A podcast about the neuroscience of everything. From neurologists, researchers, and public health advocates Drs. Ayesha and Dean Sherzai, explore every aspect of our world through a neuroscientific lens, with science-based stories, interviews, anecdotes, and brain health facts. Equip yourself with neurologically sound answers to life’s everyday health questions and learn the essentials of brain health and optimization, one topic at a time.
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Dean Sherzai Podcasts
Join award-winning neurologists and researchers, Drs. Dean and Ayesha Sherzai, for a fun, innovative and inspirational approach to brain health and all matters concerning the remarkable human mind. This is the century of the brain, a time when our insights into this incredible organ are exploding at an unprecedented pace. Explore ways to take control of your own brain health, avoid chronic diseases that are devastating communities worldwide, and expand your mind's capacity beyond anything yo ...
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Experience, embrace, and discover how our simple every day choices affect our biology, mood, energy, creativity, and well-being. Each week host Dr. Sharon Bergquist talks with renowned researchers, physicians, nutritionists and wellness experts exploring the science behind true health and living to your fullest physical, emotional, and spiritual potential.
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Whether you're curious about healthy eating, the science behind nutrition and gut health, or how to live a happier and more fulfilling life, the Eat This Podcast with Dr Alan Desmond will inspire you with evidence-based insights and real-life stories. In each episode, gut health specialist and bestselling author Dr. Alan Desmond interviews doctors, dieticians, researchers and public figures, sharing expert advice on how to eat and live for optimal health and happiness. Tune in for positive c ...
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In 2016 I overcame food addiction, depression and lost 53kg (117lbs) by eating only potatoes for the year. The Spud Fit Podcast is all about continued self improvement through talking with others who do things differently and push the envelope. Since 2016 I have helped thousands of others to heal their troubled relationship with food. As of 2023 our brand new Spud Fit Transformation Roadmap is where we lay out the fundamentals of our whole approach, where we lay out step by step how to get f ...
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A Science-Based Plan to Reduce Dementia Risk with Drs. Dean & Ayesha Sherzai
54:14
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54:14About Dean: Dr. Dean Sherzai is a behavioral neurologist and neuroscientist whose entire life has been dedicated to behavioral change models at the community and population level. Dean completed his medical and neurology residencies at Georgetown University, followed by a subsequent fellowship in neurodegenerative diseases at the National Institute…
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The Diet and Lifestyle Habits that Prevent Dementia - with Doctors Dean & Ayesha Sherzai.
38:33
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38:33'Dementia is not inevitable. We can live a cognitively vibrant life by focusing on our lifestyle- especially food'. Today’s guests are Dr Dean Sherzai and Dr Ayesha Sherzai — an inspiring husband-and-wife team — neurologists, researchers, and authors who have dedicated their careers to preventing Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia through evid…
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Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis: Ten “Food Rules” for People Living with IBD
1:02:24
1:02:24
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1:02:24"Every patient with IBD asks about food — they deserve evidence-based answers". In this final episode of Season One, I’m diving into the conditions that first sparked my passion for gut health more than 20 years ago — Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, collectively known as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). As a Consultant Gastroenterologist, …
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Your Brain On... Alzheimer’s (Mythbusting Special)
50:04
50:04
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50:04Alzheimer’s disease is constantly surrounded by myths and misinformation. Let’s set the record straight. In this episode, we bust through the most persistent Alzheimer’s myths, with facts based on decades of clinical experience and cutting-edge research. Myths include: • “Alzheimer’s is inevitable in old age” • “It’s all genetic, and there’s nothin…
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Secrets of the World’s Longest-Lived and Happiest People — with Blue Zones Expert Dan Buettner
33:59
33:59
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33:59'Longevity isn’t just extra years — it’s extra good years. The longer you live in a Blue Zone, the fewer unhealthy years you endure' Today's conversation is with explorer, author, and National Geographic Fellow Dan Buettner, the man who brought us the concept of the Blue Zones — those remarkable places where people live longer, healthier lives than…
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Your Brain On... Purpose (Sherzai Family Special)
34:08
34:08
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34:08With big changes happening in the Sherzai family household, we sat down for a roundtable discussion about the concept that will shape what we’re all doing next: our purpose. In this ‘unplugged’ mid-season chat, we’re joined by our kids — Sophia and Alex! — for a wide-ranging conversation about our values and goals. How they form, how they falter, a…
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Creatine for Alzheimer’s — let’s separate the hype from the hope. A new study has caused a stir in June 2025, but lead researcher Matthew K. Taylor told us: “ I don’t think I can recommend it to a patient that this is going to ultimately have some sort of cognitive influence.” We speak to Dr. Taylor and Dr. Russell Swerdlow in this episode, discuss…
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From Popstar Fame to Plant Power - A Journey of Resilience, Sobriety & Self-Discovery with Suzanne Shaw
46:19
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46:19‘Our very first gig as a pop band was the Brit Awards — the entire music industry booed us. It was terrifying. I was 19 years old.’ In this powerful and deeply honest episode, I’m joined by actor, singer, and mental health advocate Suzanne Shaw. Suzanne first rose to fame in 2001 as a member of Hear’Say, the pop group formed through the reality TV …
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Stress isn’t just a threat to your brain. It’s also one of its best tools for growth. We often hear that stress is bad for your brain. And it can be. Chronic, unpredictable, and uncontrollable stress can damage cognition, harm memory, and accelerate aging. But we don’t talk enough about how the right kind of stress can actually improve brain functi…
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The Strategies You Need to Move Beyond IBS and Food Intolerances - with Dr. Will Bulsiewicz
27:17
27:17
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27:17"Our healthcare system has failed to give people with food intolerances the help they deserve." Today, I’m joined by my friend and colleague Dr. Will Bulsiewicz—better known as Dr. B, The Gut Health MD, board-certified Gastroenterologist, bestselling author of Fiber Fueled and The Fiber Fueled Cookbook, and U.S. Medical Director of the personalized…
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'Where Do You Get Your Protein?' Sophie Waplington On Strength, Confidence & Plant-Based Performance
46:32
46:32
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46:32“You’ve Never Eaten Meat? How Are You Still Alive?” Sophie Waplington has been fielding that question her whole life - today, she joins me to set the record straight. I sat down with Sophie - creator of Soph's Plant Kitchen, personal trainer, accomplished athlete, and high protein recipe creator - to talk food, fitness, and how she inspires her 1.4…
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Stroke is one of the biggest causes of death in the world — but also one of the most preventable. Up to 80–90% of strokes could be avoided with more awareness, resources, and a firmer focus on prevention over intervention. In this episode, we’re joined by renowned stroke neurologist and public health pioneer Dr. Olajide Williams, MD, MS, whose ‘Hip…
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The Healthy Foods that Beat Acid Reflux & Diverticular Disease
28:08
28:08
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28:08Thanks to the standard Western diet and our busy modern lifestyles, gut health issues like acid reflux and diverticular disease have become so common that we almost accept them as normal. In this live episode recorded in Washington D.C. with Chuck Carroll of The Exam Room Podcast, I break down what’s really driving these gut problems — and how the …
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How can we eat better when we’re constantly marketed to in a way that hijacks our attention and habits? To complement the incredible discussions we regularly have about brain-healthy nutrition, in this episode, we’ve having a very important conversation about how the food industry works against our best intentions, and how we can break through the …
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Smashing Your Fitness Goals as a Plant-Based Athlete
28:32
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28:32“You get more out of your workout when you’re fueled by plants. That’s the whole point.” Today, I’m joined by two leading voices in plant-based fitness—Robert Cheeke, former champion bodybuilder, and Matt Frazier, ultrarunner and founder of No Meat Athlete - to explain why a plant-based diet may be the key to unlocking world class athletic performa…
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A tiny bite from a tiny tick can trigger a complex disease which speaks to some huge problems with our healthcare system. In this episode, we explain the biology, controversy, and cultural blind spots around Lyme disease, a condition that reflects much more than just a bacterial infection. It’s also a mirror for our most urgent public health issue…
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Why We Love Dogs, Eat Pigs, and Wear Cows - the Psychology of Food Choices - Dr. Melanie Joy
28:59
28:59
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28:59“Guilt and shame are the enemies of sustainable change. Compassion and understanding are the keys.” Dr. Melanie Joy is a Harvard-educated psychologist, author, and one of the world’s foremost experts on the psychology of food choices. Dr. Joy’s groundbreaking book, Why We Love Dogs, Eat Pigs, and Wear Cows, explores the invisible belief system she …
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Your Brain On... Brain-Computer Interfaces
51:37
51:37
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51:37Restoring a person’s ability to speak, enabling individuals with paralysis to regain movement, and detecting neurodegenerative diseases earlier than ever — these are just some of the breakthroughs brain-computer interfaces are making possible. In this episode, we explore the astonishing world of BCIs: technologies that are giving autonomy and indep…
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The Sprouting Revolution: Learning to Nourish Yourself & Your Community – with Harold Craston
30:24
30:24
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30:24“If an absolute amateur can grow organic veg at home and begin to feed a community — so can you.” From sprouting seeds on a shelf to launching a transparent, mission-driven supplement brand, Harold Craston shares his journey with Shhine - built on sustainability, simplicity, and local organic farming. Harold also opens up about supporting his fathe…
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Gluten has become one of the most misunderstood aspects of modern nutrition. Let’s set the record straight. In this episode, we untangle the medical, neurological, and cultural narratives surrounding gluten, from celiac disease and non-celiac gluten sensitivity to real (and rare) cases of gluten-induced brain dysfunction. We discuss: • The differen…
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Why You Can’t Have Human Health Without Animal Welfare — Zoologist Turned NHS Dietitian Rosie Martin
47:57
47:57
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47:57Zoologist turned NHS Dietitian Rosie Martin changed careers - to save more lives. Today, I’m joined by Registered Dietitian Rosie Martin, who shares her powerful journey from zoologist to NHS dietitian and plant-based advocate. Tune in for some incredible insights on - Advocating for positive dietary change within the healthcare system. - What to s…
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Two-thirds of those diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease are women — but why? In this episode, we unpack the neurological, hormonal, and social drivers that uniquely affect women's brain health during the menopausal transition — from estrogen’s protective role in the brain to the misunderstood history of hormone replacement therapy. We discuss: • Why…
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Live Q&A with Dr. Neal Barnard: Saturated Fat, Precision Nutrition, and Why Humans Are Built for a Plant-Based Diet
23:10
23:10
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23:10Dr. Neal Barnard returns for Part Two—this time joining me to take questions from the audience at our recent sold-out Live Podcast. Listen in as we weigh in on: How plant-based eating is entering mainstream medical practice Why precision nutrition isn’t ready for primetime The truth about saturated fat and heart disease How plant-based diets suppor…
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Yogurt: Gut Health Superfood or Just Clever Marketing?
27:57
27:57
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27:57Yogurt is a multi-billion dollar industry - and is heavily advertised as a gut microbiome-boosting super food. But what does the scientific literature actually tell us about yogurt and gut health? The History of Yogurt: How yogurt became a Western staple, moving from niche food to health product. What Science Actually Says About Yogurt: Why those ‘…
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How One Sustainability Activist Can Change Millions of Lives - with Klaus Mitchell
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47:36“Momentum breeds momentum. Don’t ever feel like you’re not making a difference—because I promise, you are.” Today, we're sitting down with sustainability advocate Klaus Mitchell, the powerhouse behind Plant Based News. If you’ve watched a viral video about veganism, sustainability, or plant-based health in the last decade—there’s a good chance Klau…
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Everyday Foods to Achieve and Maintain a Healthy Body Weight - with Dr. Neal Barnard
48:55
48:55
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48:55‘There are certain foods, when you bring them into your life, things begin to change dramatically’ Dr. Neal Barnard shares remarkable insights from his groundbreaking research on nutrition, weight management, and chronic disease prevention. We discuss the everyday foods that can help you achieve and maintain a healthy body weight while promoting ov…
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Why I Ask My Patients To Eat More Plants!
57:57
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57:57One of the most common questions I’m asked is: “Why do you recommend a plant-based diet?” The answer is simple: I want the best possible outcomes for my patients. As a doctor, I believe we have a duty to use every evidence-based tool available—and healthy dietary change is one of the most powerful tools we have. In this episode, I sit down with Dr.…
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Essential Diet and Lifestyle Practices for a Healthier Menopause - with Dr Nitu Bajekal
59:24
59:24
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59:24Today, I’m in conversation with renowned OBGYN and women’s health expert Dr. Nitu Bajekal as we tackle perimenopause, menopause, and how nutrition and lifestyle can empower women through this crucial phase of life. With over 40 years of experience in female health, Dr. Bajekal shares practical, evidence-based strategies that everyone should know! W…
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Do Vegans Eat Too Much Junk Food? - with The Happy Pear
8:47
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8:47This bite-sized episode tackles a question that comes up time and time again: Do vegans eat too many highly processed foods? This discussion was sparked by a live Q&A with The Happy Pear, where we explored what the evidence really says about diet quality in vegans. We break down the differences between a vegan diet and a whole food plant-based diet…
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Why Quitting Alcohol Could Be Your Best Life Hack - with Andy Ramage.
43:30
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43:30Andy Ramage wants to change your relationship with alcohol, and spark lasting positive changes in your life. This episode is about so much more than stepping away from middle-lane drinking - it’s about creating a limitless life filled with energy, purpose, and positivity. Andy’s energy, enthusiasm, and insights are infectious, and he has an incredi…
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Once regarded as a bad habit - coffee is now widely recognized as a healthy beverage. But what about coffee and gut health? In today's bite-sized episode we delve into: ✅ How coffee affects gut health ✅ The surprising benefits of coffee beyond the caffeine hit ✅ Who may need to limit or avoid coffee ✅ What are the healthy alternatives So, whether y…
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Music is one of the most powerful forces of all time for human connection, cognitive stimulation, and therapeutic introspection. We’ve seen music help Alzheimer’s patients find their voice, children with speech disorders unlock new ways to communicate with rhythm and melody, and communities express their identity through song. In this episode, we d…
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Hungry for Change: How Our Food System Is Killing the Planet - with George Monbiot.
55:15
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55:15Our food system is broken - but we can fix it. Today on the podcast, I’m honored to share a conversation with one of the world's most prominent environmentalists - George Monbiot. George has a powerful understanding of our modern food system, and is a passionate advocate for radical change in how we produce and consume food, emphasizing the urgent …
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Supplements have become a hundred-billion dollar industry. But can they really boost your brain health in the ways they claim? They’re everywhere: shelves and shelves of pills and powders promising everything from improved immunity, boosted energy, and faster weight loss to better sleep, happier moods, and enhanced sexual wellness. Social media in…
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Overcoming Violence with Forgiveness: The Inspiring Story of John Woods
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13:57In today’s Bite-Sized episode, I’m sharing a powerful conversation with John Woods, founder of Linwoods Health Foods and sponsor of this podcast. John exemplifies many of the attributes we recently explored with Dr. Gemma Newman, showing how resilience, healthy habits, and compassion can lead to profound positive change. Today we cover: ✔️ John’s h…
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Traumatic Brain Injury is a major cause of death, disability, and cognitive decline. Thankfully, evolving research is helping us protect our heads and lessen the long-term impacts of TBIs. In this episode of ‘Your Brain On...’ we discuss: • The effects and symptoms of TBI, from mild concussions to more severe head injuries • What actually happens t…
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Six Daily Practices For A Healthier Life - with Dr Gemma Newman
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46:55On today’s episode, I’m joined by the incredible Dr. Gemma Newman for a special live recording to celebrate her bestselling book, “Get Well, Stay Well: The Six Healing Habits You Need to Know.” Together, we explore her six essential health prescriptions and uncover how these simple, actionable habits can drive meaningful health transformations. Thi…
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Are Meat and Junk Foods "Pro-Inflammatory"? - with Registered Dietitian Rosie Martin.
9:06
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9:06Today, I’m joined by my friend and colleague, Registered Dietitian Rosie Martin. Rosie is a leading expert in plant-based nutrition and a passionate advocate for harnessing the power of diet to improve health and well-being. In this episode, we dive into a crucial question raised during a live Q&A: How does the food we eat impact our body’s inflamm…
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Omega-3 supplements have become a multi-billion-dollar industry, promising to enhance your memory, boost your mood, and protect your brain. But where does the science end, and the marketing hype begin? Omega-3 fatty acids are a special category of ‘good fats’ that play vital roles in both brain and body health. Unlike some species, we can’t produce…
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Your gut microbiome wants you to eat more plants! - with Professor Tim Spector
29:14
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29:14Over the past decade, gut health has become a hot topic—and much of the credit goes to one man: Professor Tim Spector. From avoiding ultra-processed foods to aiming for 30 different plants per week, many of the concepts we now embrace stem from his work. In this episode, we dive into: Why every medical specialty is now exploring the gut microbiome.…
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Two decades on from the start of the smartphone revolution, we have the first humans who, for as long as they’ve been alive, have had the entire internet just a few taps away. What has this done to our brains? It’s been an unprecedented period of rapid change, and, with the largest social networking sites using every neurological trick in the book …
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Should You Have a Vegan Poop Transplant for Better Health?
9:54
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9:54Could a gut microbiome transplant put you on track for better health? Faecal Microbial Transplantation, or FMT, is a fascinating and rapidly evolving area of research. There are even private clinics offering it as a cure for various chronic health issues. How much of this is backed by research? Today, we cover everything you wanted to know about po…
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How To Be Truly Happy - with Stephen and David Flynn of The Happy Pear.
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38:37Today, we’re spending time with two of the happiest, most inspiring people I’ve ever met—Stephen and David Flynn, better known as The Happy Pear. With a global social media community of over 2 million followers, Stephen and David are not only champions of plant-based living but also ambassadors for positivity and connection. Personally, I learned s…
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In the Blue Zones no one is trying to live for a long time - key insights from longevity guru Dan Buettner.
7:33
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7:33In this bite-sized episode, I’m thrilled to feature Dan Buettner, the visionary behind the discovery of the Blue Zones—five unique regions where people consistently enjoy longer, healthier, and more fulfilling lives. Dan shares a surprising perspective: the people in Blue Zones aren’t actively trying to live a long life. Instead, their longevity is…
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The Real Science Behind Gut Health And Food Intolerances - What Everybody With Gut Problems Needs To Know.
31:00
31:00
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31:00If you’re one of the millions struggling with gut health issues, you already know how deeply it can impact your quality of life. In this episode, we’re tackling the most pressing questions and concerns about gut health, including: The real impact of gut health problems on everyday life. How to have productive conversations with your doctor about gu…
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Your Brain On... (Sherzai Family Holiday Special)
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51:10Our incredible kids Sophia and Alex Sherzai join us for a special end-of-year episode of the ‘Your Brain On...’ episode! As a family of neuroscientists — Sophia in biomedical engineering, Alex in artificial intelligence, Ayesha in vascular neurology, and Dean in behavioral neurology — we have fascinating discussions (and debates) about all aspects …
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High in fats and low in carbs, ketogenic diets were originally developed in the 1920s to treat children with epilepsy. Now, they’ve gained popularity for weight loss, and even improved cognitive function. But how much truth is there in the purported brain health benefits we see on social media? In this episode of ‘Your Brain On...’, we separate the…
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ALS, a nervous system disease, ruled the headlines in the summer of 2014 thanks to the viral Ice Bucket Challenge. How has our knowledge of the disorder evolved a decade later? Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as ‘Lou Gehrig's disease’ (named after the iconic baseball player), is a progressive neurological disorder which breaks down a pers…
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For decades, ketamine has mainly been used as an anaesthetic, but in more recent years, it’s gained popularity in mental health treatment. Conversations around the benefits and risks associated with its therapeutic usage ignited towards the end of 2023, when actor Matthew Perry, star of the sitcom ‘Friends’, died from the acute effects of the ketam…
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Introducing: The Eat This Podcast with Dr Alan Desmond
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2:28Join gut health specialist and bestselling author Dr. Alan Desmond for positive conversations about the food we eat and the lives we lead. In each episode, Dr. Alan interviews leading doctors, dietitians, influencers, and health experts, providing practical tips to help you become the healthiest version of yourself. Whether you're curious about hea…
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