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
Jun 29, 2025 • 13min
Bertolotti’s Syndrome: The Under-diagnosed Cause Of Back Pain
When Jakki Maser’s back pain started at 13, doctors brushed it off as a minor injury. Years of unrelenting pain and dead-end appointments led her to uncover the real cause herself – Bertolotti’s syndrome, an underdiagnosed spinal condition. This week, our experts explain how to accurately catch this condition and the best treatment methods for a full recovery.
Learn More:
https://radiohealthjournal.org/bertolottis-syndrome-the-under-diagnosed-cause-of-back-pain Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jun 29, 2025 • 10min
The Future Of Medicine Pt.2: A New Era Of Healthcare Focuses On Prevention
New technology like AI offers promise, but experts say true healthcare reform starts with prevention, not just innovation. The U.S. spends more on healthcare than any other nation, yet outcomes lag because we focus on expensive treatments instead of early care. Our expert explains how real change will require prioritizing prevention to keep people healthier from the start.
Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/the-future-of-medicine-pt-2-a-new-era-of-healthcare-focuses-on-prevention Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jun 25, 2025 • 3min
Medical Notes: The Science Behind Your ‘AURA’, The Fluoride Debate, And The Real Reason Behind Your Yawn
Your ‘aura’ may just be a mixture of oils and fats on the skin. Scientists still don’t fully know why we yawn—but they’re getting closer. The debate over fluoride is back in the spotlight. Urban rats may be more than just an annoying pest.
Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/medical-notes-the-science-behind-your-aura-the-fluoride-debate-and-the-real-reason-behind-your-yawn Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jun 22, 2025 • 13min
The Mental And Physical Toll Of Inflammatory Bowel Disease
For people with inflammatory bowel disease, daily life can be painful, unpredictable, and isolating. The successful management of IBD means addressing both physical and mental symptoms. Our experts discuss treatment approaches and a new program aiming to end the stigma and offer support for patients.
Learn More:
https://radiohealthjournal.org/the-mental-and-physical-toll-of-inflammatory-bowel-disease Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jun 22, 2025 • 10min
The Future Of Medicine Pt.1: Do We Want Free Or Innovative Healthcare?
Most Americans don’t have a clear picture of what universal healthcare really means. Dr. Marschall Runge says we’re unlikely to see fully free, unlimited care – but a model based on preventive, team-based medicine is possible. In his new book, The Great Healthcare Disruption, Runge outlines how AI, better access, and more shareable medical records could revolutionize care – if we also prioritize our own health.
Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/the-future-of-medicine-pt-1-do-we-want-free-or-innovative-healthcare Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jun 18, 2025 • 3min
Medical Notes: How Fish Oil Slows Aging, The Loneliness Epidemic, And How To Better Understand Autism
Is there a new brain region for our senses? Why are so many adults feeling alone? Can fish oil really slow down aging?
Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/medical-notes-how-fish-oil-slows-aging-the-loneliness-epidemic-and-how-to-better-understand-autism Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jun 17, 2025 • 15min
Producer's Cut: Wombs For Rent - The Legalization of Commercial Surrogacy
This segment is part of a new, podcast exclusive series called Producer's Cut. We'll be revisiting past shows that've left a lasting impact on the RHJ team, and providing behind-the-scenes insights on how the story came together.
Commercial gestational surrogacy allows parents to have a biological child that’s carried and birthed by another woman who receives a salary. Though many countries have outlawed commercial surrogacy, states in America are beginning to legalize it. Experts weigh in on the ethical implications of commercialized surrogacy.
Learn more at: radiohealthjournal.org/wombs-for-rent-legalization-of-commercial-surrogacy/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jun 15, 2025 • 10min
More Than Growing Pains: The Hidden Toll Of Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is tough to diagnose and even harder to treat effectively. Thankfully, researchers are creating more precise tests that can match patients to the right treatment plan on the first try. Our experts explain the challenges of rheumatoid arthritis and a new test that can bypass the trial-and-error approach to medicine.
Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/more-than-growing-pains-the-hidden-toll-of-rheumatoid-arthritis Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jun 15, 2025 • 13min
‘GRAS’-FED Loopholes: Why Your Diet Is More Toxic Than The FDA Knows
For the most part, food companies are allowed to police themselves when introducing new food additives to market. This gap in oversight is the product of a GRAS loophole, a decades-old FDA policy. Jennifer Pomeranz explains how the status-quo is threatening public health and offers innovative solutions for reform.
Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/gras-fed-loopholes-why-your-diet-is-more-toxic-than-the-fda-knows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jun 11, 2025 • 3min
Medical Notes: The Brain’s Secret Microstructure That Has Powerful Impacts, Why Kids Should Play Sports, And How A Diabetes Drug Can Fight Off Alzheimer’s Disease
A diabetes drug may be helpful in the fight against alzheimers. A tiny part of the brain may be the key to treating addiction. Kids should join a sport to boost their mental health.
Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/medical-notes-the-brains-secret-microstructure-that-has-powerful-impacts-why-kids-should-play-sports-and-how-a-diabetes-drug-can-fight-off-alzheimers-disease Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
