

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

Apr 6, 2025 • 9min
Ultra-Processed Foods Are Killing You -- Here’s The Cure
Ultra-processed foods have become a major part of the average American diet. Unfortunately, these products have been linked to various health concerns and don’t include many of the nutrients we need. Our experts explain how you can balance your diet and stay healthy in an increasingly unhealthy world. Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/ultra-processed-foods-are-killing-you-heres-the-cure Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apr 6, 2025 • 3min
Medical Notes: The Best Age To Prevent Brain Decline, Lead Is Leaching Into Our Air, And How Hotter Days Reduce Birth Rates
Polluted air is killing our children. Microplastics may be worsening antibiotic resistance. It’s not too late to improve your brain health. Do hotter days reduce birthrates?Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/medical-notes-the-best-age-to-prevent-brain-decline-lead-is-leaching-into-our-air-and-how-hotter-days-reduce-birth-rates Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apr 2, 2025 • 3min
Medical Notes: Why You Should Date Someone Who’s Nice, The Biological Cause Of Infertility, And Why Spring Goals Are More Successful
It may be time to re-start your New Years resolution. The biological factor that’s making you infertile. Do opposites attract?Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/medical-notes-why-you-should-date-someone-whos-nice-the-biological-cause-of-infertility-and-why-spring-goals-are-more-successful Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mar 30, 2025 • 9min
“The Woman Just Has To Suffer”: Changing How Medicine Views Women’s Health
Cervical cancer detection often involves the use of a speculum. However, not only is this device often uncomfortable, it’s also a main reason for why women with disabilities skip the test altogether. Dr. Diane Harper proposes a new, FDA-approved screening method that’s proven to reduce cases of cervical cancer more than standard practices.Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/the-woman-just-has-to-suffer-changing-how-medicine-views-womens-health Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mar 30, 2025 • 14min
Leaving The Cult: How To Rebuild Your Life After Living A Lie
High demand, high control groups can be both positive and negative, and describe many different populations from the military to infamous cults. Experiencing the negative side of these groups can lead to trauma and abuse. Our experts discuss their time in high demand, high control groups and how they were able to heal from these experiences. Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/leaving-the-cult-how-to-rebuild-your-life-after-living-a-lie Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mar 26, 2025 • 3min
Medical Notes: How AI Is Preventing Heart Attacks, Why Alzheimer’s Research Needs More Patient Diversity; And Why Hot Weather Leads To More ER Visits
Artificial intelligence can predict fatal heart attacks. A lack of patient diversity in Alzheimer's research threatens accurate diagnosing in people of color. As the temperature rises, so do emergency room visits.Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/medical-notes-how-ai-is-preventing-heart-attacks-why-alzheimers-research-needs-more-patient-diversity-and-why-hot-weather-leads-to-more-er-visit Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mar 23, 2025 • 10min
The Pap Smear: Why Is America Holding On To This Outdated Practice?
The speculum has been used for centuries, but unlike other ancient medical tools, it hasn’t had any major updates to its design. However, this instrument may soon be unnecessary for many women with the new approval of self-administered HPV tests. Dr. Diane Harper explains why this is a major step forward for women’s healthcare and the importance of female patients advocating for more effective and comfortable procedures from their providers.Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/the-pap-smear-why-is-america-holding-on-to-this-outdated-practice Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mar 23, 2025 • 13min
Pulses And Profits: An Insider Look Into The Business Of Healthcare
The healthcare industry may seem complex, but our experts this week are pulling back the curtain and revealing how innovations truly come to life. They discuss how the goals of this trade have evolved, what it takes to be a successful entrepreneur, and how consumers will be playing a bigger role in product development. Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/pulses-and-profits-an-insider-look-into-the-business-of-healthcare Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mar 19, 2025 • 3min
Medical Notes: Magic Mushrooms Can Relieve Depression, How To Avoid Wearing A Mosquito’s Favorite Color, And Why Earth’S Coasts Are Disappearing
How are psychedelic mushrooms related to mental health? Earth’s natural coasts are disappearing. Do mosquitoes care about your fashion sense? Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/magic-mushrooms-can-relieve-depression-how-to-avoid-wearing-a-mosquitos-favorite-color-and-why-earths-coasts-are-disappearing Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mar 16, 2025 • 10min
Space Medicine Pt. 2: How A Mission To Mars Helps Patients On Earth
Last week we discussed the dangers astronauts face when going on missions. This week, Dr. Joshua Ong, a space medicine researcher, explains the cutting-edge technology that’s being used to hopefully save astronauts’ eyesight, and how these advancements will help underserved patients on Earth.Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/space-medicine-pt-2-how-a-mission-to-mars-helps-patients-on-earth Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices