In this conversation, we continue our discussion about how to read scientific papers—no PhD required. We break down how to spot red flags like flashy headlines, suspicious journals, and undisclosed conflicts of interest. You’ll learn what “peer-reviewed” actually means, how to tell if a journal is reputable, and why the number of times a study is cited matters. We also explain when an older study is still trustworthy and how to tell if an author might be biased. This episode is your shortcut to ...
Jul 07, 2025•3 min
In this episode, we’re diving into one of the most important questions in health and wellness: how do you know which science to trust? We break down how to tell the difference between a high-quality study and total BS, how to actually read a scientific paper, and what terms like “randomized controlled trial,” “p-hacking,” and “meta-analysis” really mean. You’ll learn the red flags to watch out for, the hierarchy of scientific evidence, and why some studies never get published at all. This is the...
Jun 30, 2025•49 min
In this episode, we’re back with Dr. Mary Ní Lochlainn to talk all about aging—and why it might be something to actually look forward to. We dive into what she’s learned from the oldest people in her lab, from their surprisingly upbeat attitudes to the science behind why social connection is as vital as exercise. You’ll hear why loneliness is now being called “the new smoking,” how your gut health affects your future, and the surprising benefits of learning a new sport in your 70s. Plus, we swap...
Jun 23, 2025•5 min
In this episode, we’re diving deep into what it really takes to age well—and why it's never too late to start. We’re joined by Dr. Mary Ní Lochlainn, a geriatrician and researcher at King’s College London, who explains why your muscle mass is basically a fountain of youth, why protein matters more as you age, and how your gut microbiome might hold the key to both physical and cognitive health. She also shares what she's learned from studying people in their 70s, 80s, and 90s—including the surpri...
Jun 16, 2025•39 min
In this episode, we continue our conversation with Dr. David Barzilai all about microplastics, longevity supplements, and how to protect your health without spiraling into fear. We break down where microplastics actually come from, what you can do about them, and which changes are worth making. We also dive into hot topics like metformin, resveratrol, and NAD—what the science really says, and what’s still up in the air. If you've ever wondered how far is too far when it comes to optimizing your ...
Jun 09, 2025•6 min
In this episode, we dive deep into the science of aging with longevity expert Dr. David Barzilai. You’ve probably seen people online claiming to have reversed their biological age—but is any of that actually possible? We unpack the truth behind biological age tests, anti-aging supplements, and the wildest longevity trends (yes, even blood transfusions from your kids). Dr. Barzilai explains what really works—spoiler: it's not $2 million worth of pills—and shares simple, science-backed ways to liv...
Jun 02, 2025•37 min
Today, we continue our conversation with Dr. Michael Camilleri, one of the world’s leading experts on leaky gut, to separate fact from fiction on one of the most talked-about (and misunderstood) health topics on the internet. We get into whether leaky gut is actually the root cause of chronic diseases like depression and autoimmune conditions, whether you can test for it at home, and why some doctors still call it a “hypothetical condition.” Dr. Camilleri also breaks down the real science behind...
Apr 21, 2025•5 min
In this episode, we tackle one of the buzziest—and most confusing—topics in gut health: leaky gut. Juna’s dad has been asking about it nonstop, so we brought in one of the world’s leading experts, Dr. Michael Camilleri from the Mayo Clinic, to break it all down. What exactly is leaky gut? Is it real, how do you know if you have it, and can it actually cause brain fog or autoimmune disease? Dr. Camilleri gives us the real science on gut barriers, how food and medication affect them, and what you ...
Apr 14, 2025•37 min
In this episode, we continue our conversation with Dr. Michele Joanellis all about insomnia and why so many of us are struggling with sleep—without even realizing it. We dive into what happens to our sleep as we age, why menopause and post-menopause can disrupt sleep patterns, and whether it's normal to wake up in the middle of the night (spoiler: it might be more normal than you think). Dr. Joanellis also breaks down why your Fitbit might be lying to you, how to rethink sleep “opportunity” vs. ...
Apr 07, 2025•5 min
You probably have insomnia… and you probably don’t even know it. In this episode, we dive into one of the most relatable struggles out there: not being able to fall asleep, stay asleep, or stop stressing about sleep. We’re joined by Dr. Michelle Jonelis, a sleep medicine specialist who explains why your sleep tracker might be lying to you, why optimizing your sleep setup might backfire, and what actually works to fix your sleep (spoiler: it’s not melatonin). Dr. Jonelis breaks down the gold-stan...
Mar 31, 2025•46 min
In this episode, we are continuing last week’s Q&A!! Have you ever wondered how long you’re supposed to be sore after a workout—or better yet, how to be less sore? We’re tackling DOMS (delayed onset muscle soreness): how long it should last, what’s actually happening in your muscles, and when it might be a sign of something more serious. Then we dive into insulin resistance—what it is, how it develops, and how to catch it early before it turns into something bigger. You’ll learn how to tell ...
Mar 24, 2025•6 min
In this episode, we’re back with another round of listener Q&A—our favorite kind of episode where we get to hang out and tackle your biggest health and nutrition questions! We break down whether blending, juicing, cooking, or even just chewing your food affects its nutritional value (spoiler: Eddie drops some serious anatomy knowledge on us). We also talk about how to keep your joints strong and healthy, why post-meal walks are so effective, and share some mantras that keep us motivated on o...
Mar 17, 2025•41 min
In this episode, we continue our conversation with Dr. Liana Lianov about how to apply positive psychology in real life. We explore why feeling stressed—even when life is objectively good—is so common, and how practices like kindness, gratitude (but not too much!), and flow states can help shift our mindset. Dr. Lianov shares science-backed strategies for boosting well-being, why doing good for others can actually make you feel better, and the surprising connection between stress and fulfillment...
Mar 10, 2025•5 min
In this episode, we dive into the fascinating world of positive psychology —not just thinking happy thoughts, but the actual science of what makes life worth living! We’re joined by Dr. Liana Lianov, founder of the Global Positive Health Institute, to explore how boosting your happiness, resilience, and sense of purpose can literally improve your health. We also take the five-question test that reveals how satisfied you are with your life—spoiler: one of us crushed it, and one of us… did not. Pl...
Mar 03, 2025•46 min
Ever find yourself wide awake at night, mind racing, unable to sleep—only to be falling asleep at your desk the next afternoon? Yeah, same. In this episode, we dive deep into the science of sleep with Dr. Param Dedhia, an expert in sleep, obesity, and integrative medicine, to answer all your burning (or drowsy) questions. Why do we even need sleep? How much is enough? And most importantly—how can we actually get better sleep? If you’ve ever struggled with exhaustion, cravings, or just wanted per...
Feb 17, 2025•51 min
In this episode, we talk to self-defense expert Meg Stone about the safety advice we’ve all heard—like whether you should ditch your headphones while running or give your kid pepper spray. Meg breaks down what actually makes you safer, why some classic tips don’t hold up, and how feminist self-defense can change the game. We also dive into how to balance risk with quality of life, so you can live your life and feel secure doing it. To hear the rest of this episode, sign up for the Foodie Fam! Fo...
Feb 10, 2025•4 min
In this episode, we’re covering a topic we’ve never tackled before: self-defense. Our guest, Meg Stone, author of The Cost of Fear , explains why most self-defense advice is outdated, fear-based, and often ineffective—plus what actually works. We discuss how to recognize coercion, set verbal boundaries, and use simple but powerful physical techniques to protect yourself. Meg also shares how learning self-defense can boost confidence in all areas of life. If you’ve ever wondered how to truly stay...
Feb 03, 2025•45 min
In this episode, we dive into all the ways to make exercise a habit so it feels as automatic as brushing your teeth. We talk about the power of sticking to a routine, reducing friction by prepping ahead, and why putting on your workout clothes might just be your secret weapon. Plus, we share how accountability buddies can turn workouts from a chore into something you actually look forward to. If you’re ready to make exercise less of a struggle and more of a lifestyle, this one’s for you! To hear...
Jan 27, 2025•4 min
In this episode, we’re tackling the start-and-stop cycle of exercise. Why is something so good for us so hard to stick with? Yuna and Eddie share their personal struggles with getting active, the surprising psychology behind building a lasting habit, and why the key might just be finding an activity you actually enjoy. From overcoming the dreaded first few weeks to the science of small wins, we’re breaking down how to make exercise a sustainable part of your life. For weekly episodes, come join ...
Jan 20, 2025•29 min
It’s halfway through January—how are those New Year’s resolutions holding up? If you’ve already skipped a workout or broken that new diet, you’re not alone. In this special episode, we’re sharing our feature on the Diabetes Digital Podcast , where we talk about why so many resolutions fizzle out and how to create sustainable health goals that actually stick. Forget the all-or-nothing mindset—it’s not too late to reset! For weekly episodes, come join the Foodie Fam! Check out our book ! Chat with...
Jan 16, 2025•33 min
In this episode, we’re diving into the science of the ultimate nighttime routine! From setting the perfect sleep-friendly temperature to why you should (finally) put your phone away before bed, we’re breaking down simple habits to help you wind down and sleep better. Plus, do red light bulbs, evening alarms, or skipping that late-night snack really make a difference? Tune in to learn how to optimize your evenings and wake up feeling refreshed! To hear the rest of this week’s bonus episode, come ...
Jan 13, 2025•6 min
In our first episode of 2025, we’re diving into one of the biggest wellness trends—morning routines. From drinking water and getting sunlight to cold plunges and journaling, we’re breaking down which habits are actually backed by science and which ones are just Instagram fluff. We’ll share simple, evidence-based tips to help you build a morning routine that boosts your energy, mood, and focus—no three-hour rituals required. Grab your coffee (or water bottle), and let’s kick off the year with hab...
Jan 06, 2025•28 min
Many people set exercise goals without a clear understanding of why they want to pursue them. Here we discuss the importance of finding a deeper purpose or "why" with your fitness journey. Whether it's reducing pain, being more active with family, or finding joy in movement, having a profound reason enhances long-term commitment. For daily episodes all of January, come join the Foodie Fam! Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices...
Jan 03, 2025•6 min
In day two of our daily episode series, we’re discussing the importance of consistency. In the New Year, it can be tempting to make big goals and come out blazing, but our real goal is to make exercise a habit for the rest of our lives. We discuss the importance of consistency over intensity, how to plan for setbacks, and using the power of habits and routines. Check out our episode on habit formation. For daily episodes all of January, come join the Foodie Fam! Learn about your ad choices: dove...
Jan 02, 2025•8 min
Happy New Year!! Last year, we created a special daily exercise series, and since we have so many new listeners, we thought it would be worth a replay since so many of you loved it last year. Every single day this month, we're dropping a mini-episode geared towards helping people with the most common New Year's resolution: to exercise more. This series is meant to be hyper-practical, tackling things like finding a routine, overcoming gym anxiety, creating consistency and so much more! (Including...
Jan 01, 2025•7 min
In this episode, we take a moment to reflect on the year and share the lessons we’ve learned—big and small. From embracing change and trying new things (hello, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and puppy parenthood!) to finding gratitude in what we can control, we’re getting honest about growth, mindset shifts, and figuring out what really matters. We also get a little philosophical about adaptability, balance, and learning to appreciate what we already have—even if it doesn’t always look the way we expected....
Dec 30, 2024•5 min
From the time of the Victorians to the time of the Kardashians, there's always been a body type that's been "in." The only problem? It's always changing. In this episode, we talk to Dr. Katharina Vester of American University about the origins of body ideals and how they have impacted society and culture over time. Having a six pack used to mean you were broke? Only men were allowed to watch their weight? The surprising history of dieting and our bodies. For weekly episodes, come join the Foodie...
Dec 23, 2024•32 min
f you’ve ever wondered what science has to tell us about being more fulfilled, feeling more joy, and living a good life, this is the episode for you. Today, we talk to happiness researcher and professor Dacher Keltner, from the University of California Berkeley and founding director of the Greater Good Science Center. How much money makes us happy? Is it harder to be happier today than it used to be? And what can we do to live a more meaningful life? Subscribe to our newsletter . For weekly epis...
Dec 09, 2024•37 min
In this episode, we continue our conversation with Dr. Uma Naidoo, diving deeper into the fascinating world of nutritional psychiatry. Dr. Naidoo answers listener questions about foods that can promote memory, fend off neuroinflammation, and support mental health at every stage of life. We discuss the role of intermittent fasting, the impact of processed and ultra-processed foods on cognition, and surprising connections between diet and depression. From brain-boosting foods like blueberries and ...
Dec 02, 2024•6 min
Today, we’re talking about food and your brain. Sure, we’ve all heard how food affects your weight, your energy, and your gut, but what about your brain ? It turns out, the connection between what we eat and how our brain functions is pretty incredible—and maybe even life-changing. We’re joined by Dr. Uma Naidoo, Harvard psychiatrist and author of This Is Your Brain on Food , to explore the foods that boost brain health, improve mood, and sharpen cognition. From combating anxiety and depression ...
Nov 25, 2024•39 min