passionate wellness advocate dedicated to empowering busy professionals with swift, effective techniques to master their physical and mental health, unlocking inner peace, joy, and fulfillment. A former semi-professional musician and lifelong athlete, he achieved multiple sub-2:45 marathons, grueling 200km endurance cycling rides around Lac Léman, and mountain ascents on a mountain bike. As a youth, he excelled as a Hampshire cross-country runner, twice biathlon champion (cross-country and swimming), and a 5-mile swimmer by age 10, showcasing early resilience and discipline. Having lived and worked in seven countries, including Turkey and China, teaching music, ESL, and university-level Communication skills, Alan brings global insights and practical strategies to Busy Pro Fast Wellness. His mission? To help you simplify your life, harness energy, and thrive amidst demanding schedules with proven, no-nonsense wellness hacks.
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