The New Science Of Breath: James Nestor On Why Most People Are Breathing Wrong

What if something as fundamental as breathing—something we do 25,000 times a day without thinking—could be a missing piece in our understanding of chronic illness, athletic performance, and longevity?

It turns out the modern world has quietly altered our relationship to this most basic biological function. And many of us may be paying the price.

My guest today is James Nestor, an acclaimed science journalist whose book, Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art, has sold more than three million copies and been published in forty-four languages.

After years of struggling with chronic respiratory issues himself, James dove into investigating the ancient practices and cutting-edge science of breathing to understand why so many of us have become dysfunctional breathers—and what we might do about it.
James’s research reveals how profoundly our breathing patterns can impact our health. Mouth breathing, shallow chest breathing, and chronic hyperventilation have become increasingly common, potentially precipitating a cycle of stress, inflammation, and various chronic ailments. From asthma and anxiety to sleep apnea and even ADHD in children, he explores how breathing dysfunction may be more deeply connected to modern ailments than we realize.

Today we explore:

• Why Modern Humans Breathe Dysfunctionally
• The Stanford Mouth Breathing Experimen
• Sleep Apnea, Snoring & Nasal Breathing
• ADHD in Children: The Breathing Connection
• CO2 Tolerance & Oxygen Delivery
• Lung Capacity as a Longevity Marker
• Indoor Air Quality Crisis in Schools & Hotels

For those who prefer a visual experience, the conversation is available on YouTube. As always, the audio version streams wild and free on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Peace + Plants,