Radio Health Journal | The Latest in Health, Science & Public Policy
Elizabeth Westfield, Greg Johnson, Maayan Voss de Bettancourt | AURN
Each week, Radio Health Journal breaks down important news in medicine, science and technology with the help of world-renowned experts. Our three weekly segments will help guide you to a happier, healthier life – with some fun facts to share at dinner parties. Can magic mushrooms cure your depression? Have we outrun natural selection? Hosted by Elizabeth Westfield, Greg Johnson and Maayan Voss de Bettancourt and produced by Kristen Farrah and Amirah Zaveri. New shows posted each Sunday by 5 a.m. EST. Subscribe, listen, and rate. If you’re looking for older episodes, you can find our entire segment catalog on our website radiohealthjournal.org. Also, check out the latest on Facebook and Instagram @radiohealthjournal and on X @RadioHealthJrnl.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Feb 23, 2025 • 10min
How A Fungal Pandemic Could Create Real-Life Zombies
Our body temperature is currently too hot for fungus to thrive in – which is why we don’t often have to worry about a serious fungal infection. However, global warming is forcing fungi to evolve to withstand hotter temperatures, which could be bad news for humanity. Dr. Arturo Casadevall explains what a future fungal pandemic might look like.Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/how-a-fungal-pandemic-could-create-real-life-zombies Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Feb 23, 2025 • 12min
The Secret To Successful Aging: Outdoor-Based Activities To Keep You Young
Outdoor activities have been shown to be an important part of disease prevention and successful aging. And though there are some obstacles for older adults, there are ways to adjust the activities to fit all skill levels. Our experts explain the benefits to prioritizing outdoor-based interventions and group activities.Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/the-secret-to-successful-aging-outdoor-based-activities-to-keep-you-young Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Feb 19, 2025 • 3min
Medical Notes: Why Hopeful Fathers Should Live In Cold Weather, How Dialysis Is Improving Access To Clean Water, And The Dangers Of Using A Smartwatch
How can you tell if your sniffles are just allergies or something worse? Should men be living in colder climates? The medical field is helping to increase access to clean water. Your smart watch may not be as great for your health as you thought. Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/medical-notes-why-hopeful-fathers-should-live-in-cold-weather-how-dialysis-is-improving-access-to-clean-water-and-the-dangers-of-using-a-smartwatch Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Feb 16, 2025 • 13min
Trust Your Gut: How To Heal Your Gut Microbiome
Are you chronically bloated, feeling weighed down, or haven’t been as energetic lately? It’s possible that it’s a product of neglecting your gut microbiome. Dr. Robynne Chutkan explains the important role our microbiome plays in our physical and mental health -- and how you can heal your gut to put yourself back on track.Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/trust-your-gut-how-to-heal-your-gut-microbiom Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Feb 16, 2025 • 10min
The Hydrocodone Hyperbole: The Best Drug For Pain Isn’t Always An Opioid
Even though opioids are highly addictive, they continue to be prescribed because they’re thought of as the best option for pain management. However, that’s not always the case. Dr. Cecile Feldman explains new research that shows how over-the-counter medication is more effective in some cases – and how this revelation is changing prescribing practices in dentistry.Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/the-hydrocodone-hyperbole-the-best-drug-for-pain-isnt-always-an-opioid Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Feb 12, 2025 • 3min
Medical Notes: Why Being Cynical Is Bad For Your Health, How Fungi May Soon Take Over, And Increasing The Effectiveness Of Chemotherapy
Is another global pandemic on the horizon? Antibodies aren’t just a protection from disease. Chemotherapy is tough on the body, but magnets could help. Being cynical is bad for your health. Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/medical-notes-why-being-cynical-is-bad-for-your-health-how-fungi-may-soon-take-over-and-increasing-the-effectiveness-of-chemotherapy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Feb 9, 2025 • 13min
Soda Science: How Coca-Cola Influenced Obesity Research
Since funding is necessary for scientific research, it’s not uncommon for private companies to be financially involved in studies. However, Susan Greenhalgh breaks down Coca-Cola’s intimate relationship with nutrition research, revealing the need for more third-party oversight in this area. Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/soda-science-how-coca-cola-influenced-obesity-research Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Feb 9, 2025 • 9min
Digital Therapy: Mental Health Apps May Be Selling Your Personal Data
As mental health becomes a bigger topic of conversation in society, it makes sense that an entire digital industry has been built around it. Online therapy has become the new normal for many Americans, but such a saturated market means that consumers can’t trust every product. Dr. Stephanie Collier explains the value of digital therapy programs and reveals how to choose the safest, most effective option.Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/digital-therapy-mental-health-apps-may-be-selling-your-personal-dat Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Feb 5, 2025 • 3min
Medical Notes: The Drug That Outperforms Opioids For Pain Management, The Hidden Dangers Of Kidney Disease, And Why Less Daylight May Be Better For Our Health
Your bad mood is probably connected to your sleep. Need surgery? Over-the-counter medication may be your best option for pain management. The hidden risks of kidney disease. Shortened winter days may be better for our health.Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/medical-notes-the-drug-that-outperforms-opioids-for-pain-management-the-hidden-dangers-of-kidney-disease-and-why-less-daylight-may-be-better-for-our-health Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Feb 2, 2025 • 11min
How Flint’s Water Crisis Revealed The Underbelly Of Water Politics
Though lead pipes were outlawed in 1986, the EPA estimates that more than nine million lead service lines still distribute water across America. And though many people believe treatment plants are enough to keep our drinking water safe, the Flint water crisis proved this very wrong. Sara Hughes explains how this city’s contamination in 2014 has changed the visibility of water politics in America for the better.Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/how-flints-water-crisis-revealed-the-underbelly-of-water-politics Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
