

Dr Karan Explores
OG Podcasts
Join Dr Karan as he meets the world's foremost experts in science and medicine to cut through the BS of modern health advice.
Get my free weekly newsletter filled with easy to action health tips, interesting facts & science to fill your curiosity: https://drkaran.beehiiv.com/subscribe
Get my free weekly newsletter filled with easy to action health tips, interesting facts & science to fill your curiosity: https://drkaran.beehiiv.com/subscribe
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 24, 2025 • 34min
The Future of Food: Why Ultra Processed Food Isn’t All Bad | James Collier
 ⚡ Have we got ultra-processed food wrong? Is the old term “junk food” a better measure of health? It’s clear our current food environment is not just damaging our health, but the planet too. But James Collier argues ultra-processed food needs to be part of the solution.💬 James is the co-founder of Huel and former NHS dietitian. He’s also the author of Well Fed. In the book he outlines how modern diets are failing us and what we can do about it. And in this episode he takes us through🎧 Stay tuned to find out:➡ Why the ethics of food choice, waste and sustainability is so important➡︎ The five pillars of contemplative nutrition - and how to integrate them into your life➡︎ Whether Huel is an ultra-processed food (and does that matter?)➡︎  What the future of food looks like, from lab-grown meat to insect protein➡︎ How 30% of global greenhouse gas emissions come from what we eat📕 Chapters(00:00) Why isn’t the food system sustainable?(05:00) Is it just better to be vegan / vegetarian for health and planet?(07:28) The core tenants of contemplative nutrition(09:45) Is Huel an ultra-processed food?(17:16) How ultra processing and convenience might be a benefit(20:36) The future of lab-grown meat(26:44) Insect food - will it go mainstream?(30:19) James’ vision of the future📱 Connect with me:TikTok: https://www.instagram.com/drkaranrajanYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DrKaran Instagram: https://www.tiktok.com/@dr.karanr📱 Connect with James:LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/jamescollierrnutr Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamescollierrnutr/ 🔥 Get my free weekly newsletter filled with easy to action health tips, interesting facts and science to fill your curiosity: https://drkaran.beehiiv.com/subscribe🔥 For more useful science for your everyday life, grab my best selling book “This Book May Save Your Life”: https://geni.us/DrKaranBook 🎙️ An OG Podcasts production. 

Oct 17, 2025 • 32min
The Hidden Psychology Behind Every Purchase ft. Rory Sutherland
 ⚡ Clever marketing tactics can often shift us away from what’s important - as advertisers look for fresh ways to exploit our psychology. So, when it comes to your health, how do you stay savvy in a world which is pulling your attention in the wrong direction?💬 Rory Sutherland is one of the world’s foremost experts on marketing and human behaviour. He’s an author, columnist and Vice Chairman of the Ogilvy advertising company. He guides us through the inner workings of the human mind - and we’re not as logical as we think.🎧 Stay tuned to find out:➡ Why the human brain is susceptible to certain marketing tactics➡︎ Why protein beat fibre to become the posterboy for health➡︎ How the microbiome has been hijacked by marketers➡︎  Why habit stacking can health you stick to your health goals➡︎ How narratives can be flipped to a marketer’s advantage📕 Chapters(0:00) The invisible tricks used by marketers(6:02) Protein v Fibre: A marketing battle(11:12) Hijacking the microbiome to sell health products(20:59) Placebo effect of health products: The science of skeuomorphism(27:39) What you really need to know about marketing tactics📱 Connect with me:TikTok: https://www.instagram.com/drkaranrajanYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DrKaran Instagram: https://www.tiktok.com/@dr.karanr📱 Connect with Rory:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RorySutherland-UK/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rorysutherlandclips X: https://x.com/rorysutherland🔥 Get my free weekly newsletter filled with easy to action health tips, interesting facts and science to fill your curiosity: https://drkaran.beehiiv.com/subscribe🔥 For more useful science for your everyday life, grab my best selling book “This Book May Save Your Life”: https://geni.us/DrKaranBook 🎙️ An OG Podcasts production. 

Oct 10, 2025 • 41min
What Creatine ACTUALLY Does to Your Body, Science-Backed Skincare Tips & Ozempic Truths
 ⚡ Creatine isn’t just for bodybuilders - it’s an incredible supplement for just about everyone. It’s a staple for people who want to build muscle, but new research also shows surprising links to brain and heart health. 💬 In a special solo episode of the podcast, I explain just how amazing creatine is - and bust the biggest myths about its safety. I also take an unconventional look at skincare through the lens of the microbiome and gut-skin axis. And I explore the growing trend of people microdosing Ozempic and other weight loss drugs.🎧 Stay tuned to find out:➡ Exactly how to use creatine - and why its benefits extend beyond muscle➡︎ Whether creatine really does cause hair loss, kidney problems and dehydration➡︎ Why using fewer products is better for your skin - plus minimalist routine tips➡︎ How skin health is directly tied gut inflammation➡︎  Why microdosing GLP-1s is probably not as useful as you’d think#DrKaran #MedicalScience #HealthEducation #HealthTips #Creatine #MuscleGain # BrainHealth #HeartHealth #SkinCareRoutine #GutHealth #Microbiome #Ozempic #Semaglutide #GLP-1 #WegovyDon't miss an episode! Subscribe NOW: https://www.youtube.com/@DrKaran?sub_confirmation=1📕 Chapters(00:00) Intro(00:48) How to use creatine(16:11) Rethinking skin care(30:38) Microdosing Ozempic🔥 Get my free weekly newsletter filled with easy to action health tips, interesting facts and science to fill your curiosity: https://drkaran.beehiiv.com/subscribe🔥 For more useful science for your everyday life, grab my best selling book “This Book May Save Your Life”: https://geni.us/DrKaranBook 💊 Sign up to the wait list for my new fibre supplement LOAM - https://loamscience.com/password 🎙️ An OG Podcasts production.⚡ About Dr Karan:Dr. Karan Rajan is a doctor, author, and educator dedicated to making health and medical science accessible to all. Through evidence-based analysis, he addresses topics such as gut health, brain health, and healthy lifestyle choices, while dispelling common medical myths with a touch of dark humor. His content provides reliable, research-driven insights designed to inform and empower viewers to better understand their health.📱 Follow Dr Karan:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drkaranrajan/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrKaranR/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dr.karanr X: https://twitter.com/drkaranrajan Website: https://linktr.ee/ThisisVitalInformation 

Oct 3, 2025 • 39min
Does Tylenol REALLY Cause Autism?; Health Benefits of Matcha; A Good Brain Health Guide
 ⚡ The US Government has made waves suggesting Tylenol, aka paracetamol, causes autism. President Donald Trump publicly warned pregnant women to avoid the common pain-killer, even urging them to “tough it out” if they have a fever. But what are they basing this information on? Is there even an ounce of truth in the claim?💬 In a special solo episode of the podcast, I address the Tylenol controversy and explore why Trump’s advice is dangerous for pregnant women. I also look at the growing health trend of matcha tea, and whether its purported benefits line up with the science. Plus I offer a good brain health guide - exploring the factors you can address now to improve your brain and stave off dementia.🎧 Stay tuned to find out:➡ Where the autism/Tylenol claim comes from - and why its not reliable➡︎ How untreated fever poses way more risk to a fetus than Tylenol➡︎ Which components give Matcha its health benefits - including fiber and antioxidants➡︎  The type of Matcha you should choose (and what to avoid)➡︎ The 14 lifestyle factors that improve brain health and reduce dementia risk#DrKaran #MedicalScience #HealthEducation #HealthTips #Tylenol #DonaldTrump #Paracetamol #Autism #ADHD #Matcha #MatchaTea #Fiber #Antioxidants #BrainHealth #Dementia #Alzheimers #Creatine #MuscleGain # BrainHealth #HeartHealth #SkinCareRoutine #GutHealth #Microbiome #Ozempic #Semaglutide #GLP-1 #WegovyDon't miss an episode! Subscribe NOW: https://www.youtube.com/@DrKaran?sub_confirmation=1📕 Chapters(00:00) Intro(01:06) Tylenol and autism(11:39) Health benefits of matcha tea(24:14) A guide to brain health🔥 Get my free weekly newsletter filled with easy to action health tips, interesting facts and science to fill your curiosity: https://drkaran.beehiiv.com/subscribe🔥 For more useful science for your everyday life, grab my best selling book “This Book May Save Your Life”: https://geni.us/DrKaranBook 💊 Sign up to the wait list for my new fibre supplement LOAM - https://loamscience.com/password 🎙️ An OG Podcasts production.⚡ About Dr Karan:Dr. Karan Rajan is a doctor, author, and educator dedicated to making health and medical science accessible to all. Through evidence-based analysis, he addresses topics such as gut health, brain health, and healthy lifestyle choices, while dispelling common medical myths with a touch of dark humor. His content provides reliable, research-driven insights designed to inform and empower viewers to better understand their health.📱 Follow Dr Karan:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drkaranrajan/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrKaranR/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dr.karanr X: https://twitter.com/drkaranrajan Website: https://linktr.ee/ThisisVitalInformation  

Sep 26, 2025 • 40min
How To Stop Back Pain For Good with Dr Stuart McGill
 ⚡ Most of us have experienced back pain at some point in our lives. As we sit more and move less, it’s becoming increasingly common. So how do we fix it? And what are the major things we need to avoid doing to have a healthy spine into old age?💬 Dr Stuart McGill is the “Back Mechanic” - here to fix our backs with evidence-backed science. He’s a renowned Professor Emeritus of Spine Biomechanics at the University of Waterloo - and the author of multiple books on the subject.🎧 Stay tuned to find out:➡ Why all instances of back pain have a root cause - and should be assessed➡︎ The biomechanics of the spine and what can go wrong➡︎ Why deadlifts might be bad for your back - and what exercises to do instead➡︎  Why tummy lays might be better than hanging for back health➡︎ How different spine types affect back pain - and the trade-offs they pose📕 Chapters(0:00) Does back pain always have a root cause?(1:18) What are we doing to damage our spine health?(8:35) Is the human body just prone to back pain?(14:46) Why lower back pain is so common(17:53) Is mild back pain cause for concern?(20:37) Are deadlifts bad for back health?(33:10) Should you be hanging from a bar?(35:08) Is it better to sleep on a futon/hard surface?(38:20) The Back Mechanic book📱 Connect with me:TikTok: https://www.instagram.com/drkaranrajanYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DrKaran Instagram: https://www.tiktok.com/@dr.karanr📱 Connect with Stuart:Website: https://www.backfitpro.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/backfitpro/ 🔥 Get my free weekly newsletter filled with easy to action health tips, interesting facts and science to fill your curiosity: https://drkaran.beehiiv.com/subscribe🔥 For more useful science for your everyday life, grab my best selling book “This Book May Save Your Life”: https://geni.us/DrKaranBook 🎙️ An OG Podcasts production. 

Sep 19, 2025 • 34min
Truth About the Protein Hype; Is Collagen Worth it?; Why Walking Is King
 ⚡ Why is everyone so obsessed with protein at the moment - and do we really need as much of it as the fitness gurus claim?💬 In a special solo episode of the podcast, I tackle this and more. Guided by science and the latest research, I offer actionable advice for anyone who’s confused by the protein craze.  I also dig into the science of collagen supplements - are they more hype than health? And I explain why walking is the king of exercises.🎧 Stay tuned to find out:➡ Why gym-bro protein recommendations are overkill - and how much you really need➡︎ The link between too much protein and chronic health conditions➡︎ Why the science on collagen supplements is weak across the board➡︎ A better way to improve your skin, hair, joint and bone health➡︎  Why regular walking is better than short bouts of intense weight lifting or sprints#DrKaran #MedicalScience #HealthEducation #HealthTips #protein #proteinmyths #collagen #walking #exerciseDon't miss an episode! Subscribe NOW: https://www.youtube.com/@DrKaran?sub_confirmation=1📕 Chapters(00:00) Intro(00:50) Protein: myth vs reality(13:17) Collagen: hype or health?(24:12) Walking: The king of exercise🔥 Get my free weekly newsletter filled with easy to action health tips, interesting facts and science to fill your curiosity: https://drkaran.beehiiv.com/subscribe🔥 For more useful science for your everyday life, grab my best selling book “This Book May Save Your Life”: https://geni.us/DrKaranBook 💊 Sign up to the wait list for my new fibre supplement LOAM - https://loamscience.com/password 🎙️ An OG Podcasts production.⚡ About Dr Karan:Dr. Karan Rajan is a doctor, author, and educator dedicated to making health and medical science accessible to all. Through evidence-based analysis, he addresses topics such as gut health, brain health, and healthy lifestyle choices, while dispelling common medical myths with a touch of dark humor. His content provides reliable, research-driven insights designed to inform and empower viewers to better understand their health.📱 Follow Dr Karan:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drkaranrajan/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrKaranR/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dr.karanr X: https://twitter.com/drkaranrajan Website: https://linktr.ee/ThisisVitalInformation 

Sep 12, 2025 • 1h 3min
Q&A With Dr Karan: Becoming A Creator, My New Fibre Supplement & Future of Microbiome
 ⚡ I am up to something huge. My brand new fibre supplement is almost ready - and I can’t wait for it to be in your hands. This is the most detailed look yet at what I’ve been up to for the past 2 years.Want to know more about your favourite Doctor? 💬 The roles are reversed in this episode, as my producer Ollie Guillou interviews ME. We chat about how I got started in medicine and content creation, the benefits of fibre and why it’s the most underhyped nutrient right now, what I’m doing differently with my new fibre supplement LOAM, and how I see the future of microbiome research shaping up.🎧 Stay tuned to find out:➡ Why I began making videos on YouTube - and what it was like when I first went viral➡︎ The challenges of moving from medicine to starting a supplement company➡︎ My own struggles with low fibre intake and why I now eat 50g a day➡︎ Why today’s fibre supplements are lacking - and what LOAM does to fix this➡︎  How to make simple but tasty high-fibre snacks📕 Chapters(0:00) How stress affects the gut(1:10) How did it all begin for Dr Karan?(6:05) What did his parents think when he started on YouTube?(8:22) Blowing up on TikTok(10:05) Do patients ever recognise him?(11:30) The hard moments Dr Karan has faced in medicine(14:45) Why Dr Karan LOVES fibre (20:01) The origins of LOAM: Why Dr Karan’s making his own fibre supplement (27:51) How fibre changed Dr Karan’s health(31:12) Why fibre is a silent killer(34:20) DIY fibre dessert inspiration(36:14) Making LOAM an enjoyable supplement experience(45:51) Calorie content of LOAM - does it help with weight loss?(47:37) Why Dr Karan’s dad threw a slipper at him(48:55) The future of microbiome research(52:12) Microplastics and the gut(54:16) Who needs a fibre supplement?(57:16) When is LOAM ready?(1:00:19) What does success look like for Dr Karan?📱 Connect with me:TikTok: https://www.instagram.com/drkaranrajanYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DrKaran Instagram: https://www.tiktok.com/@dr.karanr🔥 Get my free weekly newsletter filled with easy to action health tips, interesting facts and science to fill your curiosity: https://drkaran.beehiiv.com/subscribe🔥 For more useful science for your everyday life, grab my best selling book “This Book May Save Your Life”: https://geni.us/DrKaranBook 💊 Sign up to the wait list for my new fibre supplement LOAM - https://loamscience.com/password 🎙️ An OG Podcasts production. 

Sep 5, 2025 • 43min
How Stress Destroys Your Gut Health with Dr Emeran Mayer
 ⚡ Stress may be the cause of your gut problems. This might be emotional stress, or even physical stress - in fact, worrying about things can even cause problems for your tummy! So what can you do about it?💬 Dr Emeran Mayer is gastroenterologist and brain-gut microbiome expert. He’s also Executive director of the UCLA Oppenheimer Center for the Neurobiology of Stress. In this episode he explores the science behind the stress/gut connection. And he digs into issues from chronic pain, to rising cases of SIBO.🎧 Stay tuned to find out:➡ How various forms of stress - and even the expectation of stress - impact your gut ➡︎ How gut disorders can be linked to early life trauma➡︎ The true extent to which gut bugs control how you behave➡︎  How you can improve chronic pain symptoms with targeted gut action➡︎ The real reason SIBO (small bacterial overgrowth) is on the rise📕 Chapters(0:00) How stress affects the gut(2:03) The chronic pain-gut link(5:00) How quickly can microbes influence the brain?(7:12) Stress: Is the brain or gut more responsible?(9:14) How worrying can cause gut problems(11:57) The role of childhood and early life trauma on gut health(15:16) Do tummy bugs control our behaviour?(18:38) The importance of personal connection and sharing microbes (21:33) How to reduce chronic pain symptoms(27:56) Improving brain health by eating more fibre(31:58) SIBO - the new buzzword. Hype or health?📱 Connect with me:TikTok: https://www.instagram.com/drkaranrajanYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DrKaran Instagram: https://www.tiktok.com/@dr.karanr📱 Connect with EmeranInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/emeranmayer/ Website: https://emeranmayer.com/ 🔥 Get my free weekly newsletter filled with easy to action health tips, interesting facts and science to fill your curiosity: https://drkaran.beehiiv.com/subscribe🔥 For more useful science for your everyday life, grab my best selling book “This Book May Save Your Life”: https://geni.us/DrKaranBook 🎙️ An OG Podcasts production. 

Aug 29, 2025 • 57min
Do We Need To Take Men's Health More Seriously? | George TheTinMen
 ⚡ Are men’s health issues being ignored? With the rise of the “manosphere”, poor male role models and increasing focus on the harm men cause - one activist argues we’ve begun to see men as the enemy, and it’s costing us.💬 George, known as TheTinMen online, is a men’s health activist. He tackles issues where he feels men are being let down by society - everything from domestic violence to suicide prevention. His view is that men’s physical and mental health is not being taken seriously - and it’s doing them a massive disservice.🎧 Stay tuned to find out:➡︎  Why being a man is the biggest predictor for early death➡︎ Why the term manosphere has become “meaningless”➡ Why the world is lacking good male role models - and where to actually find them➡︎ How 91% of men who died of suicide already saught help first➡︎ Why Adolescence did a bad job of portraying the manosphere📕 Chapters(0:00) Intro(3:12) What is the manosphere?(7:31) Did Netflix’s Adolescence get it right?(9:46) Why the manosphere has exploded(12:06) Why fathers are so important(16:51) Are there any good male role models out there?(24:43) The power dynamic between men and women(27:40) Does men’s health get enough attention?(35:51) Why suicide prevention isn’t working for men(38:54) The issue with Movember - where is the money going?(43:47) Male body image(46:50) How female role models influence men(51:36) Kids watch your every move📱 Connect with me:TikTok: https://www.instagram.com/drkaranrajanYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DrKaran Instagram: https://www.tiktok.com/@dr.karanr📱 Connect with TheTinMen:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thetinmen/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thetinmenblog 🔥 Get my free weekly newsletter filled with easy to action health tips, interesting facts and science to fill your curiosity: https://drkaran.beehiiv.com/subscribe🔥 For more useful science for your everyday life, grab my best selling book “This Book May Save Your Life”: https://geni.us/DrKaranBook 🎙️ An OG Podcasts production. 

Aug 22, 2025 • 50min
How Super-Agers Keep Their Brains Young | Neuroscientist Dr Ben Rein
 ⚡ If you want a big, healthy and young brain - there is a simple solution that can add years to your life.💬 Neuroscientist Dr Ben Rein explains why social connection, chatting to strangers and seeing your friends is essential for brain health - and can literally make it bigger. He also discusses the brain benefits of pets, the science of empathy and more.🎧 Stay tuned to find out:➡ How pets hijack our brain systems in the best possible way➡︎ How an ‘epidemic of loneliness’ is fueling conditions like dementia and heart disease➡︎ How online interactions and AI chatbots impact brain chemistry➡︎  Where empathy comes from and how to get more of it➡︎ The science of awe and whether free will exists📕 Chapters(0:00) Intro(0:36) Why our brains need friends(2:15) The neuroscience of empathy(5:52) Are pets good for brain health?(10:33) Do animals have empathy too?(12:05) Are WE good for our pets brains?(13:36) Why animals love music(15:28) How ‘super-agers’ keep their brains healthy(20:01) Do virtual chats also help brain health?(22:44) How social connection reduces dementia risk(26:27) What AI chatbots are doing to our brains(30:33) The science of awe and wonder(33:07) How to make your life feel longer(36:44) Empathy and mirror neurons(40:18) Does free will exist?(46:22) How to become more empathetic📱 Connect with me:TikTok: https://www.instagram.com/drkaranrajanYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DrKaran Instagram: https://www.tiktok.com/@dr.karanr📱 Connect with Ben:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.benrein/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/benrein Website: https://www.benrein.com/ 🔥 Get my free weekly newsletter filled with easy to action health tips, interesting facts and science to fill your curiosity: https://drkaran.beehiiv.com/subscribe🔥 For more useful science for your everyday life, grab my best selling book “This Book May Save Your Life”: https://geni.us/DrKaranBook 🎙️ An OG Podcasts production. 


