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
May 22, 2025 • 16min
Producer's Cut: How To Provide Support in the Wake of a Traumatic Loss
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. This segment focuses on grief.
It can be difficult to figure out how to comfort someone dealing with a traumatic loss. Often, there’s a fear of not knowing what to say, which can leave the grieving person feeling more alone. Two bereaved mothers recount their experiences of losing their children, and detail what good support looks like.
Learn more at: radiohealthjournal.org/support-in-wake-of-traumatic-loss/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
May 21, 2025 • 3min
Medical Notes: How Our Genetics Can Predict Our Future, Climate Change Is Worsening Seasonal Allergies, And Why Research Excludes Pregnant Women
Why more pregnant women need to be in clinical trials. Scientists are helping us see the future. Does our DNA know our future? Have your seasonal allergies gotten worse?
Learn More:
https://radiohealthjournal.org/medical-notes-how-our-genetics-can-predict-our-future-climate-change-is-worsening-seasonal-allergies-and-why-research-excludes-pregnant-women Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
May 18, 2025 • 10min
How To Rewire Your Brain For Happiness And Success
Have you been feeling stuck in your career or personal life? Though it can take some time and effort, it’s possible to rewire our brains for the better. Dr. Greg Hammer, author of Gain Without Pain, reveals the best tricks to form healthier habits that’ll lead to more happiness and success.
Learn More:
https://radiohealthjournal.org/how-to-rewire-your-brain-for-happiness-and-success Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
May 18, 2025 • 12min
Li-Fraumeni Syndrome (LFS): A Fatal Curse Passed Down Through Generations
We’re all born with a special gene that’s job is to seek out and destroy cancer cells. But when some people are born with a mutated version, it lets cancer run rampant throughout the body – sometimes even helping tumors spread. Lawrence Ingrassia details his family’s battle with this mutation and the tragedies left in its wake.
Learn More:
https://radiohealthjournal.org/li-fraumeni-syndrome-lfs-a-fatal-curse-passed-down-through-generations
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
May 14, 2025 • 3min
Medical Notes: How Vitamin D Can Fight Your Allergies, America’s Impending Population Shortage, And The Care Disparity With Dementia Patients
Why is there a care gap for dementia patients? Is sunlight good for your nose? Will America soon be facing a population shortage?
Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/medical-notes-how-vitamin-d-can-fight-your-allergies-americas-impending-population-shortage-and-the-care-disparity-with-dementia-patients Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
May 11, 2025 • 11min
How The Primary Care Physician Shortage Is Draining Your Health And Wallet
There’s a primary care shortage and it’s only expected to worsen in coming years. Some experts have proposed using non-physician practitioners as a substitute to fill the gap. And though it may sound promising, our expert explains why this will only worsen physician burnout, patient health outcomes, and medical debt.
Learn More:
https://radiohealthjournal.org/how-the-primary-care-physician-shortage-is-draining-your-health-and-wallet Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
May 11, 2025 • 12min
Genetic Justice: How Your DNA Can Help Solve Cold Cases
Genetic genealogy has completely changed how law enforcement catches criminals. Cold cases can now be solved by a genetic match to the perpetrator’s sibling, parent or distant relative. Our experts explain the revolutionary technology and how you can help catch these violent criminals.
Learn More:
https://radiohealthjournal.org/genetic-justice-how-your-dna-can-help-solve-cold-cases
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
May 7, 2025 • 3min
Medical Notes: The Best Place To Live For Your Brain Health, Reducing Animal Testing, And Why You Should Skip Your Afternoon Nap
How the environment affects brain health. Will science ever move away from animal testing? Should you skip your afternoon nap?
Learn More:
https://radiohealthjournal.org/medical-notes-the-best-place-to-live-for-your-brain-health-reducing-animal-testing-and-why-you-should-skip-your-afternoon-nap Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
May 4, 2025 • 10min
The Pitt: How A Television Medical Drama Is Saving Lives
Healthcare professionals across the nation have been applauding television’s new medical drama, The Pitt, for its accurate portrayal of medicine. Dr. Sylvia Owusu-Ansah explains why this accuracy is so important and how it could help strengthen patient-doctor relationships.
Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/the-pitt-how-a-television-medical-drama-is-saving-lives Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
May 4, 2025 • 13min
Hysterical And Exaggerated: How Women’s Pain Is Viewed In Healthcare
This week, our experts dive into the hard facts of healthcare’s internal biases against women’s pain. Across all age groups and pain levels, women are given less medication for their pain than men. Our experts explain their research and why they believe this bias exists.
Learn More:
https://radiohealthjournal.org/hysterical-and-exaggerated-how-womens-pain-is-viewed-in-healthcare Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
