Best Harvard Catalyst Podcasts (2025)

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Updates from Harvard's Football Players Health Study 18:54

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28d ago18:54

18:54

Launched in 2014, the Football Players Health Study is the largest study of living former NFL players, with more than 4,800 participants. In this episode, Alicia Whittington, PhD, assistant director of engagement and health equity research, joins us to discus her work on the study, including a family initiative and resources for former NFL players.…

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It's Time to Chat with Katy Meade-King 1:16:54

1M ago1:16:54

1:16:54

In this very special episode of It’s Time, Jillian Melissa welcomes her first-ever guest—internationally respected intuitive guide and medium, Katy Meade-King. What unfolds is a deeply honest, soul-stirring conversation about awakening to spiritual gifts, honoring the body as a living temple, and practicing discernment in a crowded spiritual market…

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It's Time to Integrate 45:51

1M ago45:51

45:51

Integration isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a lived experience. In this episode of It’s Time, Jillian Melissa invites you into her own season of deep integration, sharing perspective on fatigue, discernment, grief, and the delicate dance of calibrating to a new reality. Whether you’ve left a toxic relationship, stepped into a new career, embraced a spir…

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The NFL & Community-Engaged Research 25:46

2M ago25:46

25:46

How does growing up with two NFL football players spark a career in research? In this re-airing of our May 2022 interview with Alicia Whittington, PhD, of the Football Players Health Study, Whittington shares how her upbringing helped lead her to her current work in health equity and community-engaged research.Transcript: http://bit.ly/3J1wlpb…

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It's Time to Do the Work 57:06

3M ago57:06

57:06

What if the person you loved most, your twin flame, your ex, your “healer,” was actually just wearing a mask? In this raw, poetic, and piercingly honest episode, Jillian Melissa dives into the manipulative tactics of narcissists, the emotional gymnastics of self-loathing men, and the soul work required to break free. From the psychological to the s…

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Investigating Brain Injuries 13:53

3M ago13:53

13:53

In this follow up to our 2019 interview, Alex Lin, PhD, of Brigham and Women's Hospital shares updates on his research investigating brain injuries. In this episode, Lin discusses his research over the past six years, including his work studying the impact of hormones on the brain and gender differences in concussion. Transcript: http://bit.ly/4k54…

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It's Time to Unmask Psychopaths 1:23:36

4M ago1:23:36

1:23:36

In this unflinching and energetically charged episode of It’s Time, Jillian Melissa opens a portal into one of the hardest truths to speak: the reality of psychopathy, narcissism, and spiritual manipulation. Guided by spirit and grounded in real-life experience, Jillian takes you on a deeply human—and soul-protective—exploration of Cluster B person…

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Innovative Imaging: Brain Injury Research 24:41

4M ago24:41

24:41

In case you missed it: Back in 2019, we interviewed Alex Lin, PhD, director of the Center for Clinical Spectroscopy at Brigham and Women's Hospital. In this episode, he discusses his research investigating traumatic brain injuries and how he measures brain chemistry using magnetic resonance spectroscopy.Transcript: https://bit.ly/3ZwKaRY…

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It's Time to Let Go 1:24:57

5M ago1:24:57

1:24:57

In this expansive and soulful episode of It’s Time with Jillian Melissa, Jillian channels a night-sky transmission on the deep work of releasing attachment, trusting visions without clinging, and manifesting without grasping. Through metaphors of ladders, psychic premonitions, heartbreak, post-breakup glow-ups, and body healing, she shows how true …

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It's Time to Detach 1:09:30

5M ago1:09:30

1:09:30

Welcome to It’s Time with Jillian Melissa. In this soul-expanding episode, Jillian dives into the deep and tender terrain of attachment, detachment, and the spiritual lessons that lie beneath both. From cinnamon roll metaphors to tunnels under Harvard, she weaves personal story with sacred insight, offering a transformational perspective on how att…

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Advancing Research on Bioadhesive Materials 18:05

6M ago18:05

18:05

Bioadhesive materials have the potential to support patient care in a number of ways, from wound healing to repairing the dura to assisting with leaks of cerebral spinal fluid. In this follow-up to our 2022 interview, Ben Freedman, PhD, of Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, shares technological advancements and discoveries made by his team over …

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Engineering Adhesive Biomaterials to Improve Healing 19:58

7M ago19:58

19:58

In case you missed it: Adhesive biomaterials are used in orthopedic and cardiovascular surgery, as well as neurosurgery, to improve patient care. In this episode from 2022, Ben Freedman, PhD, of the Wyss Institute at Harvard University, discusses his research on the design and synthesis of these biomaterials.Transcript: https://bit.ly/4mIujKn…

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It's Time to Love 1:00:51

7M ago1:00:51

1:00:51

Welcome to It's Time with Jillian Melissa. In this episode, we dive deep into the essence of love, its ability to replenish, transform, and guide us toward truth. Love is more than a feeling; it's a force that defies entropy, a progressive impulse that heals and expands our reality. Jillian explores how genuine love nurtures spiritual growth, how w…

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It's Time to Forecast 2025 1:17:14

8M ago1:17:14

1:17:14

Welcome to It's Time with Jillian Melissa. In this episode, Jillian offers a glimpse into the energetic journey of 2025-- a year of divine recalibration, compensation, and long-lasting transformation. Join her as she channels insights, guidance, and wisdom to help you navigate the year ahead with clarity, love, and empowerment. The time is now to l…

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2024 In Review: Part One 23:35

9M ago23:35

23:35

In part one of this two-part special, we take a look back at some of our interviews from 2024. In this episode, hear from Jason Vassy, MD, MPH, of Veterans Affairs (VA) Boston Healthcare System, on how patient DNA might be used to improve healthcare and prevent disease. Also hear from Mayank Chugh, PhD, of William & Mary, as he shares how social in…

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Advancing Translational Science 33:16

10M ago33:16

33:16

"Translational science is really general principles for how we take scientific discoveries and basic scientific information and translate that into implementable, viable, feasible health solutions for both the patient and the provider to be able to utilize," says Michael Kurilla, MD, PhD, of the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences …

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The Effects of Climate Change on Indigenous Populations 32:03

11M ago32:03

32:03

"Growing up in Fiji, I witnessed firsthand the impacts of climate change and environmental degradation on small island communities," says Nile Nair, PhD, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. In our latest episode, Nair shares his research studying the effects of climate change and the accelerated nutrition transition on Indigenous populations…

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Investigating Mitochondria 16:46

1y ago16:46

16:46

It’s well known that mitochondria are the powerhouse of the cell, but research shows they can also offer new insights into how cells maintain their metabolic balance, potentially leading to novel therapeutic strategies to help fight diseases. Marjana Ndoci MSc, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, shares her research on this topic.Transcript:…

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Data sharing in Community-Engaged Research 34:24

1y ago34:24

34:24

Sharing data in the context of community-engaged research involves specialized practices and considerations. Our latest episode, hosted by Karen Emmons, PhD, faculty lead for Harvard Catalyst's Community Engagement program, discusses critical aspects of data sharing and privacy that researchers need to know with Susan Adams, PMP, and Cheryl Clark, …

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Equity, Economics, and Health Outcomes in Cardiology 22:08

1y ago22:08

22:08

"[Health equity] is a term that we often listen to, but it involves so many things," says Frans Serpa, MD, Smith Center for Outcomes Research in Cardiology. On this podcast, Serpa discusses his innovative work at the intersection of cardiology, health equity, and health economics. Tune in to learn more about how common heart conditions and outcomes…

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Improving Patient Safety 21:01

1+ y ago21:01

21:01

"The National Academy of Medicine said that every American, at least once in their lifetime, will likely experience a diagnostic error, some of which will have devastating consequences," says Christina Cifra, MD, MS, of Boston Children's Hospital. In this episode, Cifra discusses her work as a health services researcher focusing on patient safety a…

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Understanding Suicide: A Public Health Perspective 26:29

1+ y ago26:29

26:29

"Suicide is not simply a mental health issue, it's a public health issue," says Sara Kohlbeck, director of the Division of Suicide Research and Healing at the Medical College of Wisconsin. In this episode, Kohlbeck shares her research, which focuses on understanding suicide among disproportionately affected populations, including farmers, veterans,…

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Improving Health Outcomes for Children 25:32

1+ y ago25:32

25:32

"We need to better meet the needs of children and families by understanding what their needs are and addressing that in the care we deliver," says Meg Simione, PhD, of Massachusetts General Hospital. In this episode, Simione shares her research examining the determinants and impacts of pediatric disorders and ways to improve access to care through …

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It's Time to Heal the Past 1:22:44

1+ y ago1:22:44

1:22:44

Welcome to It's Time with Jillian Melissa. In this emotional and deeply personal episode, Jillian dives into the complexities of mental health, spirituality, and the profound journey of self-discovery. Jillian shares her harrowing experiences with addiction, mental illness, and her encounters with the psychiatric system, while she delves into the f…

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Social Inequality in STEM 31:31

1+ y ago31:31

31:31

How do social inequity dimensions such as race, gender, socioeconomic status, and citizenship impact STEM education? In our latest episode, Mayank Chugh, PhD, of Harvard Medical School discusses his research.Transcript:By Harvard Catalyst

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It's Time to Illuminate the Higher Self's Language 52:42

1+ y ago52:42

52:42

In today's episode, Jillian introduces us to the concept of the Higher Self. She explores what the Higher Self actually is, why it is important to connect to, and how we can truly dialogue with it. In doing so, she takes us on a journey highlighting her own personal experience of two particular psychic senses, clairolfaction and clairaudience. and …

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It's Time with Jillian Melissa - It's Time to Share My Psychic Origin Story 47:30

1+ y ago47:30

47:30

Dive deep with Jillian Melissa as she takes us on a soul-stirring odyssey from childhood psychic leanings to a hard-won life brimming with healing and purpose, overcoming trauma, and reclaiming her intuitive powers. Join us for a raw, empowering tale of transformation and the unyielding power of intuition. Jillian Melissa is an intuitive channeler,…

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Genomics in Healthcare 22:02

1+ y ago22:02

22:02

What role can genomics play in improving healthcare? Jason Vassy, MD, MPH, MS, of Veterans Affairs (VA) Boston Healthcare System and Brigham and Women’s Hospital shares his research on how patient DNA might be used to improve healthcare and prevent disease.Transcript: https://bit.ly/3SjtTwFBy Harvard Catalyst

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The MIND Project: Neurodiversity and Inclusivity 26:49

2y ago26:49

26:49

“The more diverse that we are, the better off we are for the health, safety, and success of the human race,” says Kris King, founder and executive director of the Trans+ Community Celebration at Harvard University. In this episode, King discusses the importance of embracing neurodiversity to create a more compassionate and inclusive world. Isabel C…

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Addressing Hypertension: Engaging Black Communities in Boston 37:02

2y ago37:02

37:02

"Without the input of the people in the community, I don't think we would be essentially where we are," says Ruth-Alma Turkson-Ocran, PhD. In this episode, Turkson-Ocran and Stephen Juraschek, PhD, of Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, discuss their research study entitled "Groceries for Black Residents of Boston to Stop Hypertension". The conve…

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The MIND Project: What is Neurodiversity? 20:18

2y ago20:18

20:18

Neurodiversity is a concept that recognizes the natural diversity of neurological traits and conditions of human beings. Guests Georgios Ntolkeras, Walid Yassine, and Anuksha Wickramasinghe from The MIND Project join us to explore this topic and their work in this area. Isabel Castanho of The MIND Project serves as guest host. Transcript: https://b…

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Community Health 26:06

2y ago26:06

26:06

Community Health by Harvard CatalystBy Harvard Catalyst

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Summer Break Announcement 1:53

2+ y ago1:53

1:53

Transcript: https://bit.ly/3qbL1sqBy Harvard Catalyst

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Community Engaged: Equity in Research - Part Two 23:37

2+ y ago23:37

23:37

How can researchers reflect the diversity of community voices in their work? Community Coalition for Equity in Research members, Rosa Alemán, BA, of the American Civil Liberties Union of Massachusetts, and Mark Kennedy, MBA, of the Boston Public Health Commission, discuss the importance of building relationships within communities. Transcript: http…

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Community Engaged: Equity in Research – Two-Part Series 36:38

2+ y ago36:38

36:38

Join members of our Community Coalition for Equity in Research for the first of two conversations on their work, which is to serve as a trusted communication channel between researchers and community stakeholders, providing input on research proposals, among other tasks. Guests: Rosa Alemán, BA, American Civil Liberties Union of Massachusetts, and …

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Investigating Body Image in Adolescents 30:02

2+ y ago30:02

30:02

Does our body image influence eating behaviors or parenting around food behaviors? Jhordan Wynne, MPH, Harvard T.H.Chan School of Public Health, discusses her research investigating body image in adolescents. Transcript:By Harvard Catalyst

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Podcast Retrospect: Conversations from 2022 27:28

2+ y ago27:28

27:28

In this third segment of 2022 episode highlights, researchers discuss health equity, neurotechnology to treat brain disorders, and mental health considerations for biomedical trainees and students.Transcript: https://bit.ly/3woroxbBy Harvard Catalyst

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Podcast Retrospective: Episode Highlights of 2022 34:20

2+ y ago34:20

34:20

In this second podcast highlighting segments of the past year, researchers discuss utilizing health and economic data to generate interesting questions, assessing penicillin allergies, tackling healthcare costs in America, the importance of mentorship, and educating homeless youth in LA about HIV preventionTranscript: https://bit.ly/3CjHVpvCourse: …

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Podcast Retrospective: Exploring Career Paths in Biomedical Research 33:58

3y ago33:58

33:58

In the first episode of our series highlighting previous podcasts, we return to insightful conversations with researchers who have taken unconventional paths to form their academic and research careers.Transcript: https://bit.ly/3iXNza0By Harvard Catalyst

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Work/Life Balance 20:06

3y ago20:06

20:06

What does work-life balance look like for those in academia and industry? In the first episode of our new series, Teresa Evans, PhD, principal consultant for TiER1 Performance, provides guidance on this topic.Transcript: http://bit.ly/3VSS2JBFundamentals & Applications of Clinical and Translational Research: https://catalyst.harvard.edu/courses/fun…

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Diversifying Your Research Funding 18:24

3y ago18:24

18:24

Identifying the various funding sources available to researchers is key to obtaining grants. Caterina Stamoulis, PhD, Boston Children's Hospital, serves as course director for our Non-NIH Government Funding Agencies course and our Grant Funding for Researchers Certificate. In this episode, she discusses her personal experience obtaining funding and…

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Mental Health in Science and Medicine: Part 4 31:57

3y ago31:57

31:57

What impact does research culture have on mental health and diversity in STEM? Zoe Ayres, PhD, and Juanita Limas, PhD, discuss their recent paper on this subject and share their experiences in both academia and industry.Transcript: bit.ly/3WjuoH6Introduction to Designing & Conducting Mixed Methods Research: hvrdct.me/pxj…

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Mental health in Science and Medicine: Part 3 26:41

3y ago26:41

26:41

This episode addresses the importance of mental health and work/life balance with guest Teresa Evans, PhD, principal consultant at TiER1 Performance, who shares findings on the mental health crisis in graduate education. Transcript: https://bit.ly/3CF7i4FAccess the Biostatistics Essentials: Video Subscription: hvrdct.me/dq6…

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Mental health in Science and Medicine: Part 2 33:03

3y ago33:03

33:03

"I realized there had not yet been a systematic review and meta-analysis looking at depression in residents. So I thought, all right, I'm going to write one. And so I set out to do that," says Douglas Mata, MD, MPH, Foundation Medicine, about the inspiration behind his research, which focuses on mental health among medical students and residents.Tr…

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Mental Health in Science and Medicine: Part 1 35:14

3y ago35:14

35:14

Our new four-part series, in partnership with the MIND Project at Harvard University, focuses on mental health in science and medicine today. In part one, guests Isabel Castanho, PhD, head of communications for the the Mind Project, and Heather Burrell Ward, MD, psychiatrist at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, discuss mental health issues curr…

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Neurotechnology to Treat Brain Disorders 12:28

3y ago12:28

12:28

Advances in neurotechnology are leading to new developments in brain implants which can be used to treat neurological disorders. Paul Le Floch, PhD, discusses his work as CEO and co-founder of Axoft, which is working on soft brain implants. Transcript: https://bit.ly/3KX1HubBy Harvard Catalyst

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A New Technology For Wound Healing 22:05

3y ago22:05

22:05

Is there an innovative solution to treating chronic, non-healing wounds? Wendy Slone, PhD, founder and CEO of bTECH, discusses her work developing the innovative Halcyon SMART Patch, a new approach that promotes tissue healing.Transcript: https://bit.ly/3AovVT2By Harvard Catalyst

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Implementation Science and Community Impact 19:43

3y ago19:43

19:43

Implementation science plays a critical role in supporting communities and health equity. Gina Kruse, MD, MPH, Massachusetts General Hospital, a faculty member in our Community Engagement program and lab director of the Implementation Science Center for Cancer Control Equity at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, discusses her work in this a…

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A Career In MedTech 19:26

3y ago19:26

19:26

What is it like to work as an entrepreneur in medical technology? IIsa Webeck, MBA, MedTech Strategies director and founder, discusses her career in medical technology and shares her experience working as course director for the Harvard Catalyst course TRANSCEND.Transcript: https://bit.ly/3uVQUd2By Harvard Catalyst

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Health Equity for All 34:17

3y ago34:17

34:17

What is the importance of health equity in medicine? James Jacques Carter, MD, MPH, FACP, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, discusses his work promoting health equity in prostate cancer screening and education. He is joined by Alicia Whittington, PhD, MPH, Football Players Health Study at Harvard University, to discuss their efforts as board me…