Ageless Athlete

“How do you describe yourself to people who may not know you?”

Asked near the beginning, this question allows the guest to frame their own identity beyond a simple title.

“Can you take us through the day of [a major achievement]?”

This narrative prompt is used to unpack the mental and physical process behind a significant accomplishment.

“What is the simplest version of [a complex topic like aging]?”

Khandelwal frequently uses this to distill core scientific or technical concepts for a broader audience.

“In plain speak, what are [a key scientific concept like telomeres] and why are they important?”

A follow-up technique to ensure complex ideas are made practical and understandable for listeners.

“What has [your primary sport/activity] given you?”

This question explores the deeper, personal meaning and benefits the guest derives from their athletic pursuit.

“Why do you think they specifically chose you for [a unique role or project]?”

Prompts the guest to reflect on their unique qualifications and what makes them stand out in their field.

“Why did you choose to be so honest about your struggles in your blog/writing?”

Used to explore the guest's motivation for vulnerability and sharing the difficult side of their journey.

“What did you learn from [a unique person's] approach or humility?”

This question seeks to find the personal lesson or takeaway the guest gained from a specific collaboration.

“When teaching a new climber or athlete, what's the first thing you pay attention to?”

This extracts practical, foundational advice from an expert's coaching perspective.

“What can substitute for [a specific product like Gu] if it's not available?”

A practical follow-up that turns a guest's specific habit into accessible advice for the audience.

“Were you skeptical that [an outside industry like Hollywood] would portray your field inaccurately?”

Asks the guest to reflect on the authenticity and common misconceptions of their craft in popular culture.