Celebrating 35 Years of Friendship with Dr. Alex Sheftel: Lessons on Relationships and Innovation

Celebrating a 35-Year Friendship with Dr. Alex Sheftel

When was the last time you reconnected with someone you’ve known since high school? In a recent episode of the Coach Yu Show, I sat down with my longtime friend Dr. Alex Sheftel. We’ve been friends for more than three decades, and our conversation reminded me why long‑term relationships are powerful. Alex isn’t just any old buddy—he’s a world‑class scientist with 30 peer‑reviewed publications and nearly 4,000 citations to his name. He introduced me to the world of genius decades ago, and he continues to inspire me today.

Metrics: What Makes Alex Remarkable

• 30+ years of friendship – our relationship dates back to the early ’90s, proving that meaningful connections only get stronger with time.
• 30 scientific publications with almost 4,000 citations – evidence of Alex’s impact in iron metabolism and beyond.
• National-ranked beer judge – he turns science into art by brewing craft beers, roasting coffee, and smoking meats.
• Global traveler and educator – he’s lived and worked in multiple countries and still finds time to mentor others.

Analysis: Lessons from Our Conversation

During the show we reminisced about our high school track days, discussed his research in iron metabolism (he’s the “Iron Man” of science), and shared laughs about torn hamstrings and brew days. But the core takeaway was the importance of nurturing relationships and staying curious.

Long-term relationships matter – We don’t realize how rare it is to have friends for more than a decade. Life gets busy; family, work, and geography pull us in different directions. Yet when we reconnect with old friends, it often feels like no time has passed. That continuity builds trust and opens doors to opportunities you can’t anticipate.

Creativity vs. AI conformity – Alex voiced concerns that AI tools may homogenize communication. While AI helps us draft emails and code faster, it could freeze innovation if we’re not careful. He encourages young creators to cultivate their own voice and resist the temptation to let machines do all the thinking.

Trade skills over trendy careers – Asked about advice for young adults, Alex suggests that not everyone needs to be an influencer or entrepreneur. There’s huge demand for skilled trades and apprenticeships. Learning to build, repair, and create tangible value is a path to independence and satisfaction.

Action: Apply These Insights

1. Reconnect with an old friend. Pick up the phone and call someone you haven’t spoken with in years. Maintaining real relationships is more valuable than collecting followers.
2. Watch the full interview. We cover everything from iron metabolism to brewing beer and traveling across Europe. Here’s the video: https://youtu.be/yaIp9freCmU
3. Reflect on your own path. Are you pursuing a career because it’s trendy, or because it aligns with your skills and passions? Consider exploring trades or specialized skills that interest you.
4. Stay curious about AI but keep your voice. Use AI tools to enhance your work, but don’t let them replace your creativity. The world needs diverse voices and ideas.

Long‑term relationships and genuine experiences stand out in a world saturated by AI and superficial connections. My conversation with Dr. Alex Sheftel was a reminder that true friendship, intellectual curiosity, and hands‑on craftsmanship never go out of style. Let’s celebrate those who have stood by us for decades and continue to inspire us.