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Mikkipedia

Mikki Willidenwww.mikkiwilliden.com
Mikkipedia is an exploration in all things health, well being, fitness, food and nutrition. I sit down with scientists, doctors, professors, practitioners and people who have a wealth of experience and have a conversation that takes a deep dive into their area of expertise. I love translating science into a language that people understand, so while some of the conversations will be pretty in-depth, you will come away with some practical tips that can be instigated into your everyday life. I hope you enjoy the show!
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Episodes

The Science (and Myths) of GLP-1 Weight Loss Drugs

Save 20% on all Nuzest Products WORLDWIDE with the code MIKKIPEDIA at www.nuzest.co.nz , www.nuzest.com.au or www.nuzest.com This week on the podcast, Mikki speaks to Dr Spencer Nadolsky — a board-certified obesity and lipid specialist known for his evidence-based, compassionate approach to helping people lose weight and improve metabolic health. Spencer has dedicated his career to bridging the gap between clinical medicine and the lived realities of people struggling with obesity, cutting throu...

Aug 12, 20251 hrEp. 388

Mini Mikkipedia: Do Diet Drinks Cause Diabetes? Let’s Talk Evidence

In this Mini Mikkipedia episode, Mikki breaks down a recent Australian headline claiming that diet sodas increase the risk of type 2 diabetes. Spoiler: the science doesn’t support that claim. Mikki dives into the observational study at the centre of the controversy, teasing apart key limitations—like reverse causality, confounding behaviours, and reliance on a single food frequency questionnaire over 14 years. She explains why the idea that diet drinks are as harmful as sugary ones is not only m...

Aug 10, 202511 minEp. 387

Rethinking Diabetes: What the System Gets Wrong - Dr. Glen Davies

Save 20% on all Nuzest Products WORLDWIDE with the code MIKKIPEDIA at www.nuzest.co.nz , www.nuzest.com.au or www.nuzest.com Curranz Supplement: Use code MIKKIPEDIA to get 20% off your first order - go to www.curranz.co.nz or www.curranz.co.uk to order yours This week on the podcast, Mikki speaks to Dr Glen Davies, one of New Zealand’s most vocal champions for reversing type 2 diabetes through therapeutic carbohydrate reduction. From rural general practice to a mission hospital in Papua New Guin...

Aug 05, 20251 hr 17 minEp. 386

Mini Mikkipedia - Creatine for Your Brain? Exploring Cognitive and Mental Health Benefits

Mikki dives into the evolving science behind creatine—not just for muscles, but for brain health. Long known as a powerhouse for strength and performance, creatine is now gaining traction as a potential tool for cognitive enhancement and mental health support. Miki explores recent research shared by Dr. Nicholas Fabiano on creatine’s potential role in improving outcomes in Alzheimer’s, depression, and traumatic brain injury (TBI). She explains how higher doses may be required to impact brain cre...

Aug 03, 202517 minEp. 385

Dane Fuller: From Morning Hunger to All-Day Energy: The Fuller Foods Approach

Save 20% on all Nuzest Products WORLDWIDE with the code MIKKIPEDIA at www.nuzest.co.nz , www.nuzest.com.au or www.nuzest.com This week on the podcast, Mikki speaks to Dane Fuller — sports dietitian, athlete, and founder of Fuller Foods. Dane has a background in exercise science, nutrition, and behavioural change, and he brings all of that together in his mission to make nutrition simple, effective, and sustainable. In this conversation, Dane shares his journey from growing up in a fish and chip ...

Jul 29, 202549 minEp. 384

Mini Mikkipedia - How to Talk to Kids About Food Without Diet Culture

In this Mini Mikkipedia, I tackle a topic that comes up time and time again with clients and inside Mondays Matter: how to talk to your kids about food without passing on diet culture . If you’re a parent trying to model healthy habits without moralising food or triggering disordered thinking, this episode is for you. I explore how to explain your goals to your kids (yes, even aesthetic ones!) while maintaining an abundance mindset. We cover why the issue isn't tracking or meal prep—but the lang...

Jul 27, 202510 minEp. 383

Rheumatoid Arthritis: Diet & the Elimination Puzzle with Julianne Taylor

Save 20% on all Nuzest Products WORLDWIDE with the code MIKKIPEDIA at www.nuzest.co.nz , www.nuzest.com.au or www.nuzest.com Curranz Supplement: Use code MIKKIPEDIA to get 20% off your first order - go to www.curranz.co.nz or www.curranz.co.uk to order yours This week on the podcast, Mikki speaks to Julianne Taylor , a registered nutritionist and PhD candidate, whose research is diving into one of the more complex and contested areas of nutrition science: the role of diet in managing rheumatoid ...

Jul 22, 20251 hr 11 minEp. 382

Mini Mikkipedia - Wegovy: A Perspective for Real Life

In this Mini Mikkipedia Monday, I break down what you actually need to know about Wegovy (semaglutide), now available in New Zealand. There’s a lot of noise around this weight loss medication—from the science to the stigma—and in this episode, I aim to cut through it with facts and context. I cover how GLP-1 agonists work, what makes them effective, and why they’re not just another “quick fix.” From appetite suppression and craving control to weight maintenance and muscle loss concerns, I offer ...

Jul 20, 202520 minEp. 381

Darren Ellis Talks Strength Training, Fat Loss & Fitness Fads: What Actually Works?

Save 20% on all Nuzest Products WORLDWIDE with the code MIKKIPEDIA at www.nuzest.co.nz , www.nuzest.com.au or www.nuzest.com This week on the podcast, Mikki speaks to long-time strength and conditioning coach Darren Ellis, founder of Ellis Performance. Darren brings decades of hands-on coaching experience and a no-nonsense approach to training, fat loss, and long-term health. We dive into some of the most commonly misunderstood elements of fat loss — from training style and frequency to mindset ...

Jul 15, 202555 minEp. 380

Mini Mikkipedia - Wine O’Clock?

n this candid and thoughtful solo episode, Mikki reflects on her evolving relationship with alcohol—how her habits have changed over time, what triggered her to reassess, and why it's less about abstinence and more about intentionality. She shares personal anecdotes, insights into the physiological and psychological effects of alcohol, and practical strategies for those wanting to drink more mindfully. Whether you're considering cutting back or just curious about the impact of alcohol on health,...

Jul 13, 202519 minEp. 379

Brutal Truths About Fat Loss with Aram Grigorian

Save 20% on all Nuzest Products WORLDWIDE with the code MIKKIPEDIA at www.nuzest.co.nz , www.nuzest.com.au or www.nuzest.com Curranz Supplement: Use code MIKKIPEDIA to get 20% off your first order - go to www.curranz.co.nz or www.curranz.co.uk to order yours This week on the podcast, Mikki speaks to Aram Grigorian , the straight-talking coach behind 4 Weeks 2 the Beach , whose refreshingly honest approach cuts through the noise of modern fitness culture. Aram has built a loyal following by calli...

Jul 08, 20251 hr 24 minEp. 378

Mini Mikkipedia - How to Handle Unhelpful Food Comments With Confidence

Mikki dives into a common but often uncomfortable experience: unsolicited comments about your food choices. Whether it's a passive-aggressive remark, a guilt-laden plea to “just eat it,” or an offhanded judgment disguised as a joke, food commentary can derail your confidence and progress. Mikki breaks down why people make these comments—spoiler: it’s usually about them, not you—and gives you practical tools to respond in the moment. From boundary-setting one-liners to mindset shifts that build r...

Jul 06, 202515 minEp. 377

Iron, Hormones & Performance: What Every Woman Needs to Know with Clare Badenhorst

Save 20% on all Nuzest Products WORLDWIDE with the code MIKKIPEDIA at www.nuzest.co.nz , www.nuzest.com.au or www.nuzest.com This week on the podcast, Mikki speaks to Dr Claire Badenhorst — researcher, associate professor and athlete — about the often-overlooked intersection of iron status, performance, and menstrual health in women. Claire’s research dives deep into why iron deficiency is so prevalent among active women, and how factors like menstrual cycle phase, hormonal fluctuations, and eve...

Jul 01, 20251 hr 37 minEp. 376

Mini Mikkipedia - Fasted vs Fed Training: What the Research Really Says

In this episode of Mini Mikkipedia, Mikki dives into the ongoing debate: should you train fasted or fed? With new research in hand—including a recent 12-week resistance training study and insights from Abby Smith Ryan's lab—Mikki breaks down what science actually says about strength, fat loss, and muscle gains depending on your pre-training nutrition. She also explores the real-world implications for early morning exercisers, especially those juggling tight schedules and body composition goals. ...

Jun 29, 202516 minEp. 375

The Dietitian’s Dilemma: Fuel, Freedom, and Metabolic Truths with Michelle Hurn

Save 20% on all Nuzest Products WORLDWIDE with the code MIKKIPEDIA at www.nuzest.co.nz , www.nuzest.com.au or www.nuzest.com Curranz Supplement: Use code MIKKIPEDIA to get 20% off your first order - go to www.curranz.co.nz or www.curranz.co.uk to order yours This week on the podcast, Mikki speaks to Michelle Hurn — clinical dietitian, endurance athlete, and author of The Dietitian's Dilemma . In their conversation, Michelle shares how her lived experience with severe anorexia and disordered eati...

Jun 24, 20251 hr 4 minEp. 374

Mini Mikkipedia -Why an “Ideal Body Weight” Doesn’t Exist

Mikki takes a deep dive into the myth of the "ideal body weight" and why it’s not as simple—or helpful—as a single number on the scale. She unpacks the origins of the concept, tracing it back to life insurance tables and BMI metrics designed for populations, not individuals. Mikki explains why these outdated markers fall short and offers evidence-based alternatives that better reflect health: body fat percentage, appendicular lean mass index (ALMI), and waist-to-height ratio. She also discusses ...

Jun 22, 202524 minEp. 373

Sarah Hancock: Your Mouth Is a Mirror: Oral Health and Metabolic Clues

Save 20% on all Nuzest Products WORLDWIDE with the code MIKKIPEDIA at www.nuzest.co.nz , www.nuzest.com.au or www.nuzest.com This week on the podcast, Mikki speaks to Dr Sarah Hancock, a public health researcher whose work sits at the powerful intersection of oral health and metabolic disease. In this conversation, Sarah unpacks the often-overlooked links between what’s happening in our mouths and what’s unfolding systemically in the body.They explore how gum disease and blood sugar dysregulatio...

Jun 17, 20251 hr 2 minEp. 372

Mini Mikkipedia - Does Sucralose Hijack Your Brain?

Mikki dives into the complex and controversial topic of sucralose—one of the most common non-nutritive sweeteners—and whether it interferes with hunger and satiety signalling in the brain. Prompted by a new study published in Nature , Mikki explores how sucralose might increase activity in brain regions associated with hunger and reward, particularly in women and individuals with obesity or insulin resistance. She unpacks the mechanisms at play, discusses the relevance of acute vs long-term data...

Jun 15, 202517 minEp. 371

Tara Ellis on Running, Resilience, and the Road to Six Stars

Save 20% on all Nuzest Products WORLDWIDE with the code MIKKIPEDIA at www.nuzest.co.nz , www.nuzest.com.au or www.nuzest.com Curranz Supplement: Use code MIKKIPEDIA to get 20% off your first order - go to www.curranz.co.nz or www.curranz.co.uk to order yours This week on the podcast, Mikki speaks to Tara Ellis, one half of the powerhouse duo behind Team Ellis Running. Alongside her husband Tim, Tara has run marathons all over the globe, chasing not only finish lines but experiences, connection, ...

Jun 10, 20251 hr 4 minEp. 370

Mini Mikkipedia - Why Maintenance Feels Harder Than Fat Loss

Mikki dives deep into the often-overlooked challenge of weight maintenance. While fat loss gets all the glory, maintenance can feel like a grind—no more scale victories, compliments, or clear finish lines. Drawing on Seth Godin’s concept of The Dip , Mikki explains why maintaining your results is not the easy street people expect but rather the phase where the real work begins. She unpacks six key reasons maintenance feels harder than dieting and offers practical strategies to shift your mindset...

Jun 08, 202519 minEp. 369

Brandon's back! The Truth About Exercise and Energy Burn

Save 20% on all Nuzest Products WORLDWIDE with the code MIKKIPEDIA at www.nuzest.co.nz , www.nuzest.com.au or www.nuzest.com This week on the podcast, Mikki speaks to Brandon DaCruz, an online nutrition and physique coach, educator, and science communicator, for a deep dive into one of the most debated models in metabolism research: the constrained energy model proposed by Dr. Herman Pontzer. Together, they unpack the nuances of Pontzer’s hypothesis, challenge some of the prevailing interpretati...

Jun 03, 20251 hr 25 minEp. 368

Mini Mikkipedia - Mastering Cognitive Restraint: The Skill That Transforms Your Diet

In this Mini Mikkipedia Monday, I’m diving into the concept of cognitive restraint — the intentional, often skill-based ability to say “no thanks” to food when it doesn’t align with your goals. This isn’t about deprivation or dieting harder, but about building an empowering skill that helps you align your actions with your intentions. I share how cognitive restraint is developed over time (it’s not just something you’re born with), reflect on my own experience with overeating, and offer a practi...

Jun 01, 202518 minEp. 367

Can You Really Target Fat Loss? Busting the Spot Reduction Myth - with Brandon DaCruz

Save 20% on all Nuzest Products WORLDWIDE with the code MIKKIPEDIA at www.nuzest.co.nz , www.nuzest.com.au or www.nuzest.com This week on the podcast, Mikki speaks to Brandon DaCruz, an online nutrition and physique coach, educator, and science communicator, for a deep dive into spot reduction Yes, we often put this in the 80s model of fitness myths, however Brandon sheds light on to how we can effectively train using scientifically backed techniques to support our physique goals, and not involv...

May 27, 20251 hr 20 minEp. 366

Mini Mikkipedia- Holiday Nutrition Hacks: Stay on Track Without Stress

Mikki shares her top strategies to stay mindful and maintain your progress while travelling—without sacrificing fun or flavour. Drawing on her own recent trips, she explores how simple tweaks to your routine can make holidays more enjoyable and less stressful, especially for those focused on fat loss or weight maintenance. From eating fewer but more satisfying meals to booking in your post-holiday reboot before you even leave, Mikki covers 16 practical tips that help you feel empowered, not rest...

May 25, 202519 minEp. 365

The Power of Functional Testing with Tina Haupert

Save 20% on all Nuzest Products WORLDWIDE with the code MIKKIPEDIA at www.nuzest.co.nz , www.nuzest.com.au or www.nuzest.com Curranz Supplement: Use code MIKKIPEDIA to get 20% off your first order - go to www.curranz.co.nz or www.curranz.co.uk to order yours This week on the podcast, Mikki speaks to Tina Haupert, functional diagnostic nutrition practitioner, health coach, and founder of Carrots 'N' Cake . What started as a personal blog chronicling her journey to balance healthy living with real...

May 20, 20251 hr 5 minEp. 364

Mini Mikkipedia - Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) Season? Here’s Your Nutritional Survival Kit

In this Mini Mikkipedia episode, Mikki dives into practical, evidence-based strategies to support your mood and energy during the darker months. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is more common than you think—and it's not just about feeling a little “meh.” With shorter days and less sunlight disrupting our serotonin and melatonin balance, Mikki explains why we crave carbs, struggle with low mood, and experience poor sleep. She unpacks the nutritional tools that can make a real difference, from k...

May 18, 202513 minEp. 363

Beyond Race Day: Marco Altini on Smarter Fueling

Save 20% on all Nuzest Products WORLDWIDE with the code MIKKIPEDIA at www.nuzest.co.nz , www.nuzest.com.au or www.nuzest.com This week on the podcast, Mikki speaks to Marco Altini—data scientist, athlete, and founder of HRV4Training—about his personal and professional exploration into periodised nutrition. Known for his evidence-based insights into heart rate variability and training readiness, Marco has recently turned the lens inward, experimenting with how varying his fuelling strategies arou...

May 13, 20251 hr 6 minEp. 362

Mini Mikkipedia - Mildly Elevated CRP? Here's What It Really Means

In this episode of Mikkipedia , Mikki explores a commonly overlooked health marker—C-Reactive Protein (CRP). While traditional lab ranges often label values under 5 mg/L as "normal," Mikki explains why even mild elevations (around 3–4 mg/L) can signal underlying low-grade inflammation. She breaks down what CRP actually reflects, the various root causes (from gut issues and food sensitivities to overtraining and hormonal shifts), and what practical steps you can take to investigate and lower it. ...

May 11, 202526 minEp. 361

From Kona to HYROX: Dan Plews Evolves!

Save 20% on all Nuzest Products WORLDWIDE with the code MIKKIPEDIA at www.nuzest.co.nz , www.nuzest.com.au or www.nuzest.com Curranz Supplement: Use code MIKKIPEDIA to get 20% off your first order - go to www.curranz.co.nz or www.curranz.co.uk to order yours This week on the podcast, Mikki speaks to Dr. Dan Plews — exercise physiologist, endurance coach, and world champion Ironman athlete — about his latest chapter: stepping into the world of HYROX. Dan has long been recognised for his scientifi...

May 06, 20251 hr 6 minEp. 360

Mini Mikkipedia - Is Low Stomach Acid Wrecking Your Digestion?

In this Mini Mikkipedia episode, Mikki dives deep into a surprisingly common but often misunderstood issue: low stomach acid (hypochlorhydria). If you’ve ever felt bloated, heavy, or fatigued after meals—or experienced reflux that persists despite using antacids—this might be the missing link in your digestive health. Mikki explains how stomach acid is foundational not just for breaking down food, but also for absorbing nutrients, protecting against pathogens, and even supporting mental clarity....

May 04, 202528 minEp. 359
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