Knife Down
"Knife Down" is what a surgeon says in the OR when she puts her scalpel down so no one gets hurt — and it’s the mission here: put the knife down, long before anyone needs to use it.
Knife Down is a podcast about how to actually invest in your health so you can live longer, stronger, and with less time in doctors’ offices. The core focus is the world’s leading cause of death—cardiovascular disease—and what to do about it before it shows up as a catastrophe.
Hosted by a vascular surgeon on a mission to put herself out of business, the show translates cutting-edge science on prevention, metabolic health, and longevity into real-world strategies you can use in clinic or at your kitchen table. Expect evidence, nuance, and zero wellness hype—plus the occasional dark joke about the state of modern medicine.
Knife Down
Latest Episodes
Is Lower LDL Actually Better? New Research Has an Answer
Is lower LDL cholesterol actually better for your heart? In this video, I break down the brand-new results from the EZ-Pave study to answer the question that keeps my patients up at night: How low should your cholesterol really go?
The Truth About Aspirin and Heart Attack Prevention
I've seen daily aspirin save lives from heart attack — and cause fatal bleeds. As a vascular surgeon, here's my honest take on heart health.The answer isn't yes or no — it depends entirely on who you are.In this video I break do...
Ask Me (Almost) Anything With Dr Johnston | Live Q&A
We hit all the high points today! Nutrition, exercise, lipids, dental health, hormones, and more. We had amazing participation and it was wonderful to have a chance to interact with everyone in real time. Thanks SO much for taking some of your ...
Can You Unclog Arteries? A Vascular Surgeon Reacts to Dr Kevin Ham
Plaque reversal is one of the most debated topics in preventive cardiology, so in this video I react to Dr. Kevin Ham’s CAST protocol for plaque reversal: Causes, Adding Cures, Strengthening the Body, and Training the Mind and Body.Over...
I'm a Vascular Surgeon — Stop Getting Repeat CAC Scans. Here's Why
If you’ve had a positive calcium score (CAC score), you’ve probably asked the obvious next question: when should I repeat it?In this video, I explain why I generally do not order another calcium score if the first one is positive—and wh...