Genetics, Epigenetics, and Taking Back Control of Aging | Jeffrey Mark Gaal Artwork

Health Is A Skill with Todd Vande Hei

Welcome to the Health is a Skill podcast with host Todd Vande Hei! Todd is the CEO of Stark, which exists to change the future of health and fitness in the communities they serve. For the last 15 years, Todd has been on a journey to discover what it means to be in a state of peak health. After suffering from a series of seizures and being diagnosed with high blood pressure and atrial fibrillation in his early 30’s, Todd decided it was time to make a change. Those changes fell into one of four categories: lifestyle, exercise, nutrition, and stress management. But the biggest thing Todd learned through it all? Health is a skill. You’re not born with it, like some would like you to believe, and it isn’t acquired by simply buying another product or starting that new diet. Health is something you can create for yourself, and over time it is possible to attain peak health.

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Health Is A Skill with Todd Vande Hei

Genetics, Epigenetics, and Taking Back Control of Aging | Jeffrey Mark Gaal

January 08, 2026 • Todd Vande Hei • Season 4 • Episode 37

What if your genes weren’t your fate — but a starting point?
In this episode of Health Is a Skill, Todd Vande Hei sits down with Jeffrey Mark Gaal, co-founder of Genetic Lifespan, to explore how genetics, epigenetics, and lifestyle choices intersect to shape aging, disease risk, and long-term health. This conversation bridges cutting-edge diagnostics with personal responsibility, reframing health as something you actively steer — not something that happens to you.
Jeffrey explains how modern genetic testing goes far beyond DNA reports, revealing how daily choices influence gene expression, biological age, and the pace at which individual organ systems age.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:
• Why genetic predisposition does not equal genetic destiny
• The difference between genetics, epigenetics, and methylation
• How lifestyle choices influence which genes turn “on” or “off”
• Why biological age matters more than chronological age
• How intracellular nutrient testing reveals what blood tests miss
• The role of inflammation, mindset, and environment in aging
• Why true prevention starts with better data, not more treatments
• How personalized diagnostics empower better decisions — not fear

Your body isn’t broken — it’s adaptive.
With the right information, you can change how you age, how you feel, and how your genes express themselves.

About the Guest
Jeffrey Mark Gaal is the co-founder of Genetic Lifespan and a former aerospace engineer with decades of experience in genetics, epigenetics, and integrative wellness. His work focuses on giving individuals and practitioners actionable data to optimize healthspan, longevity, and performance.
Learn more at: agecode.bio/healthspan

Connect with Stark
Personalized inside‑out health programs at stark.health

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🤔 ABOUT Todd Vande Hei 🤔

Welcome to Todd Vande Hei's channel, where health mastery meets real-life transformation. Join Todd as he shares invaluable insights and practical tips to help you unlock your full health potential.

Whether you're struggling with chronic pain, seeking sustainable weight loss, or simply striving to live your best life, Todd's journey and expertise will inspire and empower you to take control of your health and well-being.

Join our community of health enthusiasts committed to making positive changes and thriving at every stage of life. Let's embark on this journey to vibrant health together!

DISCLOSURE

We focus on optimizing every aspect of your well-being. At Stark, our team of expert trainers, doctors, nutritionists and a complete medical support team, led by CEO Todd Vande Hei, is dedicated to helping you become the BEST version of yourself. We specialize in coaching executives, athletes, pop stars, astronauts and other noteworthy individuals in all forms of exercise, diet, lifestyle, stress management and personalized supplement protocols.

Our methodology is designed to tackle each facet of well-being comprehensively. We believe that optimal h...