*The information in this podcast is intended for Healthcare Practitioners. Almost half of working Australians report feeling burnt out. Similarly, many people can experience burnout from non-occupational pressures, such as being a carer. In this episode Nathan speaks to burnout researcher Gabriela Tavella on the science and management of this affliction. Gabriela discusses the psychological factors linked to burnout and the physiological effects of this stress state, how burnout can be confused with depression and chronic fatigue, as well as management strategies her research team have unveiled. Discover some surprising factors that burnout sufferers have reported to be effective and ineffective in managing their allostatic overload. Additionally, Gabriela offers some simple and accessible tools that can help people experiencing burnout. Gabriela Tavella is a PhD candidate in the UNSW School of Psychiatry and has a Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) from UNSW. Gabriela currently works alongside burnout pioneering researcher and founder of the Blackdog Institute Prof Gordon Parker AO. Gabriela has published numerous peer-reviewed papers on burnout and recently co-authored the book Burnout: A guide to identifying burnout and pathways to recover. Links: Burnout: A Guide to Identifying Burnout and Pathways to Recovery Bayes A, Tavella G, Parker G. The biology of burnout: Causes and consequences. World J Biol Psychiatry. 2021;22(9):686-698. doi:10.1080/15622975.2021.1907713 Parker G, Tavella G. Distinguishing burnout from clinical depression: A theoretical differentiation template. J Affect Disord. 2021;281:168-173. doi:10.1016/j.jad.2020.12.022 Tavella G, Hadzi-Pavlovic D, Parker G. Burnout: Redefining its key symptoms. Psychiatry Res. 2021;302:114023. doi:10.1016/j.psychres.2021.114023 Parker G, Tavella G. The Diagnosis of Burnout: Some Challenges. J Nerv Ment Dis. 2022;210(7):475-478. doi:10.1097/NMD.0000000000001492 Parker G, Tavella G. Is burnout simply a stress reaction?. Aust N Z J Psychiatry. 2022;56(9):1065-1067. doi:10.1177/00048674211070221

*The information in this podcast is intended for Healthcare Practitioners. Long COVID – its highly prevalent, often includes debilitating symptoms and there is currently no consensus on what is driving the syndrome. Cue Dr Amy Proal. Dr Proal is a microbiologist and CEO of Polybio Research Foundation, and she is driven to elucidate the pathophysiology of long COVID. In this episode Dr Proal discusses the new science on the biological drivers of long COVID, outlining the evidence for the ‘persistent SARS-CoV-2 reservoir’ hypothesis of long COVID. Further, Dr Proal explains the nefarious mechanisms SARS-CoV-2 has on suppressing immunity, synergising with pathobionts and potentially wreaking havoc on neurological circuits, all of which can help explain long COVID symptomatology such as chronic inflammation, hypercoagulability, sickness behaviour and dysautonomia. The podcast explores spike proteins, co-infections, dysbiosis, vagal nerve dysfunction and more to paint a comprehensive picture of this condition. To conclude, Nathan and Dr Proal discuss potential therapeutic targets and cast an eye to the future on Dr Proal’s current collaboration with world-leading researchers on long COVID. Useful Links Proal AD, VanElzakker MB. Long COVID or Post-acute Sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC): An Overview of Biological Factors That May Contribute to Persistent Symptoms. Front Microbiol. 2021;12:698169. Published 2021 Jun 23. doi:10.3389/fmicb.2021.698169 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34248921/ https://polybio.org/

*The information in this podcast is intended for Healthcare Practitioners. Professor Hill joins the podcast to discuss the potentially powerful influence the oral contraceptive pill can have on the brain. As a researcher, Professor Hill combines her knowledge of women's psychology from an evolutionary perspective with her personal experience in her new book, This is Your Brain on Birth Control. Listen to the evolutionary framework that influences female behaviour and learn how birth control can affect partner choice, mood and the stress response. With a balanced and thoughtful approach, Sarah spells out the nuances of the pill to give listeners information to better help make informed decisions. Sarah's Website: https://www.sarahehill.com/

*The information in this podcast is intended for Healthcare Practitioners. Endometriosis is a common and debilitating condition that has proven difficult to treat. In this episode, Sun-Wei Guo, a geneticist turned Professor of Gynaecology, reveals his eye-opening research into the pathophysiology of endometriosis. Sun Wei explains how the theory of retrograde flow in endometriosis is necessary but not sufficient to explain the progression of the disease. Prof Guo explains that endometriotic lesions are wounds undergoing repeated tissue injury and repair (ReTIAR). Sun Wei further describes how surprising mediators in the endometriotic microenvironment are responsible for the incomplete repair process that leads to the cellular hallmarks of endometriosis. Hear about Prof Guo’s preliminary work on herbal constituents and electrical stimulation that are generating encouraging results in endometriosis. Listen in to discover new non-hormonal targets that can be considered to combat this terrible affliction. Professor Guo received his Ph.D. from the University of Washington and had subsequent stints at University of Michigan and the Medical College of Wisconsin. Since 2010 Sun Wei has been a Professor at Shanghai OB/GYN Hospital, Fudan University and an adjunct professor at Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology at Michigan State University College of Human Medicine. Prof Guo has been an Associated Editor of several reproduction journals and a board member of several endometriosis societies, including member of the Board of Trustees of the World Endometriosis Society (WES). Links: Guo SW. Fibrogenesis resulting from cyclic bleeding: the Holy Grail of the natural history of ectopic endometrium. Hum Reprod. 2018 Mar 1;33(3):353-356. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29420711/ Xiao F, Liu X, Guo SW. Platelets and Regulatory T Cells May Induce a Type 2 Immunity That Is Conducive to the Progression and Fibrogenesis of Endometriosis. Front Immunol. 2020 Dec 14;11:610963. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33381124/ Yan D, Liu X, Guo SW. Neuropeptides Substance P and Calcitonin Gene Related Peptide Accelerate the Development and Fibrogenesis of Endometriosis. Sci Rep. 2019 Feb 25;9(1):2698. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30804432/ Huang S, Xiao F, Guo SW, Zhang T. Tetramethylpyrazine Retards the Progression and Fibrogenesis of Endometriosis. Reprod Sci. 2022 Apr;29(4):1170-1187. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35099777/ Hao M, Liu X, Rong P, Li S, Guo SW. Reduced vagal tone in women with endometriosis and auricular vagus nerve stimulation as a potential therapeutic approach. Sci Rep. 2021 Jan 14;11(1):1345. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33446725/ Hao M, Liu X, Guo SW. Activation of α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor retards the development of endometriosis. Reprod Biol Endocrinol. 2022 Jun 4;20(1):85. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35658970/

*This information in this podcast is intended for Healthcare Practitioners. Professor Paul Peter Tak, a pioneering researcher and transformational innovator, joins the podcast to describe the power and potential of a little-known homeostatic pathway, known as the cholinergeric anti-inflammatory pathway (CAP). Prof Tak was a key researcher in the identification of the CAP, which is an innate and reflexive anti-inflammatory response mediated by the vagus nerve. Learn the origins of the discovery of the CAP and Tak’s groundbreaking work that showed a loss of vagal tone precedes the development of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Moreover, Prof Tak’s team went on to show that electrical stimulation of the vagus nerve had a profound effect on disease activity in RA. The conversation moves to exploring how the gut, nutrition and lifestyle factors can potentially activate the CAP and help prevent or manage autoimmune and inflammatory disorders. Learn how the CAP can be an important target for combating chronic disease. Paul Peter Tak is a business leader, academic, entrepreneur and clinician who has over 30 years’ experience in medicine as a prominent expert in Immunology, Internal Medicine, and Rheumatology. Alongside his industry career, Prof Tak has dedicated much of his life to academia and advancing our understanding in medicine. He has served as Professor of Medicine at the University of Amsterdam and holds numerous honours for his service to medicine, with a special focus on Immunology and Rheumatology. Useful Links Prof Paul Peter Tak's website: https://paulpetertak.com/ First description of the hypothesis that stimulation of the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway may be used to reduce chronic inflammation: van Maanen MA, Vervoordeldonk MJ, Tak PP. The cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway: towards innovative treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Nat Rev Rheumatol. 2009 Apr;5(4):229-32. doi: 10.1038/nrrheum.2009.31. PMID: 19337288. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19337288/ Pioneering study that found low vagal tone precedes rheumatoid arthritis. Koopman FA, Tang MW, Vermeij J, de Hair MJ, Choi IY, Vervoordeldonk MJ, Gerlag DM, Karemaker JM, Tak PP. Autonomic Dysfunction Precedes Development of Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Prospective Cohort Study. EBioMedicine. 2016 Apr;6:231-237. doi: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2016.02.029. Epub 2016 Feb 19. PMID: 27211565; PMCID: PMC4856742. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27211565/ First clinical trial in patients showing the effects of stimulation of the chronic immune-mediated inflammatory disease: Koopman FA, Chavan SS, Miljko S, Grazio S, Sokolovic S, Schuurman PR, Mehta AD, Levine YA, Faltys M, Zitnik R, Tracey KJ, Tak PP. Vagus nerve stimulation inhibits cytokine production and attenuates disease severity in rheumatoid arthritis. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2016 Jul 19;113(29):8284-9. doi: 10.1073/pnas.1605635113. Epub 2016 Jul 5. PMID: 27382171; PMCID: PMC4961187. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27382171/ Interview summarising the discovery of vagal involvement in chronic inflammation Tak PP. Interview with Paul-Peter Tak: stimulating the vagus nerve to treat rheumatoid arthritis. Bioelectronics in Medicine. 2018 Jan;1(1):17-20. https://www.futuremedicine.com/doi/10.2217/bem-2017-0012

*The information in this podcast is intended for Healthcare Practitioners. Dr. Megan Riehl is one of only a small number of specialists in the world who practices as a Gastrointestinal Psychologist. She is the Clinical Director of the GI Behavioural Health Program at the University of Michigan, offering comprehensive treatment options for people suffering disorders of gut-brain interaction (DGBI), such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Whilst a great deal of attention in natural medicine is paid to how the gut affects brain function, in this episode, Dr Reihl highlights how the brain can have a profound effect on GI function. Dr Riehl describes how gastrointestinal (GI) conditions can be better understood and managed by transitioning our framework from a mechanistic model to a biopsychosocial model. She discusses the connection between factors such as early life stress, catastrophising and symptom hypervigilance with the incidence and severity of IBS. Dr Riehl walks listeners through several brain-gut strategies and therapies from self-care to practitioner-guided therapy. Learn about the efficacy of cognitive behvioural therapy (CBT) and gut-directed hypnosis for DGBI and discover several digital tools that practitioners can consider. To finish, the conversation turns to another area Dr Riehl is passionate about – screening and managing disordered eating that is linked to, or can develop from, DGBI. Tune into an episode jammed packed with clinical pearls! Useful Links Dr Riehl’s diaphragmatic breathing tutorial - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UB3tSaiEbNY Nerva gut-directed hypnosis app - https://www.mindsethealth.com/hypnotherapy/nerva ROME Foundation - https://theromefoundation.org/ GI On Demand - https://giondemand.com/ Jagielski CH, Riehl ME. Behavioral Strategies for Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Brain-Gut or Gut-Brain? Gastroenterol Clin North Am. 2021 Sep;50(3):581-593. doi: 10.1016/j.gtc.2021.03.006. Epub 2021 Jun 25. PMID: 34304789. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34304789/ Riehl ME, Scarlata K. Understanding Disordered Eating Risks in Patients with Gastrointestinal Conditions. J Acad Nutr Diet. 2022 Mar;122(3):491-499. doi: 10.1016/j.jand.2021.03.001. Epub 2021 Apr 20. PMID: 33893063. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33893063/ Call out to those who may be interested in participating in an endometriosis study: https://www.nicm.edu.au/research/clinical_trials/endometriosis_study

*The information in this podcast is intended for Healthcare Practitioners. Dr Joe Alcock is not your typical MD. Joe’s day (or night) job is as a practicing emergency Physician and a Professor in the University of New Mexico Department of Emergency Medicine. However, Joe also has a deep interest in both evolutionary medicine and microbiome science and has the unique skill of integrating and translating these disciplines into practical outcomes. In this episode, Dr Alcock explains how, since time immemorial, our gut microbes have had a love/hate relationship with us, and how this concept of ‘conflict and co-operation’ can explain the trials and tribulations of research on microbiome composition in disease states, probiotic successes and failures and a new approach to feeding ourselves and our resident microbiome. Tune in for a fun and insightful tour of the microbiome as Joe discusses conditions such as gut health, insulin resistance and mood disorders. Links and resources Dr Alcock’s website: http://evolutionmedicine.com Dr Alcock’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/joealcockmd?lang=en Wasielewski H, Alcock J, Aktipis A. Resource conflict and cooperation between human host and gut microbiota: implications for nutrition and health. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2016 May;1372(1):20-8. doi: 10.1111/nyas.13118. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27270755/ Alcock J, Lin HC. Fatty acids from diet and microbiota regulate energy metabolism. F1000Res. 2015 Sep 9;4(F1000 Faculty Rev):738. doi: 10.12688/f1000research.6078.1. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27006755/

*The information in this podcast is intended for Healthcare Practitioners. Back by popular demand, Greg Potter joins Nathan to discuss time-restricted feeding. Potter shares his thoughts on recent research, including early time-restricted eating compared with daily caloric restriction, the 5:2 diet and fasting-mimicking diet. The pair also discuss whether we should eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince, and dinner like a pauper. Tune in to find out! Greg Potter completed PhD research at the University of Leeds, focusing on sleep, circadian rhythms, nutrition, and metabolism. He regularly contributes to various newspapers, magazines, blogs and websites, is a captivating presenter and has been a guest on nearly 100 podcast episodes. *Highlights * How timing your food intake during the day impacts your physiology (15:30) Rhythmic changes in gene transcription (22:00) Study discussion: Calorie Restriction with or without Time-Restricted Eating in Weight Loss (27:00) Study discussion: Early time-restricted eating compared with daily caloric restriction: A randomized trial in adults with obesity (36:00) Is there value in eating breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince, and dinner like a pauper? (45:00) About the 5:2 diet (53:00) The fasting mimicking diet (60:00) Trade-offs of time-restricted feeding (71:00) GLP-1 agonists for weight management (77:00) Greg Potter’s recommendations (85:00) Links Greg Potter's website: [Gregpotterphd.com](Gregpotterphd.com) Instagram handle: @gregpotterphd The Principles of Resilient Nutrition - https://resilientnutrition.com/ Link to paper: Calorie Restriction with or without Time-Restricted Eating in Weight Loss - https://www.nejm.org/doi/10.1056/NEJMoa2114833 Link to paper: Early time-restricted eating compared with daily caloric restriction: A randomized trial in adults with obesity - https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/oby.23420 Link to paper: Timing of food intake predicts weight loss effectiveness - https://europepmc.org/backend/ptpmcrender.fcgi?accid=PMC3756673&blobtype=pdf Link to paper: Intermittent fasting interventions for treatment of overweight and obesity in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29419624/ Link to paper: Effect of Fasting-Mimicking Diet or Continuous Energy Restriction on Weight Loss, Body Composition, and Appetite-Regulating Hormones Among Metabolically Healthy Women with Obesity: a Randomized Controlled, Parallel Trial - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33420673/

*The information in this podcast is intended for Healthcare Practitioners. This week’s guest, Professor Toby Richards delivers a schooling on all things iron, including the mechanisms in place to maintain iron homeostasis, signs and symptoms of deficiency, pathology interpretation tips, and the role this essential nutrient plays in health and physical fitness. If you’re seeing clients in clinical practice or simply eager to learn more about iron, this episode confers valuable insights and updates from an expert in the field. Professor Richards is the Lawrence Brown Chair in Vascular Surgery, Head of Division of Surgery and Director of the Clinical Trials Unit at University of Western Australia (UWA). He is also Honorary Professor at the Institute of Clinical Trials and Methodology, University College London (UCL) and Honorary Professor of Anaesthesia at Monash University. Professor Richards has led a series of international clinical trials and supervised 16 PhD students and well over 60 graduate research projects (Masters/ MSc/BSc). He is a mentor to trainees in surgical research internationally. He is actively engaged in the international trials networks; the International VASCC & UK VERN Research Group in vascular surgery. Professor Richards has over 150 peer reviewed publications and $14M of research funding in the last decade. *Highlights * How anaemia influences physical fitness 5:00 Symptoms of iron deficiency (9:20) Iron homeostasis (20:00) Haemoglobin (36:00) Iron infusion (42:00) Lactoferrin and other therapeutics to treat iron deficiency (49:00) Links Prof Toby Richard’s biography and link to research: https://research-repository.uwa.edu.au/en/persons/toby-richards

*The information in this podcast is intended for Healthcare Practitioners. In this episode, Nathan speaks with George A. Bonanno, a Professor of Clinical Psychology at Columbia University, Teachers College. His research focuses on how people respond to potentially traumatic events, such as disaster, war, assault and life-threatening injury, whether they present with post-traumatic stress disorder or not. These studies have revealed that the natural response to stressful situations is not trauma, but resilience, and as such, we may be underestimating our ability to rebound without suffering long-term consequences. George has authored two books, The Other Side of Sadness: What the New Science of Bereavement Tells Us About Life After Loss and The End of Trauma: How the New Science of Resilience is Changing How We Think About PTSD. Highlights How history has shaped our understanding of trauma (5:00) Recovery patterns following a traumatic episode (11:00) The resilience blind spot (15:30) Potentially traumatic events (PTEs) (17:00) Human stress response capacity (25:00) The resilience paradox (31:00) How to build your resilience (37:00) Future research in the field of resilience (48:00) Useful Links Link to George’s book, The End of Trauma: How the New Science of Resilience is Changing How We Think About PTSD Link to George’s book, The Other Side of Sadness: What the New Science of Bereavement Tells Us About Life After Loss