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From “It’s Just Aging” to Strong Joints Again: The Cellular Repair Playbook with Michelle Skaff

From “It’s Just Aging” to Strong Joints Again: The Cellular Repair Playbook with Michelle Skaff

Michelle Skaff shares how one “cellular biohack” pulled her out of chronic pain, and why she believes oxidative stress is the quiet root of aging, inflammation, and so many chronic issues. 

We talk antioxidant enzymes in plain English, why most supplements don’t solve oxidative stress at the source, and how community + purpose can be as health-changing as any protocol.

We talk about: 

04:40 - What NRF2 is and how it helps reduce oxidative stress at the cellular level

10:10 - Understanding SOD (superoxide dismutase) and why antioxidant enzymes matter for aging

12:35 - Explaining oxidative stress with the “apple browning” analogy

15:35 - Why the same intervention works differently at 20 vs 80

17:40 - Using the “cellular traffic lights” framework (NRF2, mitochondria, NAD)

20:30 - Connecting oxidative stress to inflammation and aging hallmarks

28:30 - Debunking the “it’s just aging” myth behind joint pain

31:35 - Building a simple good/better/best starting stack for inflammation + joints

37:10 - Testing gut health and why Tiny Health stood out

42:35 - Why community and purpose are emerging longevity tools

Questions answered in this episode: 

  • What does “biohacking” actually mean in a practical, non-bro-science way?

  • What is oxidative stress, and why does it accelerate aging?

  • What are SOD, catalase, and glutathione, and why do they matter for longevity?

  • Why can the same intervention look wildly different in a 20-year-old vs an 80-year-old?

  • How can cellular signaling pathways like NRF2 support healthier aging?

  • Why do many people take supplements but still feel inflamed, tired, or stuck?

  • What’s a realistic starting “stack” for joints, inflammation, and aging?

  • Why is collagen about more than beauty and how does it connect to joints and gut lining?

  • How does gut health connect to hormones, cravings, and long-term vitality?

  • Why do purpose and community matter for health outcomes—especially for women and moms?

Sponsors:

  • Join me in Costa Rica for Optimize Her, a 5-night luxury women’s retreat in Costa Rica with yoga, healing rituals, and biohacking workshops—only 12 spots available.

Resources:

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