In this episode of Microbiome Medics, Dr. Sheena Fraser welcomes Dr. Nihan Maron, a veterinary doctor and microbiologist, to discuss the essential connections between pet and human microbiomes. Dr. Nihan highlights how pets, especially dogs, enhance our microbial diversity and health, while emphasizing the importance of mindful antibiotic use and the role of probiotics. The conversation also addresses pet nutrition, advocating for diets that reflect natural eating habits, and the risks of proces...
Jun 11, 2025•1 hr 5 min•Season 1Ep. 29
In this episode of Microbiome Medics, Dr. Siobhan McCormack and Dr. Sheena Fraser are reunited. They share their recent experiences presenting at major conferences and underscore the importance of integrating microbiome science into mainstream medicine, particularly concerning pre- and post-operative care; they delve into how lifestyle interventions, especially diet, significantly impact surgical outcomes, immune response, and recovery by influencing the gut microbiome, also discussing the detri...
May 14, 2025•1 hr 16 min•Season 1Ep. 28
Buckle up for a fascinating journey through microbiome history! Dr. Siobhan McCormack welcomes the esteemed Professor Martin Blaser for an episode that travels through pivotal moments in microbiome science using a "Back to the Future"-inspired lens. Hear their engaging discussion, complete with time-traveling sound effects, as they explore Professor Blaser's career, the impact of antibiotics, and the critical importance of our microbial partners. This podcast is presented in collaboration with t...
Apr 16, 2025•1 hr•Season 1Ep. 27
In this episode of Microbiome Medics, Dr. Sheena Fraser sits down with Professor Tim Spector, a leading expert in microbiome research and co-founder of Zoe. They explore how gut microbes influence health, from metabolism to mental well-being, and discuss the latest insights from personalized nutrition studies. Tim shares his journey from genetic epidemiology to microbiome science, revealing how diet and lifestyle play a crucial role in shaping our gut health. The conversation also tackles the im...
Mar 12, 2025•1 hr 21 min•Season 1Ep. 26
In this episode of Microbiome Medics, Dr. Siobhan McCormack is joined by Professor Egija Zaura from the Academic Centre of Dentistry in Amsterdam to explore the significance of the oral microbiome. They discuss why the oral microbiome warrants attention alongside the gut microbiome, emphasizing its role as the body’s first defense against pathogens. The conversation highlights the complex interactions within the oral cavity and the consequences of dysbiosis on oral health, linking it to systemic...
Feb 12, 2025•1 hr 2 min•Season 1Ep. 25
In this episode of Microbiome Medics, host Sheena welcomes microbiome science celebrity Dr. Jack Gilbert about his journey from butterfly ecologist to a leading figure in microbiome research. They explore the American Gut Project's goal of understanding microbiome diversity, the Nutrition Precision Health Program’s focus on linking nutrition to health outcomes, and the clinical implications of microbiome data in patient care. Jack highlights the potential of pharmacomicrobiomics and discusses ad...
Jan 15, 2025•1 hr 2 min•Season 1Ep. 24
In this episode of the Microbiome Medics Podcast, Dr. Sheena Fraser is joined by citizen scientist Martha Carlin, who shares her personal journey into the world of Parkinson’s disease research. After her husband John was diagnosed in 2002, Martha utilized her background in accounting and systems analysis to investigate the complex connections between the gut microbiome and Parkinson’s symptoms. She emphasizes the role of dietary changes, including organic foods, and discusses the innovative prob...
Dec 11, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Season 1Ep. 23
In this episode of Microbiome Medics , we sit down with Toni Harman, the filmmaker behind the award-winning documentary Microbirth and co-author of The Microbiome Effect . Toni shares how her personal childbirth experience, including an emergency cesarean and challenges with breastfeeding, sparked her mission to explore the critical role of the infant microbiome. We discuss the insights from Microbirth , which features leading scientists on how birthing methods and infant nutrition shape a child...
Nov 13, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Season 1Ep. 22
In this episode of the Microbiomedics podcast, Dr. Sheena Fraser and Dr. Siobhan McCormack share insights from the BSLM conference in Newcastle. They highlight the vibrant discussions on community health initiatives and the role of young advocates, like those from "Bite Back," in combating ultra-processed foods. The doctors emphasize the urgent need to address adolescent mental health and the impact of diet on well-being, advocating for holistic health education in schools. They encourage listen...
Oct 17, 2024•1 hr 18 min•Season 1Ep. 21
In this episode of Microbiome Medics Podcast, I (Dr. Sheena Fraser) speak with Dr. Holly Wilkinson, a microbiome scientist at Hull York Medical School, about the vital role of the skin microbiome in health and disease. We discuss how the skin microbiome’s unique characteristics, influenced by factors like body location and hygiene, are crucial for maintaining skin health. Dr. Wilkinson explains the relationship between the skin barrier and microbiota and the implications for conditions like acne...
Sep 18, 2024•56 min•Season 1Ep. 20
Dr. Siobhan McCormack interviews James Kinross, a colorectal surgeon and microbiome researcher. James discusses the potential of robotic surgery and its precision, the link between the microbiome and colorectal cancer, and the importance of preserving gut health. They explore probiotics, evidence-based treatments, and the role of Fusobacterium nucleatum in colorectal cancer. James emphasizes the need for microbial conservation for disease prevention and offers practical advice from his book "Dar...
Jul 18, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Season 1Ep. 19
Dr. Siobhan McCormack, Dr. Sheena Fraser, and guest Lucy Kerrison (aka The GutNut Dietician) discuss the role of diet in managing inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), focusing on Crohn's disease. Lucy emphasizes personalized nutrition, debunks dietary myths during flare-ups, and addresses challenges accessing dietitians in the NHS. The conversation covers low fiber diets, the Crohn's disease exclusion diet, essential nutrients in IBD management, fermented foods, Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowt...
Jun 19, 2024•1 hr 6 min•Season 1Ep. 18
In this episode of the Microbiome Medics Podcast, we are joined by Lee Holdstock from the Soil Association, UK's biggest organic certifier, to explore the vital connection between soil health and human microbiomes. Our discussion highlights the benefits of organic farming practices for soil health, biodiversity, and ultimately, human well-being. We delve into the efficiencies of nature in organic farming, emphasizing the need to transition towards sustainable practices for healthier soil and mor...
May 15, 2024•1 hr 50 min•Season 1Ep. 17
Join Dr. Siobhan McCormack and Dr. Sheena Fraser on the Microbiome Medics Podcast as they host pain management consultant Dr. Deepak Ravindran. Dr. Deepak discusses the importance of a holistic approach to pain management, incorporating factors like exercise, diet, sleep, and mind-body techniques. The conversation dives into different types of pain, chronic pain's connection to the immune system, and the potential impact of microbiome and dietary interventions. Dr. Deepak emphasises patient-cent...
Apr 17, 2024•1 hr 14 min•Season 1Ep. 16
Don't miss the first of two episodes on the role of the microbiota-gut-brain axis (MGBA) in chronic pain. 30% of the UK population suffer from chronic pain and pharmacological options have proved disappointing and even downright dangerous . Could harnessing the gut microbiome be part of new approaches for this prevalent condition? Our tireless Microbiome Medics cover the MGBA basics, marvel at brain microglia and astrocytes, and identify chronic inflammation as a major player in chronic pain. Th...
Mar 13, 2024•51 min•Season 1Ep. 15
In this episode we explore the fascinating vaginal microbiome. With the expertise of Professor Sarah LeBeer, a leading scientist in the field , we unravel the complexities of this unique microbial ecosystem and its crucial role in women's health. Listen in as we discuss the dominance of lactobacilli in maintaining vaginal health and their potential influence on other aspects of health and well-being. Professor Lebeer explains the dynamic shifts the vaginal microbiome undergoes across the lifespa...
Feb 14, 2024•1 hr 16 min•Season 1Ep. 14
Hello, fellow gut-health enthusiasts. In this episode Dr. Siobhan McCormack and Dr. Sheena Fraser welcome you to a conversation about the popular fermented beverage that's sweeping the health world: kombucha. They explain what it is, how it’s made and what it might do for your gut health. Learn about the celebrated SCOBY(symbiotic culture of bacteria& yeast) and how to brew your own kombucha before hearing from Emma & Kenny , founders of HIP POP beverages and fellow microbiome enthusiast...
Jan 17, 2024•1 hr 35 min•Season 1Ep. 13
As 2023 draws to a close, it is time for Microbiome Medics to pause and reflect on 12 months of podcasts, conferences, talks, and courses. All with the aim of raising awareness of the importance of the gut microbiome (and other human microbiomes) to all aspects of healthcare. Thankfully, they are not just stuffing your stocking with knowledge, but also adding some holiday cheer. Tune in for a festive exchange of microbiome-related gifts and book recommendations. Perfect for the curious minds in ...
Dec 13, 2023•1 hr 4 min•Season 1Ep. 12
'When I found myself teetering on the edge of prediabetes, I knew I needed to make a change. I chose movement, and it changed my life.' - On our latest episode, we discuss this journey with Darryl Edwards, a movement coach and author, who made this transformation. From a fascinating conversation about the Primal Play Method to an enlightening discussion on the transformative power of exercise on the gut microbiome, this episode is full of insights and inspiration. We also delve into fascinating ...
Nov 17, 2023•1 hr 21 min•Season 1Ep. 11
In this podcast episode, Dr Sheena Fraser and Dr Siobhan Mccormack (aka Microbiome Medics ) discuss the significant impact of antibiotics on the gut microbiome. They are joined by an expert in this area Dr Anastasia Theodosiou , who is both a Microbiome Scientist and a Registar in Microbiology & Infectious Disease. Dr Anastasia introduces her novel term Microbiotoxicity which can be used to explain and predict the effects of antibiotics on human microbiomes. The discussion also covers other ...
Oct 11, 2023•52 min•Season 1Ep. 10
In this 3rd & final episode Dr Sheena & Dr Shiv get to chat to Professor Robert Thomas , a full time NHS Consultant Oncologist, Sorts and Nutrition scientist and active medical researcher who explains why he thinks the gut microbiome and gut health are key to cancer prevention, response cancer therapies and survivorship. They discuss diet, research and patient empowerment. It seems that small, simple , achievable dietary and behaviour changes really can improve outcomes , overall wellbei...
Sep 13, 2023•1 hr 6 min•Season 1Ep. 9
In this 2nd episode on cancer and the gut microbiome , our Microbiome Medics duo continue their exploration of the impact of the gut microbiome on all aspects of cancer biology focusing on responses to cancer therapies and the potential effects of medications such as antibiotics and proton pump inhibitors on the resident microbes. Dr Sheena discusses practical advice to improve gut health that she discusses with her NHS patients diagnosed with cancer and Dr Shiv introduces a few new concepts inc...
Aug 16, 2023•51 min•Season 1Ep. 8
In the UK someone is diagnosed with cancer every two minutes. Every 4 minutes, someone dies of cancer. Startling statistics indeed, but did you know that human microbiomes, and the gut microbiome in particular, is pivotal to every aspect of cancer prevention, treatment response ,recovery and survivorship? Given the importance of the subject, your loyal microbiome nerds, Dr Sheena and Dr Shiv, have chosen to allocate not one , not two, but three episodes of Microbiome Medics Podcast to this rapid...
Jul 12, 2023•41 min•Season 1Ep. 7
Have you ever considered what difference infant feeding choice makes to long-term infant health? In this episode our two microbiome medics compare the impact of breast milk and formula milk on the developing infant gut microbiome. They consider the rates of breast feeding in the UK and potential barriers to breast feeding, drawing on their own experiences. Dr Shiv discusses a research paper from the USA which looks at ‘re-wilding’ the infant gut microbiome with Bifidobacterium Infantis. The rese...
May 19, 2023•46 min•Season 1Ep. 6
You are 50% microbial by cell count, and your gut microbiome is central to all aspects of your physiology and health. The Microbiome Medics think you should know where the trillions of bacteria living in your intestines come from. In this episode of Microbiome Medics, our microbiome obsessed duo discuss the importance of birth mode on gut microbiome acquisition. They highlight the massive increases in Caesarean section rates, and even chat about their own birth experiences. (Spoiler alert...it h...
Apr 12, 2023•41 min•Season 1Ep. 5
This week on the Microbiome Medics Podcast, Sheena and Siobhan are joined by fermentation expert - Janice Clyne. The team discuss the impact of fermented foods on the gut microbiome. Siobhan brings some interesting research comparing a fermented food diet to a high fibre diet and Janice shares a recipe with the listeners for a delicious and easy to make carrot kraut. This week's paper is: Wastyk HC, Fragiadakis GK, Perelman D, Dahan D, Merrill BD, Yu FB, et al. Gut-microbiota-targeted diets modu...
Mar 15, 2023•56 min•Season 1Ep. 4
In this month's episode of Microbiome Medics - Siobhan and Sheena discuss "leaky gut". The controversy around this condition and the evidence of its existence and link with disease. A paper on emulsifiers is discussed in the research section. This podcast is brought to you in collaboration with the British Society of Lifestyle Medicine. Disclaimer: The content in this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of yo...
Feb 15, 2023•43 min•Season 1Ep. 3
In this episode Siobhan and Sheena introduce you to the gut microbiome and discuss how it influences our health. They also consider how this knowledge has changed their own clinical practice. A recent research article on pain and the gut microbiome is discussed followed by a question and answer section. Reference Nociceptor neurones direct goblet cells via a CGRP-RAMP1 axis to drive mucous production and gut barrier protection. Draping Yung et Al; Cell Oct 27 2022; article 1, Vol 185, ISS 22, p ...
Jan 12, 2023•47 min•Season 1Ep. 2
This special episode of the Microbiome Medics podcast discusses the impact of the festive period on our gut microbiome. Sheena and Siobhan consider the positive and negative impacts of lifestyle and relationships and give tips on enhancing and protecting your gut microbiome over this period. Includes a festive research article and question and answer section. References "The effect of having christmas dinner with inlaws on the gut microbiota composition" Nicolieu C De Clercy et al; Human Microbi...
Dec 18, 2022•38 min•Season 1Ep. 1
