Day 1: The Questions That Brought Me Here

Stardate 09.27.2026

London gave me a small lesson in Underground travel yesterday morning.

I left my hotel around 7:50 with my directions saved on my phone in case I lost internet. I thought I was doing everything right. The train was traveling in the correct direction, but Tower Hill wasn't a stop on that particular train.

So I got off and walked.

I still arrived on time.

That was the beginning of Day 1 at the DoNotAge conference.

During the social hour, I began seeing people I had met at last year's conference in New York City. One of the first familiar faces was Karen, a 77-year-old woman who looks decades younger than her age. We sat alongside Ryker, James and Jodie, who is new to DoNotAge. Our table was a good mix of Americans and Europeans.

It felt good to reunite with partners from last year.

Before the conference officially started, I talked with Paul Barradell, the CEO, about something that has been on my mind for some time.

Many of my doctor friends back home have questions about the products I've been taking for years. I understand the questions. These supplements aren't part of the traditional medical school curriculum, so there is naturally skepticism when new products enter the market.

One of my tennis partners is a doctor. He told me he receives NAD injections, which got me thinking more deeply about what I had been learning about NAD and its role in the body.

I discovered DoNotAge while researching my book, Live Long and Prosper. NMN was one of my first discoveries. It is a precursor involved in NAD production.

I came to this conference with questions.

I wanted to hear from experts and learn more about the research behind the products I've been taking.

The experts did not disappoint.

Vera Gorbanova, a pioneer in Sirt-6 research, was one of the first speakers. She opened with a question:

What causes aging?

She explained the role of Sirt-6 as an enzyme and discussed inflammation as a hallmark associated with age-related diseases. She also presented research showing greater Sirt-6 activity in longer-lived species.

Research involving mice was part of her presentation as well. She shared findings in which mice receiving Sirt-6 appeared younger and showed less frailty.

Sirt-6 happens to be one of the first products I added to my own supplement routine.

Her presentation set the tone for the rest of the day. Each speaker brought a different area of research to the room.

Company founder Alan Graves stood up and shared why he started DoNotAge. He became emotional when he told us his mother was sitting in the room with us.

He also shared that the company has now helped more than one million people pursue a healthier life.

Soren, from Denmark, talked about muscle mass reduction as we age. He shared research involving muscle recovery and spermidine, another product that has become part of my longevity routine.

During lunch, Soren stopped by our table and I had the opportunity to talk with him. Nicholás Cherñasly from Brazil joined the conversation. Nicholás shared a presentation about follow-up research he and his wife are doing related to a study that reported a 67 percent increase in longevity in mice.

Johnny and Lindsey gave a joint presentation about the new sachets. Their presentation generated quite a reaction in the room as they shared reports from patients experiencing changes in menopause symptoms. Some patients also reported better sleep and the elimination of dry mouth.

More research is needed.

That sentence stayed with me.

Research takes time. Questions lead to more questions. Conferences like this give researchers an opportunity to share what they are studying and give people like me an opportunity to listen.

I also had the opportunity to share my own work.

I brought signed copies of Live Long and Prosper with me and passed them out during the conference. Somehow, I managed to fit the books into my very small carry-on along with my small backpack.

My wife was surprised that everything I needed for a 12-day adventure through Scotland and London fit into those two bags.

The book that began with my own curiosity about longevity was now sitting in the hands of people working in the field that inspired it.

At the end of the day, I thanked Paul for a great first day and asked him for a picture together.

I came here with questions.

I left Day 1 with even more to learn.

“Let the favor of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us— yes, establish the work of our hands.”
Psalm 90:17

Join me here:

https://substack.com/@michaelmulliganlivelong

A note about DoNotAge: DoNotAge is a partner of mine. If a reader chooses to purchase through my partner link, I receive a stipend. The discount code is LLAP, and the partner link can be found by clicking here. I encourage readers to do their own discovery and research.

Captain's Addendum

Spock: “Michael, your first London train experience appears to have provided useful data.”

Bones: “He got on the wrong train, Spock.”

Spock: “And still arrived on time. The data remains useful.”

I came here to learn. Today gave me plenty to think about, and tomorrow brings another full day with people who have devoted their lives to understanding how we age.

I'm grateful to be here.

And I'm grateful I brought the little book that started part of this journey with me.

Ready to Listen, Learn, and Share

Stardate 09.26.2026 

I arrived in London yesterday.

The journey from Edinburgh gave me a chance to see England from the ground level. I watched the countryside pass by the train window, met Claire, and eventually found my way to London.

Once I arrived, I started exploring.

I walked the city, took pictures, figured out the transportation system and put plenty of miles on my shoes. Yesterday brought another 19,000 steps.

Now it is time to slow down and listen.

This morning I will attend the DoNotAge conference with people who have spent years studying longevity and helping move the conversation forward.

I came to London with an open mind.

I want to listen.

I want to learn.

And I want to share what I discover with the people who follow along with me.

There is something special about being in a room filled with people who are curious about how we can live longer, healthier and more purposeful lives.

I don't need to have all the answers.

I just need to pay attention.

Today I get to do exactly that.

Psalm 90:17

"May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us— yes, establish the work of our hands."

I am grateful to be here.

Now it's time to listen, learn and share.

Join me here:

https://substack.com/@michaelmulliganlivelong

Captain's Addendum

Spock: "Michael, your objective appears remarkably straightforward."

Bones: "Listen, learn and share. I think even Spock can handle that one."

Spock: "I was merely observing the mission parameters."

Tomorrow, I get to sit in the room and listen.

Sometimes the best way to move forward is to become a student again.

Seeing England From the Ground

Stardate 09.25.2026

This morning I left Edinburgh by train.

I settled into my seat and watched the countryside begin to unfold outside the window. The train carried me south through Scotland and into England, giving me hours to simply watch.

There were plenty of wind turbines scattered across the landscape. I noticed trees with white bark and wondered what species they were. Many of the fields looked as though they had recently been plowed. The landscape kept changing as we moved along.

I found myself enjoying the pace of the journey.

Flying would have gotten me from one place to another much faster. Sitting on the train gave me a chance to see the country at ground level. I could watch the farms, villages, fields and hills pass by one mile at a time.

Even the conversations around me offered little reminders that I was traveling somewhere different. I heard passengers using the word "toilet" for what I would usually call the bathroom. Small observations like that kept me connected to the experience.

Claire was sitting beside me.

We talked during the journey, and she gave me a list of things to do while I am in London. I have one week before I head home, with the DoNotAge conference coming first on Saturday and Sunday. After the conference, I have several days to explore London.

Claire and I also discovered another connection. She takes many of the supplements I take, so our conversation naturally moved toward longevity and the things we are doing to live long and prosper.

Before we parted, I gave her a copy of Live Long and Prosper.

I like those moments when a person enters your day for a few hours and leaves something behind that continues with you after you say goodbye.

Eventually, the train brought me to London.

I found my way to the hotel, checked in and settled into my room.

Then I opened my computer.

Here I am.

I have been writing this daily blog for many years, and today's story feels different. I am sitting in a London hotel room after traveling through England by train, looking back at the countryside I watched from my window and thinking about the conversation I had with Claire.

Tomorrow begins the DoNotAge conference.

After that, London is waiting.

Psalm 121:8

"The Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore."

That verse fits this journey well.

There is still a lot of road ahead, and I am grateful for every mile.

Join me here:

https://substack.com/@michaelmulliganlivelong

Captain's Addendum

Spock: "Michael, your mission parameters appear to have expanded considerably."

Bones: "Give the man a week in London and a list from Claire, Spock. You know he's going to try to see everything."

Spock: "I have already calculated the probability."

Sometimes the best parts of a journey arrive without a reservation. A seat beside a stranger can become a conversation. A conversation can become a connection. A book can change hands and continue the journey with someone else.

I am grateful for Claire, for the train ride, and for the opportunity to keep exploring.

One day at a time.

Engage.

19,000 Steps

Stardate 09.24.2026

A picture is worth a thousand words.

Here are some pictures of Edinburgh I shot during my 19,000-step tour of the city yesterday. If you visit me on Substack, I will also share some videos there once I have more free time.

Yesterday I visited the Royal Botanic Garden on the north end of the city. From there, I made my way to St. Mary's Episcopal Cathedral. I arrived just after 5 p.m. and discovered they were presenting a choir service at 5:30. I stayed.

Two lessons were presented during the service. The first was an account of St. Columba, a monk who left royalty to disciple men and bring faith to Scotland. The second came from Luke, chapter four, when Jesus was tempted by the Devil after spending 40 days in the wilderness following His baptism.

All I can say about the service is that I felt the presence of God while inside.

The voices were angelic.

After sunset, the temperature cooled into the low 60s, but I was still ready to eat outside. The city was coming to life around me. Beside me, a street magician entertained a crowd on a closed-off street. Walking tour guides moved through the area. Passersby spoke in multiple languages.

I ordered the Independence Day burger, fully loaded with two onion rings and capped with pickles on top. One block away, I found a cafe serving two scoops of ice cream.

After 19,000 steps, both sounded pretty good.

Today I'm planning to visit museums, monuments, and the other St. Mary's Cathedral, which happens to be from my denomination. Salisbury Crags in Holyrood Park is also calling me to climb to the ridge overlooking my hotel. I spotted visitors standing on top of the ridge watching the sunset on my first day in Edinburgh.

I'm thankful the weather has been surprisingly good, with most of the rain coming at night. August is considered the best month to visit Scotland. September has its own appeal. The festival crowds have thinned, and I've had plenty of opportunities to explore on foot.

Tomorrow I'll take a four-hour train ride to London.

The DoNotAge international conference is coming up over the weekend. I'll be learning from some of the world's leading longevity researchers and interacting with people who are curious about how to live long and prosper in their senior years.

I'll be sharing those lessons in future stories.

"May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us—yes, establish the work of our hands." — Psalm 90:17

Join me here:

https://substack.com/@michaelmulliganlivelong

Captain's Addendum

Spock: Michael, 19,000 steps is a significant amount of exploration for one day.

Bones: And apparently enough exercise to justify a burger with onion rings and two scoops of ice cream.

Spock: Your assessment appears medically unscientific, Doctor.

Bones: I wasn't giving medical advice, Spock. I was talking about the Captain's priorities.

Some days give us a lesson in a cathedral. Some arrive while walking through a garden. Others show up in the middle of a crowded street with a magician performing beside the dinner table.

Yesterday gave me all three.

I'm grateful I had the time and energy to keep walking.

One step led to another, and eventually I found myself sitting inside a cathedral listening to voices that made me stop and simply be present.

Maybe that is enough for today.

One percent better. One day at a time.

Finding My Way Around

 Stardate 09.23.2026

I’m finding my way around a new country.

That sounds simple, but there is something exciting about it. Every day brings a small discovery.

The people I’ve met so far have been friendly. The customs are different from what I’m used to in the United States. One example caught my attention right away: tipping isn’t expected at eateries the way it is back home. The restaurants also don't charge a surcharge to use a bank card.

Public transportation is another difference. It is readily available, and I’m learning how to use it.

When I arrived at Edinburgh International Airport, I took the A bus into downtown Edinburgh. The A route begins at the terminal and ends in the downtown area. No rental car. No navigating unfamiliar roads. I simply found the bus, climbed aboard and watched the city come into view.

I am thankful I'm not navigating in a rental car. They drive on the opposite side of the road, and the driver sits on what would be the passenger side in the United States. There are roundabouts, which would further complicate things should I return and decide to get a rental car.

Today, I’m going to use the bus system again and explore a little more.

Yesterday, the weather reached 70 degrees, so I decided to have my first meal two blocks from my hotel. I ate outside and ordered fish and chips. The meal included a salad.

My friend and accountability partner, Joni, was recently in Scotland and told me how impressed she was with the farm-to-table practices here. I thought about that as I ate my salad. It was delightful.

The fish was crispy on the outside.

The fries were superior.

That was my first real meal in Scotland, and it gave me another small taste of what makes this place different.

Even my hotel has given me something to think about. The layout is small and simple. There isn't a lot of wasted space. Everything seems designed to serve a purpose.

There is an efficiency to it that I appreciate.

Maybe today's story is really a glimpse into Europe through the eyes of someone who is curious and willing to learn.

I'm still finding my way.

At the same time, technology makes the distance from home feel a little smaller. I'm using WhatsApp to stay connected with my family, sharing pieces of the adventure as I go.

I'm thousands of miles from home, learning new customs, figuring out transportation and seeing a new part of the world.

Psalm 90:17 comes to mind: “May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us— yes, establish the work of our hands.”

I don't know what today's bus ride will bring. That's part of the fun.

I'm learning.

I'm exploring.

I'm grateful for the opportunity to be here.

Join me here: https://substack.com/@michaelmulliganlivelong

Captain’s Addendum

Spock: “Captain, your exploration appears to have begun with public transportation and fish and chips.”

Bones: “And somehow he has already developed an opinion about the fries.”

Michael: Fair assessment. I'm discovering that exploration doesn't require a grand plan. Sometimes it starts with getting on a bus, finding a place to eat and paying attention to what is happening around me.

Maybe that's today's lesson.

Keep looking. Keep learning. Keep moving forward.

One percent better, one day at a time.

Scotland, Mission One

Stardate 09.22.2026

Yesterday began with my checklist finally complete.

My wife dropped me off at the Cedar Rapids airport, and the next mission was officially underway.

The flight to Minneapolis was quick. I landed at Gate A with a short connection to Gate G. The airport tram was down, so I walked.

I made it to the gate just as boarding was completing.

Atlanta brought another short connection. Everything worked out, and soon I was settled in for the red-eye flight to Edinburgh. I did my best to sleep along the way.

When I landed in Edinburgh, I found a sign inviting travelers to use a QR code for the bus into the city.

£8.50 for a round-trip ticket.

That sounded like a good deal.

The bus ride gave me my first overview of Edinburgh. I had my phone ready, and I took plenty of photos along the way.

When the bus reached the end of the line, I started walking.

My phone guided me toward the hotel, and I got my first real look at the city on foot.

The hotels here are smaller than what I'm used to in the United States, but the space is being used efficiently. I got checked in, settled my things, and received a visitor guide with maps of the city.

Looking at those maps, I can already see plenty of opportunities to walk during my three days in Edinburgh.

That's something I'm looking forward to.

After a long day of planes, airports, connections, a red-eye flight, a bus ride and a walk through a new city, I made it.

And I made it just in time.

I was checked in before my 8:08 deadline.

The first mission is complete.

Now I get to explore Scotland.

One percent better. One day at a time.

Captain's Addendum

Spock: Michael, your checklist was completed with sufficient precision.

Bones: He also crossed an ocean, Spock. I'd say that's worth mentioning.

Spock: Agreed, Doctor. The exploration phase has now begun.

Yesterday reminded me how much can happen when you simply keep moving toward the next step.

My wife got me to the airport. The planes got me across the ocean. The bus gave me my first look at Edinburgh. My phone helped me find the hotel.

Now my feet get to do some exploring.

Engage.

The Next Mission

Stardate 09.21.2026

Yesterday began with a special visit to our house of worship.

Our bishop came to bless our new entrance.

During his homily, he talked about the importance of people coming together to accomplish something for the good of the community. He shared a story from a small church where he once served. The church needed a new roof. The congregation came together, each person bringing different gifts and strengths to the project. Together, they built the roof.

I thought about our own congregation.

For years, parishioners had struggled with the steep stairs leading into our church. There were injuries. Fundraising was put on hold. There were plenty of obstacles.

The congregation kept working toward a solution.

Yesterday, we stood together as our bishop blessed the new entrance. It is more welcoming, and it gives parishioners an easier way to enter our church.

It was a good reminder of what can happen when people bring their gifts to the same table.

After the service, we dedicated the rest of the day to family time.

The Chargers came up short, while the San Diego Padres came through and brought their magic number to two for the final wild-card spot. I also completed my checklist for the trip.

That brought me to this morning.

The next mission is ready.

This afternoon, I leave for Scotland and London.

Soon I will be meeting with my DoNotAge partners from around the world for our second international conference. Before the conference begins, I will have some time to explore Scotland. Then I'll take a roughly four-hour train ride into London.

After the conference, I will have some personal time to explore the London area before heading home.

I'll also be listening and learning.

Some of the doctors and researchers I will meet are working to understand how we can increase the number of years we live with good health and wellness. Longevity has become an important part of my own journey, and I'm looking forward to learning from people who have dedicated their lives to the subject.

I'm bringing my MacBook Pro along so I can continue my daily blog while I'm away. That means the stories will continue as the mission unfolds.

Yesterday, our bishop talked about a small church building a roof together.

Our congregation built a new entrance together.

Today, I'm heading across the ocean to learn from people around the world.

There is a lot ahead.

“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor.”
— Ecclesiastes 4:9

Join me here:

https://substack.com/@michaelmulliganlivelong

Captain's Addendum

Spock: Michael, your checklist is complete. Your next mission has been authorized.

Bones: Scotland and London, Spock. He's going to learn about longevity, too.

Spock: Precisely, Doctor. I suspect the Captain will find a few lessons worth bringing home.

Yesterday reminded me that every person has something to contribute. Sometimes it takes a roof. Sometimes it takes a new entrance. Sometimes it takes boarding an airplane and crossing an ocean.

I'm grateful for the people who helped make yesterday possible.

And I'm grateful for the people who will become part of the next story.

One percent better. One day at a time.

Engage.