Pop quiz: how many bones in your body can you name? How many muscles? Do you know the difference between tendons, ligaments, and fascia? We are all walking around with a supercomputer between our ears, and our bodies themselves are a biological miracle - and yet we hardly pay them any mind. How strange! On this week’s podcast, we’ll attempt to spark your interest. Listen and learn: About the wonderful world of fascia How we are all mirrors and snowflakes, anatomically speaking The ethical considerations with human dissections and cadavers Links Gil’s site ABOUT OUR GUEST Gil Hedley is an expert in human dissection and anatomy with over 29 years of experience. He is widely known for his pioneering approach to teaching and exploring the body through a blend of science, mindfulness, and embodiment. Like the Show? Leave us a review Check out our YouTube channel

Willem Kuyken, a clinical psychologist and mindfulness expert from the University of Oxford, shares valuable insights on integrating mindfulness into our busy lives. He discusses how even new moms can incorporate mindful practices throughout the day. The conversation highlights the distinction between intensive mindfulness retreats and accessible daily practices. Kuyken emphasizes the power of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy in preventing depression and reshaping our relationship with thoughts, urging a collective responsibility for mental wellness.

When you think about healthspan and longevity, your first thought probably isn’t “muscle” - but it should be. Here are just some of the benefits of muscle strength and mass, particularly as you age: increased metabolic rate, improved insulin sensitivity, improved bone density, better joint health, improved balance and stability, cardiovascular health, preserving mobility, improved mental health, reduced risk of sarcopenia, and even enhanced fat loss. On this week's podcast, you’ll meet an exercise physiologist who will help you understand not just the “why” but also the “how” behind strength training.   Listen and learn: The importance of strength training, particularly in later life The difference between Type I and Type II muscles The dangers of lifting - myth vs reality How to get strong without adding bulk Link Dan’s Site ABOUT OUR GUEST Dan van den Hoek is a Senior Lecturer with a PhD in Clinical Exercise Physiology. His academic and professional work focuses on the physiological responses to exercise. Dan is dedicated to bridging the gap between research and practical applications in health and wellness through exercise interventions. Like the Show? Leave us a review Check out our YouTube channel

Fiber is often overlooked in discussions about diet, weight loss, and immunity, but it shouldn’t be. Fiber is essential for digestive health, improving gut motility, and regulating bowel movements. It’s also key for weight management, as high-fiber foods are more filling. Research shows that fiber can reduce LDL cholesterol, potentially lowering the risk of heart disease. Additionally, fiber lowers the glycemic load of foods, helping to prevent metabolic syndrome and related conditions. Fiber also plays a crucial role in microbiome health, acting as a prebiotic to support the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, which positively impacts immune function, mental health, and more. The issue? Most of us don’t eat enough fiber or a wide variety of plants. My guest on this podcast is a gastroenterologist who literally wrote the book on fiber and will share his insights on how to heal your gut. Listen and learn: About fiber, resistant starch, and polyphenols as prebiotics Why you should aim to eat 30 plant foods weekly The importance of colorful plant foods How fiber transforms into anti-inflammatory short chain fats in your gut The reward vs. risks of fecal transplants Links: Will’s site ABOUT OUR GUEST Dr. Will Bulsiewicz, MD, MSCI, is a board-certified gastroenterologist, gut health expert, and New York Times bestselling author of Fiber Fueled. He is the US medical director of Zoe and founder of 38Tera. Like the Show? Leave us a review Check out our YouTube channel

Chronic pain affects hundreds of millions worldwide, with conditions like gastrointestinal issues, back pain, and migraine topping the list. In many cases, psychological factors play a significant role in causing or worsening pain. Despite overwhelming evidence, the mind-body connection is often ignored or dismissed as "all in your head," as though that makes it less serious. My guest this week has dedicated his work to educating both medical professionals and patients on the power of the mind to relieve and even reverse chronic pain. Listen and learn: How adverse childhood experiences can contribute to or even cause chronic pain Why most medical professionals are not trained in psychological triggers for chronic pain How awareness, vocalization, and writing can potentially help The future of pain treatment Learn more at: EndChronicPain.org ABOUT OUR GUEST Dr. David Clarke is President of the Psycho-physio-logic Disorders Association (PPDA), a nonprofit focused on addressing chronic pain through a biopsychosocial approach. He is board-certified in internal medicine and gastroenterology, with an MD from the University of Connecticut and a bachelor's degree in psychology from Williams College. Dr. Clarke is an international lecturer, author, and advocate for non-invasive treatments of stress-related medical conditions. Like the Show? Leave us a review Check out our YouTube channel

The iconic brand Tupperware filed for bankruptcy this week, burdened with over $1.2 billion of debt. They’ve reached a point of no return, where digging out is virtually impossible. In many ways, this mirrors the struggle of those facing severe obesity—a situation where years of weight gain have led to a seemingly insurmountable challenge. Just as companies can file for Chapter 11 and start afresh, people now have a potential reset button with the advent of weight loss drugs like semaglutide. In this week’s podcast, I’ll delve into this rapidly evolving landscape and what it could mean for those facing their own weight loss bankruptcy. Listen and learn: How diabetes drugs are being used for weight loss and why Are diabetics missing out because of this trend? What are the safety concerns and risks of these new drugs? What happens when you stop using them? The risks vs rewards of long-term use Navigating the costs and practical considerations Like the Show? Leave us a review Check out our YouTube channel

Dr. Jesse Rissman, an Associate Professor at UCLA specializing in brain imaging and memory research, dives into the fascinating world of neuroscience. He discusses why memory is complex and nearly impossible to pinpoint in the brain. Rissman also compares human recall to that of primates and explores how theta wave stimulation could enhance memory. Additionally, he highlights the challenges of attention in our distraction-filled age and shares insights on innovative memory improvement strategies.

Dr. Richard Allsopp, an assistant professor at the University of Hawaii, focuses on telomeres and aging. He dives into the difference between biological and chronological age, explaining how telomeres function as protective caps on chromosomes. The conversation explores the role of the FOXO3 gene in longevity and the crucial enzyme telomerase in aging. Lifestyle choices impacting telomere length are emphasized, alongside strategies for potentially reversing telomere shortening, making for an insightful discussion on health and aging.

Dr. Ketema Paul, a researcher at UCLA, delves into the intriguing world of sleep and its vital role in health. He discusses why some people struggle with sleep patterns and how irregular work schedules affect well-being. The conversation covers the impact of aging on sleep quality and the advantages of consulting specialists for sleep issues. Dr. Paul also evaluates the effectiveness of sleep tracking technologies, emphasizing the need for both objective and subjective measures in understanding individual sleep health.

Inside your gastrointestinal tract there are trillions of microbes, about 3 lbs in total, and in terms of absolute numbers, you have more microbial cells than human cells. This collection of bacteria, viruses, and fungi are collectively referred to as your gut microbiome, and at this juncture of human history, most of us struggle with some degree of gut dysbiosis. My guest on this week’s podcast has dedicated his work to the study of gut microbiome and how to fix it when things go wrong. Listen and learn: Why most probiotics haven’t been tested on humans How specific strains are required for specific problems Whether stool tests are really worth it The future of fecal transplants and poop banking ABOUT OUR GUEST Dr. Gregor Reid is a microbiologist whose work is focused on human microbiome and probiotics. He’s authored over 500 scientific publications and is the author of the book, Probiotics: A Story About Hope. Links www.lawsonresearch.ca Like the Show? Leave us a review Check out our YouTube channel