Nurturing a curious mindset is critical. Stay inquisitive, delve into documentaries, and devour books on emerging scientific trends. It’s about being prepared for the future, so you have an incentive to stay healthy for the years to come. Scientists are constantly making groundbreaking discoveries, and this curiosity keeps you on the forefront of rejuvenation possibilities.
The term Blue Zones has been used to describe places where people live long and healthy lives. What exactly does it take to live a long and healthy life? What is the science and the secret behind longevity and life extension? In this series, we are talking to medical experts, wellness experts, and longevity experts to share “5 Things You Need To Live A Long, Healthy, & Happy Life”. As a part of this series, I had the distinct pleasure of interviewing Marek Piotrowski.
Marek Piotrowski, the mind behind the “Beyond Time” project, seasoned marketing strategist and former CEO of successful ad agencies, has seamlessly transitioned his expertise from the business world to the realm of longevity promotion. With a robust background as a former CMO in robotics, he’s now dedicated to demystifying breakthroughs in the field of longevity, offering practical advice and protocols to empower individuals to embrace longer, healthier, and more active lives. Marek’s mission is to bridge the gap between cutting-edge research and the public, igniting inspiration and belief in the attainability of longevity, and driving both interest and investment to fuel the growth of the longevity industry and accelerate scientific advancements for extended healthspans and lifespans.
Thank you so much for joining us! Our readers would love to “get to know you” a bit better. Can you tell us a bit about your ‘backstory’?
My journey has been quite an exciting one. I’ve had the privilege of working in various roles, from being a marketing strategist to serving as the CEO of advertising agencies and CMO in the field of robotics. These experiences have given me invaluable insights into how businesses operate and how they can leverage digital strategies for growth.
What truly motivated me to embark on my current mission is the potential to make a real impact on people’s lives. I’ve witnessed groundbreaking research often hidden in academic papers or obscured by complex terminology. I decided it was time to change that, to bridge the gap between scientific innovation and public understanding.
My goal is to inspire individuals by sharing my passion for longevity and the latest breakthroughs in this field. I want everyone to realize that longevity isn’t science fiction; it’s a reality we can attain. By generating public interest and participation, we can not only help people live longer and healthier lives but also attract more investment and support for the longevity industry. This, in turn, accelerates the growth of science, research labs, and companies dedicated to extending our healthspans and lifespans.
I’ve always been captivated by cutting-edge science. I can trace this fascination back to 1999 when I wrote my university thesis on ‘E-Commerce as a Lever for Developed Economies.’ My professor was somewhat puzzled by the concept at the time!
However, my true awakening came eight years ago when I attended the ‘Extreme Future Technologies and Forecasting’ conference in San Francisco. It was an eye-opening experience. While most people focus on the next five years, the scientists at this conference were discussing technologies that would transform our world in the next 10, 20, or 30 years. What impressed me most was that substantial investments were already being made in these revolutionary ideas.
The topics ranged from asteroid mining and Earth-orbit solar plants to cryonics and longevity. I often get asked, ‘Why would you want to live for so long? Won’t you get tired? Won’t you get bored?’ But the truth is, I want to live many lives within this one. I aspire to be an astronaut, a rock singer, a scientist, a doctor, a pilot, a professional athlete, a painter, a ranger, a fireman, and explore every possible sport. The sheer excitement of it all keeps me going. I believe that we simply need more time to embrace these opportunities fully.
When people think about living beyond a hundred, they often picture themselves as tired and inactive. The beauty of the research being conducted today is that it primarily focuses on extending our healthspan, keeping us healthy for decades, and ultimately, centuries. Of course, this is a step-by-step process. Initially, we aim to add another 20 healthy years to our lives by using various biohacking protocols and modern medical advancements, allowing scientists more time for groundbreaking discoveries.
Some of the visionaries, like Ray Kurzweil, predict that in just eight years, we’ll be swallowing pills with nanobots to repair us from the inside. In ten years, some of us might reach ‘longevity escape velocity,’ a point where our remaining lifetime starts increasing instead of decreasing, thanks to the exponential growth of science. I’m a big fan of Ray Kurzweil and sincerely hope his predictions come true.
Fortunately, we’re not alone on this journey. A legion of brilliant scientists and longevity advocates is diligently working on incredible breakthroughs and protocols to help us stay younger for longer and, possibly, rejuvenate us through genetic reprogramming. The future is undoubtedly exciting, and I’m thrilled to be a part of this transformative journey.
Can you share with us the most interesting story from your career? Can you tell us what lessons or ‘takeaways’ you learned from that?
Certainly! Let’s rewind the clock to a time when I was around 24 or 25. I’d just completed my first year at a job, but I wasn’t content. I had this burning desire to explore the world. Back then, the idea of being a digital nomad, working with online clients doing e-marketing, was pretty unconventional. While most folks were tied to offices, I envisioned myself traveling the world while serving clients in a digital realm.
So, I bided my time, waiting for my friend, and within a year, I was working with some of the top international brands in Poland. Soon, I found myself entering a tender to launch a new mobile network in Poland, and remarkably, I clinched the deal. I was just a small agency, but I had big aspirations.
I decided to diverge from the crowd, most of whom were engrossed in the technical aspects of digital marketing. I said, “Forget about the technology; let’s focus on building the brand.” My aim was to connect with consumers, especially the young generation, for whom this mobile network was designed. It was a fantastic experience.
Then, a few years later, I spearheaded what I believe was one of the most significant viral campaigns in 2005. Back then, the term “digital influencers” didn’t even exist. We called them “beta testers.” We recruited a mind-blowing 15,000 of them, and more than half a million people signed up. After an extensive engagement program, 50 percent of these beta testers became actual clients, an enormous success.
So, my early career was about daring to be different and not fearing to challenge conventions in the media industry. The key takeaways are to be bold, brave, and never shy away from taking chances. These lessons have resonated throughout my career.
And now, as I embark on this year-long journey around the world in pursuit of longevity knowledge, I face skepticism from some who believe it’s impossible. But I’ve always held that you don’t need to wait for the perfect moment. Just start. I’m here in Thailand, still tying up loose ends, but if I waited for everything to be perfectly aligned, I’d never have begun. The spirit of being bold and embracing the unknown has been my guiding principle. You can achieve anything; you just need to take that first step.
None of us are able to achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person who you are grateful for who helped get you to where you are? Can you share a story about that?
I had these incredible mentors in my life, and one of them, a true wizard, was an actor, Mr. Janusz Mirczewski. When I was a teenager, my stuttering was so severe that I could barely speak. If a teacher called on me in class, I’d stand up but couldn’t utter a word. Yet, I had the audacity to dream big. I decided to pursue acting.
So, I began preparing for acting school and reached out to Mr. Mirczewski for guidance. He evaluated my voice and facial expressions and acknowledged their potential. However, he told me that the way I spoke needed work. You know that movie “The King’s Speech”? There was a man who was destined to be a king but struggled with stuttering. Well, my stutter was worse. Once again, an actor came to my rescue.
First, he taught me how to smile, something I rarely did before. I took his advice to heart and began wearing a constant smile, even during lectures. My classmates thought I was mocking them, but I assured them I was merely exercising my facial muscles. I trained my tongue relentlessly, whether I was on a bus, a train, or anywhere else. People probably thought I was a bit eccentric, but it was all part of the process.
Then, he introduced me to a unique perspective: speaking is like creating music. It has its rhythm, sometimes faster, sometimes lower, like different notes in a melody. When I started to view language as music, I found my voice again, and I began to feel free. Thanks to his unconventional coaching, I overcame my stutter. Now, I can make movies and connect with people, and that transformed my life.
But Mr. Mirczewski was an even more extraordinary character, always exploring uncharted territories. He introduced me to topics I’d never encountered before, like specific medications such as LSD or his journeys to meet shamans in the jungle. As an 18-year-old, this was mind-blowing stuff. I often wish he were still here, so I could share with him the adventures I’ve had since.
He was like the father I never had, especially because my father was a rather difficult figure in my life. He taught me valuable life lessons. One of the most crucial was to embrace every experience, whether it’s sadness, a broken heart, or even physical pain, as an opportunity to learn and grow. I’ve carried this teaching with me throughout my life.
I’ve learned to find meaning even in the worst situations. For example, once, I spent 24 hours in prison. Instead of dwelling on it, I turned it into a new experience. I did push-ups, squats, and talked to the guards. It became a unique adventure. Mr. Mirczewski’s influence on me was profound, and his wisdom continues to guide me today.
Ok, thank you for all that. Now let’s shift to the main focus of our interview about health and longevity. To begin, can you share with our readers a bit about why you are an authority in the fields of health, wellness, and longevity? In your opinion, what is your unique contribution to the world of wellness? On Page
I’ve always been captivated by cutting-edge science, discussions about technologies that would reshape the world in the coming decades.
One key aspect that sets me apart is my willingness to embrace unconventional paths and take calculated risks. I’ve consistently pursued opportunities that others might have found daunting. This courage and my ability to see beyond the norm helped me excel in marketing and create groundbreaking campaigns.
I’ve established a strong presence in the realms of longevity by adopting a bold and unconventional approach, driven by my profound passion for science. I am determined to make cutting-edge research accessible and understandable to everyone so I can support individuals in living longer and healthier lives.
What truly sets me apart is my ability to bridge the divide between complex scientific discoveries and the broader public, making the concept of longevity accessible and within reach for everyone.
Seekers throughout history have traveled great distances and embarked on mythical quests in search of the “elixir of life,” a mythical potion said to cure all diseases and give eternal youth. Has your search for health, vitality, and longevity taken you on any interesting paths or journeys? We’d love to hear the story.
You might initially dabble in longevity, exploring clinics and seeking advice from professors or the internet. But to truly grasp the full picture, one need to travel around the world. This is where my adventure really began. I created Longevity Map, which, of course, is already great. But to fully feel it, I needed to travel. I had to check all these branches of my map and just talk to people, talk to the scientists, everyday biohackers, see how it works.
Through these interactions, I gain a deep understanding, enabling me to guide others on where to start their journey and what to explore next. What’s fascinating is how the more I learn, the more I realize how much more there is to know. In fact, the number of unknowns keeps growing, and that’s part of the excitement. What adds a fascinating layer to this journey is that it’s not just about me. I’m documenting this adventure in a movie, not just for my sake but for everyone interested in longevity.
Initially, we thought it would be a single movie, but two months in, we have enough material for at least five episodes, each delving into different aspects of longevity. As I travel, I sense that there will likely be more seasons in the future because this year promises significant breakthroughs. With each new interaction, I discover additional procedures and innovations. For example, I recently experienced a procedure with Dr. Lim. Looking ahead to next October, I’m eager to visit Liz Parrish and partake in her genetic therapies, which aim to combine four therapies into one.
In essence, my quest keeps evolving and expanding, reflecting the dynamic field of longevity. The journey is truly exhilarating.
Based on your research or experience, can you please share your “5 Things You Need To Live A Long & Healthy Life”? (Please share a story or an example for each)
Sharing five key elements for a long and healthy life, is a complex one with numerous possible angles. Longevity circles back to five fundamentals: nutrition, sleep, mindset, exercise, and lifestyle. I can frame it in several ways.
Firstly, it’s essential to maintain good health through various habits like personal hygiene, a balanced diet, ample sleep, mindfulness practices, and regular exercise. This forms a comprehensive lifestyle that contributes to longevity.
Secondly, embracing ‘upgrades’ in your life plays a vital role. This means exploring various wellness interventions, such as cold exposure or visiting longevity clinics. It’s about pushing your boundaries to optimize your health.
Lastly, nurturing a curious mindset is critical. Stay inquisitive, delve into documentaries, and devour books on emerging scientific trends. It’s about being prepared for the future, so you have an incentive to stay healthy for the years to come. Scientists are constantly making groundbreaking discoveries, and this curiosity keeps you on the forefront of rejuvenation possibilities.
Some argue that longevity is genetic, while others say that living a long life is simply a choice. What are your thoughts on this nature vs. nurture debate? Which is more important?
Longevity is a complex mix of factors. Genetics play a role, but they scientists say it’s only a small part, about 3 to 5%. It’s good to check your genes for any rare diseases and address them. However, a whopping 95% of your potential for a long, healthy life is shaped by your choices.
Your lifestyle, including your diet, exercise routine, where you live, and even your relationship status, significantly impacts your longevity. The journey begins before you’re born, influenced by your mother’s choices like smoking or drinking during pregnancy.
What’s exciting is that most of what we know about longevity circles back to five fundamentals: nutrition, sleep, mindset, exercise, and lifestyle. These core elements make up about 80% of that crucial 95%.
Even more fascinating, these lifestyle choices affect our epigenetics, which, in turn, influence how our bodies interpret our DNA. We all carry similar disease potentials in our genes. It’s the on-off switches in our epigenetics that determine our health outcomes. The best part is, we can actively shape our epigenetics through our lifestyle choices.
Life sometimes takes us on paths that are challenging. How have you managed to bounce back from setbacks in order to cultivate physical, mental, and emotional health?
I’ve had my share of tough times, and I’m glad I made it through. I’m just grateful to still be here. When I was a child, something terrible happened to me — I was raped. Fortunately, I had no recollection of it, which allowed me to survive. However, I spent most of my early life feeling deeply sad. Despite outward appearances of partying, alcohol, and socializing, I carried a heavy heart.
It wasn’t until my forties that I tried an MDMA-assisted therapy to confront my traumatic past. I thought I was dealing with the scars left by abusive parents who had subjected me to psychological and physical violence. My journey began with healing those wounds, but as I progressed, I uncovered more layers. Remembering these dark moments was overwhelming. I couldn’t process it all at once. Over three years, I invested time in self-discovery, exploring meditation, attending retreats, and learning about myself. About a year and a half ago, I felt ready to confront the deepest recesses of my pain. I sought therapy once more, engaging in sessions to unearth my memories. It was a grueling process; reliving those moments wasn’t easy.
Trauma resides in the subconscious, so I couldn’t simply forget it. Even though I had no conscious memory, my body and mind held onto every detail. To truly heal, I needed to remember everything — the who, what, when. Missing even a small part meant I had to return to that memory and retrieve it. It was a demanding journey, but I persevered. In May of this year, I completed my therapy, and since then, I’ve felt free. I wake up every day with a sense of happiness. Life has its challenges, but I’m free to make choices and shape my life. Had I not started this healing process five years ago, I might still be stuck in a life of sadness, unaware of why.
This journey has inspired me to share my story. I’m in the midst of writing an article about it, detailing the protocols, how it helped me, and the science behind it — the chemistry in our brains. I know there are countless others who’ve faced similar pain but don’t remember. They might think their trauma is superficial, when, in fact, it runs much deeper and keeps on hurting them. Their minds may resist these memories, but I believe that sharing my experience can offer hope. It’s not about dwelling on the past, but about realizing that healing is possible. This is one aspect of my life.
Another transformative experience occurred a couple of years ago when I attended Mindvalley University and encountered Professor Sri Kumar Rao. He taught us the power of changing our minds and, in turn, our world in mere seconds. The key is a conscious decision to change ourselves and our surroundings. His concept that stuck with me is ‘Good thing, Bad thing, Who knows.’ It reminds us that we can’t always judge events as good or bad immediately. Even the most terrible experiences can ultimately lead to growth. Reflecting on my own life, it’s difficult to classify my assault as ‘good,’ but viewing it from a ‘who knows’ perspective, I can see the lessons and personal growth it brought.
I lost nearly everything I had 12 years ago when my business partner sabotaged our company, leaving me with debts and disappeared. It felt like the end of the world. But I refused to give up. I sought help from a psychiatrist, not for happiness, but to alleviate my fears and anxiety. I was determined to rebuild my life.
I remember visiting tax authorities during that period. They were astonished at how well I looked, given the circumstances. Most people, in my situation, turned to substance abuse or worse, but I decided to reclaim my life. It took six or seven years to recover nearly everything I had lost.
Now, when I reflect on it, I see the silver lining. If I hadn’t faced those losses, I wouldn’t have embarked on this journey of transformation. Perhaps I’d have remained a wealthy individual, but internally, I’d still be unhappy. Now, even though I lost a considerable sum of money, I find joy in every moment, appreciating the simple things in life like running water and electricity.
The teachings of Dr. Srikumar Rao were profound, and while I could share more, these are some of the pivotal lessons that reshaped my life. To put it in perspective, remembering my traumatic past three years was challenging. It was like living with that pain every day for three years. There were moments of intense pain, making me believe I had physical ailments. But deep down, I knew it was my mind playing tricks on me. The beauty of my story lies in the hope it can offer to others — the hope of overcoming unimaginable difficulties. If I can move past the abuse I experienced as a child, I hope it inspires others not to give up.
Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Do you have a story about how that was relevant in your life?
I’d say its the one I previously mentioned — ‘Good thing, Bad thing, Who knows’ by Dr. Srikumar Rao. It’s a simple yet universally applicable principle. Remembering it can be a game-changer for anyone in nearly every situation. The beauty of this concept lies in its simplicity and how easily it resonates with everyone. We’ve all faced challenging situations in life. Try this: think of two or three of the worst moments you’ve experienced and then view them through this lens. Did those experiences ultimately benefit you? In most cases, they did. You likely gained valuable lessons and witnessed how they transformed your life.
In a nutshell, it’s a powerful and uplifting perspective. So, yes, it’s both enlightening and fun.
You are a person of enormous influence. If you could start a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. 🙂
You know, I have two movements I want to start and develop.
My first mission is teaching people about longevity and showing that it’s for everyone. This Movement promotes the idea that a longer, healthier life is attainable for everyone. It’s about shifting our collective mindset from just prolonging life to increasing the number of healthy, active, and fulfilling years.
My second dream, the one I’d like to start one day, is somewhat akin to the #MeToo movement, which focused on women who weren’t treated well — to put it mildly. I call it ‘Children Are Born for Love.’ I want to initiate a movement that raises awareness about the pervasive issue of violence at home. This problem isn’t confined to the past; it persists worldwide. Interestingly, the more religious a country, the more prevalent domestic violence seems to be.
It doesn’t discriminate based on who the parents are. My mother was a teacher, and my father a well-respected businessman. It happens everywhere, not just when the father is drunk — although mine was an alcoholic too. One of the worst aspects is that kids often have nowhere to turn. When they complain to teachers, teachers, in many cases, speak to the parents, who typically deny any wrongdoing. I’ve lived through this, trying to communicate with teachers, only to find they’d consult my parents who brushed it off as mere lies. This is the worst part: kids aren’t believed if their parents don’t support them. It becomes a trap. When everyone insists you’re lying or wrong, you start believing it too.
Here’s another perspective: these parents often think they’re doing the right thing. They believe it’s for their child’s betterment — making them learn better, be less ‘crazy,’ and so on. They rationalize it and downplay the severity of the violence. Take my example: my parents meant well, but they used violence against me. They didn’t kill me. My father, after two decades, confessed it was hard to hit me without breaking bones due to his strength. But the terrible consequence of growing up with violence and no love at home is the vulnerability it creates. These kids often seek love and support elsewhere, falling into dangerous situations and becoming more susceptible to assault.
It’s often worse than parents realize. My vision is to start a movement, making people aware that what they do to their children is profoundly wrong, even deserving of legal consequences. Raising this awareness could significantly reduce violence — making people conscious that their actions harm their children, not just in the short term but for decades to come.
So, starting this movement is my second mission, one I hope to undertake someday.
What is the best way for our readers to continue to follow your work online?
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marekpiotrowski/
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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@longevityadvocate
Official Page: https://longevityadvocate.com/
This was very inspiring. Thank you so much for the time you spent on this. We wish you only continued success.