Find out more behind each of our episodes here!

Each of our episodes contains engaging, scientific content presented in simple-to-understand terms that are friendly for listeners of all demographics. Below, we have descriptions of each of our episodes as well as our sources and other links to continue exploring the topic if you are interested.

DISCLAIMER: These episodes do not provide any universal legal, medical, or personal advice. We are just here to help you learn cool things. Make sure to contact a professional about any of these topics if you need help!
​

• SEASON 6
• SEASON 5
• SEASON 4
  
• SEASON 3
  
• SEASON 2
• SEASON 1

<

>

SEASON 6: Medical Marvels

TRAILER

Today, we're super excited to announce to launch of Season 6: Medical Marvels! This will be our biggest season yet as we hear from researchers, policy makers, and innovators working to make the future of medicine a reality. Join us to hear our thoughts on this upcoming season as well as a note about our recent rebrand!

Tune in every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday as we publish new episodes for this season! Be sure to check our website for additional resources and follow @learnonpodcast on Instagram to be notified whenever a new episode comes up. Thank you all for our support and we'll see you very soon with more episodes!

episode 1: Treating adhd with neurofeedback (Featuring ofer lidsky)

Brain-computer interfaces (BCIs), though they may sound very futuristic, are now far from an imagined technology of the past. Integrations between computers and the nervous system are being used all around us to diagnose and treat many medical conditions. Today, we sat down to chat with Ofer Lidsky about his work in neurotechnology through Excellent Brain, a company using electroencephalography-based neurofeedback to treat symptoms of ADHD. Be sure to tune in and hear exciting tips on entrepreneurship in this inaugural episode of our 6th season!

Ofer Lidsky is an experienced entrepreneur with 30+ years in software development, focusing on Genetics, Digital Health, EEG Signal Processing, BCI, VR, and Information Security. He has founded multiple startups, created innovative platforms, and holds several patents in various software fields. He is the founder and CEO of Excellent Brain as well as a member of the Forbes Technology Council.

Check out Excellent Brain here: excellent-brain.com/
Read up on DNAtix: www.dnatix.com/

​
Learn more about this topic with the following resources: 
Mayo Clinic on electroencephalography: www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/eeg/about/pac-20393875
What is neurofeedback therapy?: www.forbes.com/health/mind/what-is-neurofeedback-therapy/
How neurofeedback affects ADHD: www.additudemag.com/neurofeedback-therapy-treat-adhd/

episode 2: The Ins and Outs of Scientific Journalism (featuring Max Levy)

One of the most important ways that we're inspired to discuss topics on this podcast is through science journalism: that is, reading the latest news in STEM fields to stay updated on new innovations! However, considering the sheer volume of science content available on the Internet, it's crucial to know how to navigate this scene. Today, we chatted with Max Levy to discuss key takeaways in this field from his experience as a researcher turned journalist. Tune in to hear about how he comes up with unique stories, balancing individual interests with the need of the consumer, and the power of following your passion to create the best content.

​Max Levy is a freelance science journalist based in Los Angeles, California, with a Ph.D. in chemical & biological engineering from the University of Colorado, Boulder. He specializes in writing, editing, and fact-checking across a wide array of science topics, making complex scientific concepts accessible and engaging for a broad audience. His work has been featured on WIRED, Quanta Magazine, The Atlantic, Drug Discovery News, Smithsonian, TED-Ed, Veritasium, Vox, and more.

Check out his magazine, Sequencer, here: www.sequencermag.com/


​Learn more about this topic with the following resources:
The need for critical scientific journalism: www.theguardian.com/science/blog/2013/may/16/need-for-critical-science-journalism
How false news spreads: www.youtube.com/watch?v=cSKGa_7XJkg&pp=ygUfdGVkIGVkIGZhY3RzIGFuZCBmaWd1cmVzIGJpYXNlZA%3D%3D
Tips from science journalists: www.aaas.org/programs/public-engagement/tips-science-journalists

episode 3: building a growth mindset for research (featuring Dr. katalin karikó)

Some of the greatest scientific advancements of all time were made completely on accident or weren't recognized until far after the discoverer's death. But how do you stay motivated as a scientist when things don't go according to plan? To tackle this topic, we're interviewing Dr. Karikó, a Nobel Prize winner who's had her fair share of ups and downs through decades of researching mRNA. Join us in a conversation about her thoughts on prioritizing health through hard work, future applications of mRNA technology, and the power of focusing on self-improvement amidst a world full of comparisons.

Dr. Katalin Karikó is a Hungarian-American researcher known for her work in mRNA technology. In 2023, she was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine along with Dr. Drew Weissman for the applications of her work in modifying mRNA to develop COVID-19 vaccines. Dr. Karikó is also a senior vice president at BioNTech and an adjunct professor of Neurosurgery at the University of Pennsylvania. 

Learn more about this topic with the following resources:
What self-talk reveals about the brain: www.scientificamerican.com/article/what-self-talk-reveals-about-the-brain/
How mRNA helped save lives (Crash Course): www.youtube.com/watch?v=j6YaOqKORYY
How the COVID-19 vaccines were created so quickly (TED-Ed): www.youtube.com/watch?v=v-NEr3KCug8

episode 4: Safe drinking water for all (featuring ronnie levin)

Many of us have heard about the issue of lead pipes contaminating our water supply. Though it's been well established that this could improve the health of millions of Americans, the challenge in moving forward is deciding whether the immense upfront costs of replacing pipes is worth it from a financial standpoint. To tackle this issue, we're discussing with Ronnie Levin, a Harvard professor who previously worked at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Tune in to hear about how the brilliant simplicity of her cost-benefit analysis approach pushed the EPA to commit to replacing all of the USA's lead pipes in the next decade for better health outcomes.

​Ronnie Levin is an instructor in Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health’s department of environmental health. In May of 2023, she published a study demonstrating that the resulting health benefits of replacing lead pipes would be around $9 billion and result in an additional minimum of $2 billion in infrastructure benefits -- all by using analysis methods she developed during her time working at the EPA for 40 years.

Learn more about this topic with the following resources:
Why do we still use lead pipes?: www.youtube.com/watch?v=w4yf4gLIv_o
Symptoms and causes of lead poisoning: www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/lead-poisoning/symptoms-causes/syc-20354717
About lead in drinking water: www.cdc.gov/lead-prevention/prevention/drinking-water.html

episode 5: rapid diagnosis of alzheimer's (featuring dr. venkat shastri)

Tackling Alzheimer's disease has seemed to take up a lot of headlines lately - from drugs reducing the severity of symptoms to new research studies revolutionizing how we understand its causes, the media has been nothing short of enthralled by recent advances. However, the initial step of diagnosis is often overlooked despite being a key component of this story. Today, we're chatting with Dr. Venkat Shastri about how his company ALZPath developed a blood test for a protein marker to catch Alzheimer's early on and help prevent its progression. Join us to learn about how we can cut costs of expensive testing and the power of visualizing 5 to 10 years into the future!
​
Dr. Venkat Shastri is the CEO of ALZPath and the De Sanctis professor of engineering and entrepreneurship at the University of San Diego. He has a PhD in electrical and computer engineering and has been involved in many related startups. He has also previously conducted research at the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory and Yale University along with serving as a consulting professor at Stanford University.

Check out ALZPath: alzpath.bio/

Learn more about this topic with the following resources:
Alzheimer's disease (Mayo Clinic): www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/alzheimers-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20350447
How is Alzheimer's disease diagnosed?: www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/diagnosis
Blood tests could soon predict your risk of Alzheimer's: www.nature.com/articles/d41586-024-02535-x

episode 6: healthcare for migrants (featuring kim nolte)

Though there are many known issues with the American healthcare system, one of the most overlooked faults is that it's designed for people who stay in place. Care is often neglected or subpar for immigrants, citizens that regularly travel for work, and other people that frequently move around for various reasons. To understand why this is the case and how to fix it, we spoke with Kim Nolte, CEO of the Migrant Clinicians Network. Tune in to hear about the importance of language for effective communication in medical settings, how this organization carefully tailors resources for the individual needs of populations they serve, and the power of turning your worst moments into your best ones.

Kim Nolte joined the Migrant Clinicians Network in 2023. At MCN, she leads with her unique expertise through a master's degree in public health and multilingual experience. Prior to that, she served as the CEO of the Georgia Campaign for Adolescent Power & Potential, where she spearheaded a campaign to reduce the teen birth rate of Georgia by a third in just 5 years.

Check out MCN's website here: www.migrantclinician.org/

Learn more about this topic with the following resources:
How migrants and refugees seek health care in the US: journalistsresource.org/home/how-migrants-asylum-seekers-and-refugees-seek-health-care-in-the-us-a-primer-and-research-roundup/
Are hospitals doing enough to eradicate language barriers?: www.usatoday.com/story/special/contributor-content/2023/08/11/are-hospitals-doing-enough-to-eradicate-language-barriers/70574948007/
The advantage of bilingual healthcare professionals: global-lt.com/blog/the-advantage-of-bilingual-healthcare-professionals

episode 7: philosophy, medicine, and virtual reality: what's the connection? (featuring dr. brennan spiegel)

Throughout this podcast, we've explored many facets of what makes science and health so interdisciplinary. Today, we're adding one more factor to the mix: philosophy. Specifically, we'll be joined by Dr. Brennan Spiegel to learn about the future of virtual reality in new medical technologies and how it can be informed by a philosophical approach to tackle complex questions emerging from this field. Tune in to discover the ever-evolving nature of medical technology, how virtual reality can be used for mental health applications, and what human consciousness really means.

Dr. Brennan Spiegel directs the Cedars-Sinai Center for Outcomes Research and Education (CS-CORE) to develop one of the largest medical VR programs and support the emerging field of Medical Extended Reality (MXR). Along with authoring many medical textbooks and over 270 articles in peer-reviewed journals, he published the best-selling book VRx: How Immersive Therapeutics Will Revolutionize Medicine in 2020.

Read Dr. Spiegel's book here: www.amazon.com/VRx-Virtual-Therapeutics-Revolutionize-Medicine/dp/1541699769
Check out Xaia, the mental health VR app developed by Dr. Spiegel's team: xaia.health/

Learn more about this topic with the following resources:
​Apple Vision Pro unlocks new opportunities for health app developers: www.apple.com/newsroom/2024/03/apple-vision-pro-unlocks-new-opportunities-for-health-app-developers/
Augmented reality and virtual reality in medical devices: www.fda.gov/medical-devices/digital-health-center-excellence/augmented-reality-and-virtual-reality-medical-devices
How virtual reality therapy is shaping mental health: www.nature.com/immersive/d41591-024-00032-2/index.html

episode 8: the genetics of pregnancy complications (featuring dr. marlena fejzo)

Pregnancy, though vital for sustaining human life, comes with its own unique set of challenges. From weight fluctuation to morning sickness, most people who have experienced pregnancy were no stranger to these symptoms. But what happens when it goes too far? Today, we're discussing hyperemesis gravidarum (HG), a pregnancy complication that's often confused with the more milder versions of its symptoms, with geneticist Dr. Marlena Fejzo. Tune in to hear about her journey in researching the causes of hyperemesis, the importance of recognizing it in order to prevent negative health effects, and expanding dataset diversity by partnering with widespread genetic testing platform 23andMe.

Dr. Marlena Fejzo is a researcher in the Center for Genetic Epidemiology at the University of Southern California. She has a PhD in genetics from Harvard University. She is also an HG survivor, which has informed her experiences as the Chief Scientific Officer of Harmonia Healthcare as well as a board member and research advisor for the HER foundation (see below).

Learn about Harmonia Healthcare: www.harmoniahealthcare.com/
Check out the HER foundation: www.hyperemesis.org/

Learn more about this topic with the following resources:
HG fact sheet: my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/12232-hyperemesis-gravidarum
Complications of HG: www.hyperemesis.org/about-hyperemesis-gravidarum/complications/
Assess and diagnose HG: www.hyperemesis.org/about-hyperemesis-gravidarum/assess-diagnose/

episode 9: gene therapy for muscular dystrophy (featuring dr. jerry mendell)

What would it be like to dedicate over 50 years of your life towards treating a disease? Today, we're finding out with Dr. Jerry Mendell, who has been working to help patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy since the 1960s. He also partnered with Sarepta Therapeutics to create a therapy that delivers healthy copies of the dystrophin gene for treating spinal muscular atrophy. Join us to hear Dr. Mendell's thoughts on applying new forms of gene therapy for this condition, extrapolating his initial findings to treat related conditions, and the onslaught of modern research becoming outdated in the context of accelerating technological developments.

Dr. Jerry Mendell is a neurologist known for his groundbreaking work in treating neuromuscular diseases and pioneering two of the first eight gene therapies approved by the FDA. He was elected to the National Academy of Medicine in 2021, advises research at Nationwide Children's Hospital, and is an emeritus professor of Pediatrics at The Ohio State University.

Learn more about this topic with the following resources:
Duchenne & Becker muscular dystrophy: www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGOmN6rnsNk
What is exon skipping and how does it work?: www.musculardystrophyuk.org/research/what-is-exon-skipping-and-how-does-it-work/
FDA approval of gene therapy for spinal muscular atrophy: www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-innovative-gene-therapy-treat-pediatric-patients-spinal-muscular-atrophy-rare-disease

episode 10: chronic illness advocacy (featuring Jaime Seltzer)

Chronic illness affects an estimated 130 million people in the United States, and that number continues climbing with infectious diseases resulting in conditions such as long COVID. Today, we're specifically focusing on ME/CFS (myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome), a genetically-linked chronic illness that isn't talked about enough. Join us with Jaime Seltzer, a researcher and advocate for ME/CFS through #MEAction, to hear about what it was like to be diagnosed with this condition, the need for a personalized approach when working towards institutional reform, and lessons learned through leading the #MEAction's Teach ME, Treat ME campaign.

Jaime Seltzer is the scientific director at #MEAction, a nonprofit healthcare organization focusing on advocacy efforts for infection-associated chronic illness. Along with representing #MEAction at many institutions including the CDC and NIH, she is a research scientist at the Stanford University Genome Technology Center and Snyder Lab.

Check out #MEAction: www.meaction.net/

Learn more about this topic with the following resources:
ME/CFS Basics: www.cdc.gov/me-cfs/about/index.html
What does ME/CFS feel like?: www.actionforme.org.uk/get-information/what-is-me/what-does-me-feel-like/
Link between chronic disease and depression: www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/chronic-illness-mental-health

episode 11: redefining women's health (featuring Dr. lori frank)

We often hear the term "women's health" when discussing things such as breast cancer, menstruation, and pregnancy. But, can we only chalk it up to visits to the gynecologist? (Spoiler alert - definitely not.) Today, we're joined by Dr. Lori Frank, president of WHAM (Women's Health Access Matters), an organization dedicated to increasing awareness and funding for women's health. Tune in to hear about reframing women's health into a more expansive definition, the importance of intersectionality in feminism, and how the gaping disparity in money for women's health research continues to affect healthcare today.

Dr. Lori Frank is the inaugural president of WHAM and brings a background of biopsychology with a master's degree from Johns Hopkins University. She also currently serves a senior advisor for The New York Academy of Medicine, a board member of the Personalized Medicine Coalition, and a member of the Memory Screening Advisory Board of the Alzheimer's Foundation of America.

Check out WHAM: whamnow.org/

Learn more about this topic with the following resources:
Harvard Business School - defining women's health: www.hbs.edu/healthcare/blog/post/defining-womens-health-womens-health-is-more-than-female-anatomy-and-our-reproductive-systemits-about-unraveling-centuries-of-inequities-due-to-living-in-a-patriarchal-healthcare-system
The case for women's health care: www.bushcenter.org/catalyst/poverty/gonnella-platts-womens-health
Why we know so little about women's health: www.aamc.org/news/why-we-know-so-little-about-women-s-health

episode 12: affordability and accessibility of medicine (featuring charles  gore)

When a pharmaceutical company first develops a novel drug or therapeutic, it is protected by a patent. While this ensures that the company can profit off of their creation, it also creates a monopoly as the sole patent holder can charge higher prices without worrying about competition.  But this is being changed by the Medicines Patent Pool (MPP), a UK-based organization that has signed agreements with 22 patent holders so far to distribute the much cheaper, generic version of life-saving products for low and middle income countries.  Join us and Charles Gore, the Executive Director of MPP, in a discussion about the importance of manufacturing capacity for drug distribution, the need to advocate for federal funding in healthcare, and other unexpected regulatory challenges through this line of work.

Prior to his current role at MPP, Charles Gore brought 2 decades of work in advocating for hepatitis C patients through his role as president of The World Hepatitis Alliance, cofounder and chief executive of The Hepatitis C Trust, and the inaugural president of the European Liver Patients Association. He is also a member of the 2024 TIME100 Health list.

Check out MPP: medicinespatentpool.org/

Learn more about this topic with the following resources:
Taking away patent monopolies: cepr.net/ending-the-cesspool-in-pharmaceuticals-by-taking-away-patent-monopolies/#:~:text=Patent%20monopolies%20and%20related%20protections,protection%20as%20widely%20as%20possible.
Extra cost to consumers of add-on drug patents: anderson-review.ucla.edu/52-6-billion-extra-cost-to-consumers-of-add-on-drug-patents/
Why J&J dropped their patent on bedaquiline: www.cidrap.umn.edu/tuberculosis/jj-agrees-lower-price-tb-drug-bedaquiline-allow-production-south-africa

episode 13: from then to now: the rise of femtech (featuring amy keenan)

As we continue to build our knowledge about gender differences healthcare, an important part of the scene is femtech, which refers to a wide range of solutions applying technology to serve women's health. But what does femtech truly mean in its execution, and how does it affect concerns about health equity today? To tackle these questions, we're joined by Amy Keenan on behalf of FemHealth Insights, an organization empowering stakeholders in women's health through data and community building. Tune in to hear all about the underrepresentation of female patients in clinical trials and the future of joint advocacy efforts in shaping more equitable healthcare.

Amy Keenan is a leader in women's health as a 2024 fellow for FemHealth Insights. She is leading the campaign for Dr. Brittany Baretto, Chief Information Officer of FemHealth Insights, as she launches the book Unlocking Women's Health: FemTech and the Quest for Gender Equity.

Tune into the FemTech Focus podcast: www.femtechfocus.com/
Check out Dr. Brittany Baretto's new book: www.amazon.com/Unlocking-Womens-Health-FemTech-Gender/dp/1961347911

Learn more about this topic with the following resources:
Underrepresentation of women in early-stage clinical trials: www.clinicaltrialsarena.com/features/underrepresentation-women-early-stage-clinical-trials/
Female car crash test dummies: www.forbes.com/sites/evaepker/2023/09/12/fasten-your-seatbelts-a-female-car-crash-test-dummy-represents-average-women-for-the-first-time-in-60-years/
Pentagon to spend $500M on women's health research: thehill.com/homenews/administration/4894314-pentagon-to-spend-500m-on-womens-health-research/

episode 14: creating a million new years of free time (featuring dr. dale whelehan)

Wouldn't it be amazing to have a long weekend every week and still get paid full time? It turns out that this isn't just a magical fantasy, but rather a reality for employees at hundreds of companies across the globe. And not only is it fun to have Fridays off, but it's also an evidence-proven method of reducing burnout, increasing revenue with higher overall productivity, and retaining existing employees as well as attracting new talent. Today, we're interviewing Dale Whelehan, who is spearheading the initiative to convince skeptics and create a million new years of free time through 4 Day Week Global. Join us to hear important insights about the science of tunnel vision resulting from burnout, the 100-80-100 rule of work output, and making this a widespread reality through a fundamental culture shift around work.

Dale Whelehan is the CEO of 4 Day Week Global and has a PhD in Behavioral Science from Trinity College Dublin. He is on the 2024 Forbes 30 Under 30 list, a member of the Forbes Business Council, and an Advisory Council Member of the Harvard Business Review.

See the 4 Day Week Global website: www.4dayweek.com/

Learn more about this topic with the following resources:
What it's really like to have a 4 day work week: time.com/6964101/4-day-work-week-benefits/
Success in 4 day work week trials: www.npr.org/2024/02/27/1234271434/4-day-workweek-successful-a-year-later-in-uk
Rise of 4 day work week in American companies: www.cnn.com/2024/04/12/business/four-day-workweek-survey/index.html

episode 15: the truth about chemical safety (featuring dr. michal freedhoff)

From asbestos to PFAS to microplastics, nowadays it seems like harmful chemicals are present everywhere we turn. Though there are certainly many hazardous chemicals in our environment, there's also a large amount of misinformation about how these findings are communicated and in what capacity they become toxic. To clear up the air, we're joined today by Dr. Michal Freedhoff, head of the Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention (OCSSP). Tune in to hear her unique perspective on how safety regulations became more rigorous since 2016 under the revised Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), how we still see impacts of historical ignorance around chemical safety in today's chemical regulations, and the dire need to prevent science from turning into a weapon of uncertainty through accusatory claims against scientists.

Michal Freedhoff is the Assistant Administrator for the Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention (OCSPP). She has a PhD in physical chemistry from the University of Rochester and has over 20 years of government experience, including serving on scientific research and development committees of the United States Senate and House of Representatives.

See the OCSPP website: www.epa.gov/aboutepa/about-office-chemical-safety-and-pollution-prevention-ocspp

Learn more about this topic with the following resources:
Basics of PFAS: www.epa.gov/pfas/pfas-explained
About the Toxic Substances Control Act: www.epa.gov/laws-regulations/summary-toxic-substances-control-act#:~:text=The%20Toxic%20Substances%20Control%20Act%20of%201976%20provides%20EPA%20with,%2C%20drugs%2C%20cosmetics%20and%20pesticides.
Finalized ban on asbestos: www.epa.gov/newsreleases/biden-harris-administration-finalizes-ban-ongoing-uses-asbestos-protect-people-cancer

episode 16: is mental health a luxury? (featuring sean mayberry)

From a privileged perspective, it can be easy to consider good mental health as an additional benefit on top of the precursor of physical health. However, it turns out that we need to reframe this mindset, especially in the context of social communities and developing countries. Today, we're chatting with Sean Mayberry about StrongMinds, a global nonprofit treating hundreds of thousands of people each year, mostly in Africa, with depression. Tune in to hear about the surprisingly controversial label of mental health, the sustainability of group therapy approaches for depression, and how mental health care targeted at caregivers improves many other factors in the household.

Sean Mayberry is the CEO of StrongMinds, a TEDx speaker, and a renowned humanitarian addressing health outcomes in poverty-stricken communities. Prior to founding this organization, he worked as a diplomat and social marketer implementing programs for malaria and HIV/AIDS prevention in Africa.

See the work at StrongMinds: strongminds.org/

Learn more about this topic with the following resources:
Africa's mental health crisis: healthpolicy-watch.news/tanzania-clergy-suicides-spotlight-africas-mental-health-crisis/
Mental health in caregivers: www.caregiver.org/resource/caregiver-health/
How and why group therapy works: www.apa.org/monitor/2023/03/continuing-education-group-therapy

episode 17: treating pain with empathy (featuring dr. stefan friedrichsdorf)

Many of us have early memories of visits to the pediatrician, which are often underscored by fear of the dreaded needle. Being poked and prodded is never fun regardless of your age, but it's especially important to consider that a lot of this discomfort is unnecessary. And, traumatizing experiences in young patients can foster distrust for healthcare workers during their formative years. Today, we're chatting with Dr. Stefan Friedrichsdorf about palliative care, advocating for pain management in pediatrics, and how taking a bit of extra time for a simple, evidence-backed procedure to reduce anxiety during vaccinations can help kids develop positive associations with the healthcare system through adulthood.
​
Dr. Stefan Friedrichsdorf is a pediatric pain and palliative medicine specialist. Through his roles as a professor of pediatrics at UCSF and the medical director of the Stad Center for Pediatric Pain, Palliative and Integrative Medicine, he is helping to make pain management for kids a #1 priority through their care.

Learn more about this topic with the following resources:
Addressing vaccination anxiety for children: www.immunize.org/wp-content/uploads/catg.d/p4271a.pdf
​Building trust with pediatric patients: childlifeoncall.com/how-can-we-make-pediatric-patients-feel-they-are-apart-of-the-care-team/
Managing pediatric pain: www.uspharmacist.com/article/managing-pediatric-pain

episode 18:  The Need for Creativity in Scientific Innovation (featuring Dr. Robert Langer)

Some of the biggest scientific discoveries and biotechnology companies today were born out of skepticism. But what is it actually like to have participated in building this work from the group up? Today, we're hearing a first-hand perspective in this from Dr. Robert Langer, billionaire cofounder of Moderna and widely renowned biotechnologist. Join us in a riveting discussion about how the ups and downs of his career taught him to advocate for himself through research, how his lab is collaborating with The Gates Foundation to create more efficient treatments for developing countries with novel drug delivery systems, and the importance of having a creative mindset to find solutions in unusual places.

Dr. Robert Langer is currently an Institute Professor at MIT and a faculty member of the Harvard–MIT Program in Health Sciences and Technology. Having authored over 1,500 scientific papers, he is the most cited engineer in history and one of the 10 most cited individuals in any field. Dr. Langer has participated in founding 40+ biotechnology companies including Moderna and holds over 1,500 granted or pending patents.

Learn more about this topic with the following resources:
Read about Dr. Langer on Forbes: www.forbes.com/sites/jackkelly/2021/11/16/the-modest-moderna-cofounder-and-multibillionaire-robert-langer-shares-his-secrets-to-success/
Story of Philo Farnsworth (the boy who invented TV): www.biography.com/inventors/philo-t-farnsworth
Read Lissa: A Story about Medical Promise, Friendship, and Revolution (graphic novel): www.amazon.com/Lissa-Medical-Friendship-Revolution-ethnoGRAPHIC/dp/1487593473

episode 19: pandemic preparedness (featuring dr. barney graham)

If something like the COVID-19 pandemic ever happened again, how would we deal with it? Would it be any different from last time? Through our experiences from 2020 to now, it's important to remember how crucial vaccine development and preventative research efforts are in matters of public health. Today, we're joined by Dr. Barney Graham, who has made major contributions to vaccines for HIV/AIDS, Zika, RSV, and ultimately SARS-CoV-2. Tune in to hear Dr. Graham's firsthand experiences with discovering virus spike proteins, working on various teams to develop vaccines for different epidemics, and advocating for global health policy reform.

Dr. Barney Graham is the former deputy director and one of the founding members of the Vaccine Research Center, which is part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). He was elected a member of the National Academy of Sciences in 2022 and currently serves as the director of the David Satcher Global Health Equity Institute at the Morehouse School of Medicine.

Learn more about this topic with the following resources:
Virus basics with the Amoeba Sisters: www.youtube.com/watch?v=8FqlTslU22s&t=352s
Pandemic preparedness from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID): www.niaid.nih.gov/research/pandemic-preparedness
Addressing COVID-19 vaccine misinformation: www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/health-departments/addressing-vaccine-misinformation.html

episode 20: the future of gene-based medicines (featuring ian karp)

You've probably heard about gene editing to create hybrid species or designer babies. But what about its purpose to aid the wellbeing of humanity? Today, we're joined by Ian Karp on behalf of Intellia Therapeutics, a biotechnology company employing CRISPR-based gene editing to develop curative therapeutics for cancer and autoimmune disease. Tune in to hear his thoughts on recent clinical trial updates, how to effectively communicate the purpose of these therapies with the public, and what it's like to be at the forefront of medical innovation when it comes to gene editing.

Check out the work that Intellia is doing: www.intelliatx.com/

Ian Karp is a Senior Vice President at Intellia Therapeutics. He has over 25 years of expertise in the biopharmaceutical industry for investor relations, corporate communications, business development, and product commercialization.

Learn more about this topic with the following resources:
How CRISPR lets you edit DNA: www.youtube.com/watch?v=6tw_JVz_IEc
How CRISPR tools are unlocking new ways to fight disease: www.ucsf.edu/news/2018/07/411031/how-crispr-tools-are-unlocking-new-ways-fight-disease
10 ways CRISPR advancements are reshaping healthcare: www.techtarget.com/pharmalifesciences/feature/10-Ways-CRISPR-Advancements-Are-Reshaping-Healthcare

episode 21: synthetic biology and antibiotic resistance (featuring dr. james collins)

It's always interesting to think about how many technologies that we take for granted today, such as genome sequencing and bioengineering, were completely unheard of just a few decades ago. This episode, we're going back to the roots of these applications with Dr. James Collins, who is widely regarded as one of the founders of the field of synthetic biology. Tune in to hear his thoughts on the importance of leveraging the tools we have today for pandemic prevention and readiness, how to reframe thinking around biosecurity when it comes to applications of these technologies, and how AI can help us outrun antibiotic resistance with rapid drug discovery.

Dr. James Collins is a professor of medical engineering and science at MIT, a core faculty member at the Wyss Institute of Harvard University, and a member of the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard. He is a member of the National Academies of Engineering, Science, and Medicine, and his technologies have been licensed by over 25 biotech and medical device companies.

Learn more about this topic with the following resources:
​Identifying a new class of antibiotic candidates with AI: www.broadinstitute.org/news/researchers-use-ai-identify-new-class-antibiotic-candidates
AI for drug discovery: www.technologyreview.com/2023/02/15/1067904/ai-automation-drug-development/
Tackling antibiotic resistance: www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZvhFeGEDFC8

episode 22: back to basic research (featuring marc kirschner)

It's always exciting to see flashy headlines about the next revolutionary drug approved by the FDA or how a biotech startup is making millions for a diagnostic test. However, it's equally important to not lose sight of what gets us to the most important discoveries in the first place: basic research. Today, we're interviewing Dr. Marc Kirschner, a renowned cell biologist and biochemist known for his research on the cytoskeleton, cell cycle, and embryo signaling. Join us to hear his thoughts on how scientific disciplines have become more intertwined over time, the crucial role of technological advancements such as electron microscopy in the field of biochemistry, and the dire need for approaching scientific discovery with curiosity instead of going straight for the money.

Dr. Marc Kirschner is the founding chair of the Department of Systems Biology at Harvard Medical School and is known for major discoveries in cell and developmental biology. He has also coauthored 2 books on the biological basis of evolution and helped launch the peer-reviewed journal PLOS (Public Library of Science) Biology. 

Learn more about this topic with the following resources:
Introduction to the cytoskeleton: www.youtube.com/watch?v=4BAGI6LbHeo&pp=ygUMY3l0b3NrZWxldG9u
Why electron microscopes are important for studying cells: www.azooptics.com/Article.aspx?ArticleID=2313
How CRISPR was discovered because of fundamental curiosity: www.fredhutch.org/en/news/center-news/2024/09/doudna-presidents-seminar.html#:~:text=A%20technology%20born%20from%20fundamental,systems%20to%20fend%20off%20viruses.

episode 23: the forefront of neurodegeneration (featuring dr. brandy matthews)

As technology gets better than ever, we're unlocking new medical discoveries with the potential to earn billions. However, it's important to not lose sight of what drove us towards these discoveries in the first place: the needs of the patients, and in the case of diseases such as Alzheimer's, their caregivers. Today, we're joined by Dr. Brandy Matthews on behalf of Eli Lilly, which is currently the largest pharmaceutical company in the world with a market cap of over $800 billion. Join us as Dr. Matthews talks us through the recent FDA approval of Alzheimer's drug Kisunla, learning from negative trials, and adopting a treatment approach centering patients and caregivers through the LillyDirect program.

See more of Lilly's work: www.lilly.com/

Dr. Brandy Matthews is the Vice President of Global and US Medical Affairs for Alzheimer's disease at Eli Lilly and Company. She has a background in clinical neurology with a medical degree from the Indiana University School of Medicine and a completed neurology residency at the Mayo Clinic.

Learn more about this topic with the following resources:
Why is Alzheimer's disease so difficult to treat?: www.youtube.com/watch?v=oT5pDvdMzhk
Caregiving for Alzheimer's and dementia: www.alz.org/help-support/caregiving
FDA approves Kisunla for Alzheimer's treatment: www.fda.gov/drugs/news-events-human-drugs/fda-approves-treatment-adults-alzheimers-disease

episode 24: deconstructing the healthcare system (featuring noelle eder)

Throughout this season in the podcast, we have explored the unique role of cutting-edge technology in driving innovation for medicine. But what about the other way around? It turns out that the unique makeup of the healthcare system is crucial in the context of leading changes in digital health. Today, we're hearing from Noelle Eder, CIO at The Cigna Group, for her insights through a career of over 30 years. Tune in to hear about the verticalization of American healthcare, how the fragmentation of this space affects the demand for innovation in medical technology, and the importance of empathy in leadership.

Noelle Eder is the Executive Vice President and Global Chief Information Officer (CIO) at The Cigna Group. Prior to this role, she served as the Chief Information and Digital Officer at Hilton Worldwide Holdings, the Chief Card Customer Experience Officer for Capital One Financial Corporation, as well as other technology leadership roles at Intuit and TeKnowledge.

Learn more about this topic with the following resources:
Negative impacts of vertical integration in medicine: www.hks.harvard.edu/faculty-research/policy-topics/health/study-finds-vertical-integration-medicine-leading-higher
US healthcare is a "sick system": prospect.org/health/2023-07-31-sick-system-business-health-care/
The importance of empathy in leadership: www.forbes.com/sites/karadennison/2023/02/24/the-importance-of-empathy-in-leadership-how-to-lead-with-compassion-and-understanding-in-2023/

SEASON 5: Digital Health

trailer

We are very excited to launch season 5, which will be exploring the world of digital health and how technology is at the forefront of innovation in medicine, mental health care, and improving health equity across the globe. Tune in to get a sneak peek on the adventures ahead, and we can't wait for you all to enjoy this next season with us!

episode 1: AI-Powered Robots for Healthcare (HiDO Health)

Hello learners! We are super excited to kick off the new season strong with a captivating discussion about using artificial intelligence to assist patients in need of chronic care, reduce disparities in health equity resulting from geographic location, and providing more representation and accuracy in clinical trials with patients living at home. Join us and Charles Gellman, the cofounder of HiDO Health, to learn more about how this technology is breaking barriers in healthcare, one home at a time.

​Learn more about this topic with the following resources:
HiDO Health website: https://us.hidohealth.com/team
Learn about how HiDO helped patients live healthier lives: https://www.youtube.com/@hidohealth3414/videos
Read more about the launch of HiDO: ​aithority.com/machine-learning/hido-health-unveils-ai-technology-for-home-care-reducing-health-costs-by-67-and-hospitalizations-by-80/

episode 2: Digital Health and Doctors: Friend or Foe?

In the era of machine learning, smartwatch wearables, online health portals, and AI-powered chatbots, healthcare workers now have more technology at there disposal than ever. While adapting to rapid advancement in the field of digital health can be a daunting task, it is often the key to growth and success in providing better care for patients. Today, we had the pleasure of speaking with Dr. David Lee Scher, a retired cardiologist who is currently a digital health consultant and the Chief Medical Officer at SpeechMED, a multilingual audio platform bringing patients important information in their native language. Join us in an engaging discussion about the implications of digital health on developing medical innovation, new perspectives on accessibility in the context of health equity, and the classic debate about whether artificial intelligence can really take over healthcare workers' jobs.

Learn more about this topic with the following resources:
Forbes article: www.forbes.com/sites/bernardmarr/2022/09/14/how-ai-and-machine-learning-will-impact-the-future-of-healthcare/?sh=43b7c97a47e5
Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) article: www.aamc.org/news/will-artificial-intelligence-replace-doctors
​Asking ChatGPT Tough Medical Questions: www.youtube.com/watch?v=lGSGTrn5INA

episode 3: Mental Health Care By Youth, for Youth ft. Dr. Angela Glymph

Health education is crucial for young people to establish healthy habits that can be carried on for the rest of their lives. However, due to various factors that can affect accessibility, many are left in the dark about how to build the proper skills to maintain physical and mental health. This is where Peer Health Exchange (PHE) comes in by providing in-person and digital health education resources! Join us in an engaging conversation with Dr. Angela Glymph, the CEO of Peer Health Exchange, about this organization's unique youth-centered approach, moving more towards the digital space to reach more young people, and Dr. Glymph's own story about working with youth for health equity. 

Check out PHE here: www.peerhealthexchange.org/

Learn more about this topic with the following resources:
National Adolescent and Young Adult Health Information Center (NAHIC) on youth-centered care: nahic.ucsf.edu/resources/toolkit-youth-centered-care/
Importance of digital health education: ep.bmj.com/content/108/3/214
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA) on how digital access determines health: www.samhsa.gov/blog/digital-access-super-determinant-health

episode 4: The Future of Medical Education with Osmosis

As technology develops at a pace faster than ever before, more and more digital tools are created for education. From KhanAcademy to ChatGPT to ​Quizlet, many online resources have become staples in the study routines of millions of students across the world. Today, we chatted with Shiv Gaglani, co-founder and CEO of Osmosis, a platform designed to teach medicine in a more effective and efficient manner. Tune in to hear about important topics like balancing the benefits and drawbacks of digital learning tools, the future of AI in education, and the unsung advantages of combining spaced repetition with visual learning methods!

Check out Osmosis here: ⁠www.osmosis.org/⁠

Learn more about this topic with the following resources:
Shiv's Forbes article about going back to medical school: www.forbes.com/sites/shivgaglani/2023/05/24/why-im-going-back-to-medical-school/?sh=7396ab3e351d
ChatGPT and medical education: journals.lww.com/academicmedicine/fulltext/2023/08000/chatgpt_and_the_future_of_medical_education.3.aspx#:~:text=Although%20ChatGPT%20has%20the%20potential,deep%20understanding%20of%20the%20field.
Learn about the benefits of spaced repetition: blog.wranx.com/the-science-behind-spaced-repetition

episode 5: The Brightline Approach to Virtual Therapy

In a post-pandemic world, the presence of telehealth is now more prevalent than ever. While virtual care, especially for mental health, can significantly increase the accessibility of treatment, it can also make the patient feel more isolated if not performed correctly. Tune in with Dr. Myra Altman and Dr. Kendra Read of Brightline to discuss their unique approach when it comes to mental health services. Join us as we cover what therapy truly means, the family-centered treatment plan, specializing care plans to individual needs, and kids' autonomy regarding mental health care.

​Check out Brightline here: www.hellobrightline.com/

Learn more about this topic with the following resources:
Age of consent for mental health treatment by state: worldpopulationreview.com/state-rankings/age-of-consent-for-mental-health-treatment-by-state
American Psychiatric Association (APA) article: www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/psychotherapy
Virtual therapy vs. in-person therapy: www.psychology.org/resources/virtual-therapy-vs-in-person/

episode 6: The Duality of Health for People and the Planet

We often have serious conversations about the future of global warming as well as global health crises, but it is not as often that these two topics are connected in discussion. In fact, taking care of our planet is crucial for the wellbeing of billions; environmental factors like availability of clean water, consequences of industrial agriculture, and geopolitical conflicts that affect access to important resources all have a dramatic impact on health outcomes, especially in underprivileged areas. Today, we had a fascinating discussion with Gil Bashe on the importance of upcoming technologies in solving these problems, and we'd love for you to tune in and hear about younger generations' power to take control of the future of our health and the planet's health.

Health UnaBASHEd Radio Show: www.healthcarenowradio.com/programs/health-unabashed/
​Medika Life: medika.life/tag/gil-bashe/

Learn more about this topic with the following resources:
EcoHealth Alliance Nonprofit: www.ecohealthalliance.org/
World Health Organization on Environmental Health Impacts: www.who.int/activities/environmental-health-impacts
Microsoft AI for Earth: www.microsoft.com/en-us/ai/ai-for-earth

episode 7: Trauma Surgeon and Trailblazer: Thoughts on Digital Health From the Front Lines

As the field of digital health expands more than ever before, a more diverse spread of minds is brought to the table to discuss important aspects of the future of medical technology. Within these perspectives, a particularly important one is that of a practicing physician experiencing the disparities of our healthcare system from a front row seat. Today, we heard from Rafael Grossmann, a surgeon and healthcare futurist who has many years of experience in patient advocacy and digital health education. Tune in to learn about how to properly harness the future of digital health in order to tap into the humane, artistic side of medicine that many are currently missing amidst a boom of technological advancements.

Visit Dr. Grossmann's website here: ⁠www.rafaelgrossmann.com/

Learn more about this topic with the following resources:
See Dr. Grossman's TEDx Talk: tedxportsmouth.com/speakers/dr-rafael-j-grossmann/
Read about Dr. Grossman's Google Glass surgery: www.forbes.com/sites/johnnosta/2013/06/21/google-glass-in-the-operating-room/
Learn about technical advancements in trauma care: www.vonehospital.com/how-technology-is-revolutionizing-trauma-care-in-emergency-departments/

EPISODE 8: COLLABORATION TO UPLIFT: A DISCUSSION ON EQUITY IN HEALTH IT

It is already a well-known fact that healthcare is not made equal; marginalized communities find themselves facing significantly worse patient outcomes overall. This issue is also present in the field of health IT, which is impactful in how we treat patients as technology has a larger role in healthcare than ever before. Today, we are joined by Joy Rios, host of HIT Like a Girl Pod, to learn about what health IT is, how we can effectively collaborate to give marginalized voices the platform they deserve, and why informed policymaking is key towards creating lasting change.

Listen to HIT Like A Girl Podcast here: www.hitlikeagirlpod.com/

Learn more about this topic with the following resources:
The economics of American healthcare: www.brookings.edu/articles/a-dozen-facts-about-the-economics-of-the-u-s-health-care-system/
WHO's guide for evidence-informed policy-making: www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240039872
Gender bias in clinical trials: nwhn.org/taking-on-gender-bias-in-clinical-trials/#:~:text=Historically%2C%20women%20have%20been%20incredibly,unique%20on%20a%20cellular%20level.

EPISODE 9: NETWORKING IN DIGITAL HEALTH with echalliance

Silos, which block proper communication and coordination between important groups in healthcare, are a major roadblock that prevent optimized care and contribute to high costs with poor patient outcomes. This is where the European Connected Health Alliance (ECHAlliance) comes in with its goals to connect, convene, amplify, and accelerate. Today, we are joined by Brian O'Connor, founder of ECHAlliance, to hear about his work in breaking down these silos as well as his entrepreneurial experiences through creating different startups, how to better adapt the changes in healthcare post-pandemic, and the permanent shift in the landscape of telehealth.

​See the ECHAlliance website here: echalliance.com/

Learn more about this topic with the following resources:
An explanation of silo mentality in healthcare: medlawadvisory.com/five-things-to-know-about-health-care-silos-and-how-they-harm-both-patients-and-organizations/#:~:text=%E2%80%9CSilo%20mentality%20in%20healthcare%20can,to%20the%20organization%2C%20employees%20and
​Harvard Business Review on healthcare silos: hbr.org/2019/07/breaking-down-health-care-silos
The importance of interprofessional collaboration in healthcare: nursing.jnj.com/getting-real-nursing-today/the-importance-of-interprofessional-collaboration-in-healthcare#:~:text=Interprofessional%20collaboration%20can%20improve%20patient,rates%2C%20and%20optimizing%20medication%20dosages.

episode 10: exploring advancements in healthcare from the legal perspective

When you think about professions in healthcare, you probably imagine doctors, nurses, or other roles that require direct interaction with patients. And though this answer is certainly true, a major yet often overlooked career is that of a health lawyer, which is very important considering the many legal implications of practicing medicine. Today, we are joined by Matthew Fisher to talk about his career in health law as well as topics in this field including how legal restrictions can actually help healthcare companies, what HIPAA truly is, and the complex interactions between policymaking and the rise of artificial intelligence.

Learn more about this topic with the following resources:
Basics of HIPAA: www.youtube.com/watch?v=oYl7XWqa-uE
​What health law is and why it matters: www.apu.apus.edu/area-of-study/security-and-global-studies/resources/what-is-health-law/#:~:text=Health%20law%20directly%20impacts%20health,patients%20in%20the%20healthcare%20system.
Evaluating bias in AI (this video is a part of Project Neurify, another project created by Jaansi!): www.youtube.com/watch?v=B7-ij7ctrh0

episode 11: where does technology go wrong?

We've talked a lot about technological advancements in the medical field, but today, we're going to be examining them from a new lens to understand the possible downsides and how to fix it. Joining us to provide a fresh perspective is Dean Sittig, a professor at the UTHealth School of Biomedical Informatics. Tune in to hear about a wide range of topics including how the electronic health record system inadvertently disrupted work-life balance by increasing clinicians' workload, finding an efficient and safe balance between trusting AI to make decisions and having to double-check everything on our own, the economical consequences of replacing jobs in healthcare, and how technologies like ChatGPT can be turned for nefarious purposes when in the wrong hands.

Learn more about this topic with the following resources:
Electronic health records and clinician burnout: www.healthcareitnews.com/news/clinician-ehr-struggles-compromise-patient-care-study-shows
Ambient technology for transcribing physician-patient conversations: www.urologytimes.com/view/ambient-clinical-documentation-shows-promise-for-physicians#:~:text=Ambient%20clinical%20documentation%20works%20in,)%2C%20assessment%2C%20and%20plan.
How ChatGPT struggles to answer medication-related questions: www.cnbc.com/2023/12/05/free-chatgpt-may-incorrectly-answer-drug-questions-study-says.html

​episode 12: a new perspective on telemedicine

Since the COVID pandemic hit, the healthcare industry seemed to share a sentiment as a whole about telemedicine: it was the best possible alternative when the patients couldn't come in for a physical, in person visit, the latter of which is the gold standard of care. But Dr. Ami Bhatt, Chief innovation Officer at the American College of Cardiology, is trying to change this sentiment. Join us in a riveting episode where we discuss what telemedicine looked like before 2020, how it is actually a superior choice of treatment for chronic care and meeting patients' unique needs, and the need for proper infrastructure in scheduling and data management to make sure it is done successfully.

Learn more with the following resources:
The Telehealth Era is Just Beginning by Harvard Business Review: ​https://hbr.org/2022/05/the-telehealth-era-is-just-beginning
Benefits of Telemedicine by Johns Hopkins Medicine: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/benefits-of-telemedicine#
Telehealth and Telemedicine Before and After the COVID-19 Pandemic: ​https://www.wheel.com/blog/telehealth-before-and-after-covidwww.wheel.com/blog/telehealth-before-and-after-covid

episode 13: The intersectionality of technology and medicine

It is easy to talk about digital health as being mainly consisted of two separate facets: technology and medicine. However, instead of simply focusing on the specialization of these aspects, it is also crucial to recognize how clinical practice and technological expertise must be combined for the success of any digital health company. This is where the work of Ken Perez, a healthcare marketing, strategy, and policy consultant, comes in. Join us to hear about his opinions on the possible overvaluation in the digital health area, how artificial intelligence should be applied with the most recent data in mind, and how the applications of digital health intersect with reduction of healthcare costs.

Learn more about this topic with the following resources:
The rise of digital marketing in medtech: www.mckinsey.com/industries/life-sciences/our-insights/the-rise-of-digital-marketing-in-medtech
Challenges of clinical applications in AI: bmcmedicine.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12916-019-1426-2
Simple digital technologies can reduce healthcare costs: hbr.org/2016/11/simple-digital-technologies-can-reduce-health-care-costs

episode 14: health equity in pharmacy

Today, we're going to be doing a deep dive into yet another crucial sector of healthcare: pharmacy! Joining us is Dr. Miranda Steinkopf,  a pharmacist passionate about health equity, pharmacy practice transformation, and academic innovation. Tune in to hear about the need for strong health equity education so that providers are equipped to serve patients of diverse backgrounds for better outcomes, the unique role that pharmacists have in promoting health equity by understanding the social determinants of health, and how we can overcome barriers created by policy so that the scope of practice for pharmacists can be expanded.

Learn more about this topic with the following resources:
Different roles in pharmacy: my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/24786-pharmacist
The essential role of pharmacists bridging doctors and patients: www.uclahealth.org/news/pharmacist-connection
Read how CVS is working on health equity: www.cvshealth.com/impact/health-equity.html

episode 15: can doctors be replaced by ai?

We've alluded to this question in many previous episodes, but today we're finally facing it head on! In the light of rapid advancements made in artificial intelligence, many have been worried about its potential in replacing complex jobs thanks to the capabilities of models like GPT-4 and DALL-E. However, we're here to assure you with the help of Dr. Dereck Paul, a physician and CEO of Glass Health (an AI-powered clinical decision support tool). Tune in to hear about why physicians are more capable of working in tandem with AI models than we might realize, how the deployment of such models in clinical practice sheds a light on socioeconomic disparities, and the future of AI to improve patient education resources.

Glass Health website: glass.health/

Learn more about this topic with the following resources:
Harvard Health Q&A: www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/will-artificial-intelligence-replace-doctors
Using AI to help doctors with burnout: www.medpagetoday.com/opinion/prescriptionsforabrokensystem/105540
5 more reasons why AI won't replace doctors: medicalfuturist.com/5-reasons-artificial-intelligence-wont-replace-physicians/

episode 16: reframing healthcare accessibility

The accessibility of healthcare is certainly a major issue in the USA and around the world. One major component of this is affordability, but another key factor that often goes overlooked is actually being able to take advantage of the resources available to you. Whether we're thinking about a patient who is freshly an adult or a parent to a newborn child, many people were never educated about the right questions to ask and as a result, don't feel a sense of autonomy with their own health. Today, we're excited to be joined by Dr. Stacey Follman, who shares her experiences working for The Healthcare Navigation Project, a grassroots initiative helping to tackle this problem. Join us in a fascinating conversation about Dr. Follman's unique role as a pharmacist in global medical information and pharmacoviligance in order to understand why the delivery of accurate medical and scientific content is so crucial.

​Check out The Healthcare Navigation Project: thehealthcarenavigationproject.org/

Learn more about this topic with the following resources:
5 Key Barriers to Healthcare Access in the USA: www.wolterskluwer.com/en/expert-insights/five-key-barriers-to-healthcare-access-in-the-united-states
Pharmacovigilance (World Health Organization): www.who.int/teams/regulation-prequalification/regulation-and-safety/pharmacovigilance
The Role of AI in Pharmacy Practice: www.pharmacytimes.com/view/the-role-of-artificial-intelligence-in-pharmacy-practice

​EPISODE 17: THE UNSUNG WORLD OF HEALTHCARE CONSULTING

We've talked about many incredible organizations advancing health equity with their work, but today, we're going to be talking about a related career that deserves more recognition: healthcare consulting. This is an important job that combines knowledge of business and medicine to optimize patient care. But how does someone get started in this field? Tune in to hear from Alexis Anderson, a healthcare consultant sharing how an incredibly touching personal experience shaped her career and her work in showing the ropes to the next generation of students. And, be sure to stick around until the end to hear a (potentially) hot take revealing the truth behind the evolution of AI!

Learn more about this topic with the following resources:
Interdisciplinarity to improve patient care: www.physicianleaders.org/articles/interdisciplinary-collaboration-enhance-patient-care
What is a health consultant?: publichealth.tulane.edu/blog/healthcare-consultant/
Why healthcare needs business leaders: www.michiganstateuniversityonline.com/resources/healthcare-management/why-healthcare-needs-business-leaders/

episode 18: one step forward in democratizing healthcare

We all know that improving health equity is an important topic, but a side to this battle that is commonly underappreciated is that of administrative and legislative details. Indeed, combining an entrepreneurial mindset with a patient-centered care approach is the best way to fight for this cause according to Dr. Jessica Schlicher. Dr. Schlicher is a Chief Medical Officer at the nonprofit organization Providence, Head of Content at MedPearl, an actionable intelligence engine, and practicing family physician, so you won't want to miss hearing her wisdom! We'd love for you to join our discussion on how MedPearl makes referring patients to specialists more efficient, how AI should be viewed as a tool to augment human knowledge, and the holistic way of assessing a patient's multifaceted life according to Providence. 

Check out Providence: www.providence.org/
And read up on MedPearl: www.medpearl.com/

Learn more about this topic with the following resources:
How an MBA can help healthcare professionals: onlinemba.wsu.edu/blog/how-can-an-mba-degree-be-helpful-to-doctors-and-other-medical-personnel
Challenges with specialist referrals: www.aristamd.com/blog/5-common-challenges-in-referral-management-and-how-to-overcome-them/
MedPearl in the news: www.healthcareitnews.com/news/providence-developing-ai-tools-designed-reduce-clinician-burnout

episode 19: drug development and deep learning

Today, we're joined by Dr. Alex Schepart, a pharmacist who is currently a Medical Director at the pharmaceutical company Shionogi Inc. Tune in to hear about the challenges of integrating AI into drug development and healthcare that you may not have considered, ways to stay most informed about the latest scientific discoveries, and the way to build a "board of directors" of effective mentors in order to bolster your growth as a student and professional.

Check out the podcast Alex co-hosts, which dives deeper into the world of pharmacy: www.industrypharmacist.org/podcast.php
Start learning about the basics of AI here (created by yours truly!): projectneurify.org/

Learn more about this topic with the following resources:
Google AlphaFold library: deepmind.google/technologies/alphafold/
How we can predict protein structures using AI: www.youtube.com/watch?v=gVzPMZqOTo4&t=342s
NIH develops a tool to more precisely match cancer drugs with patients: www.cancer.gov/news-events/press-releases/2024/ai-tool-matches-cancer-drugs-to-patients

episode 20: the interdisciplinarity of science

It's finally here: the finale of season 5! 20 episodes later, we've gone on an exciting exploration together through the depths of digital health, the twists and turns medical technology, and the pathways through artificial intelligence. To wrap up the season, we're chatting with Dr. Alan Lightman, an accomplished physicist, novelist, and essayist. He was the first professor at MIT to receive dual faculty appointments in science and humanities, so we'll be discussing the importance of connecting science and humanities in order to explore the world around us. Tune in as we journey through big ideas about the meaning of consciousness, humanity's role in the universe, and getting started as a kid interested in science.

Check out Dr. Lightman's books: cmsw.mit.edu/profile/alan-lightman/ 
Read Dr. Lightman's articles in the Atlantic: www.theatlantic.com/author/alan-lightman/

Learn more about this topic with the following resources:
Why scientists should study art and literature: www.forbes.com/sites/chadorzel/2015/10/28/why-scientists-should-study-art-and-literature/
When the unnatural becomes natural (how AI can redefine our world): www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2023/06/when-the-unnatural-becomes-natural/674305/
Experiments to do with materials at home: www.weareteachers.com/easy-science-experiments/

SEASON 4: This is Your Brain

trailer

Hello learners! As we approach 2022, we are excited to share our newest project: Season 4. Check out the trailer using the link below to learn what this season is about!

Listen on Anchor: anchor.fm/learnon/episodes/Season-4-Trailer--This-is-Your-Brain-e1c78pv
Listen on Spotify: open.spotify.com/episode/2Npm4k8fCXVNvnHKb2fCkh
Listen on Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/season-4-trailer-this-is-your-brain/id1526489066?i=1000546258562
Listen on Google Podcasts: podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy8yZjA5MDVmNC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw==

episode 1: This is Your Brain on Smells

Everywhere around us, we experience various smells that create an olfactory landscape to interpret. We all know we smell things we breathe in through our nose. But is it really as simple as that? What processes occur in our brain to help us smell objects and identify their characteristics? What happens when this process goes wrong? To learn the answers behind these questions and many more, be sure to tune into today's episode with Jaansi and Sunay!

Learn more about this topic with the following resources:
TED-Ed Video: www.youtube.com/watch?v=snJnO6OpjCs
Why You Lose Smell and Taste with COVID-19: www.youtube.com/watch?v=SgAMeZJV1vc
How Many Smells Can You Smell: www.youtube.com/watch?v=-yEtBps-BnI

episode 2: This is Your Brain on Emotions

We feel various emotions all the time, and they make up quite a big part of our lives. Being very intuitive creatures, emotions dictate how humans think, act, form memories, and function as a whole. We know that emotions come from various stimuli, or triggers, around us. But how do we process these stimuli and what goes on in the brain to create these complex feelings? To learn more about this very interesting topic, be sure to tune into today's episode and join Jaansi and Sunay with Christina Flach to talk about processing your feelings!

​Learn more about this topic with the following resources: 
TED Talk: www.youtube.com/watch?v=0gks6ceq4eQ
Khan Academy Video: www.youtube.com/watch?v=TQ51Gsb98ec
Psychology Today Article: www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-literary-mind/200911/why-do-we-have-emotions

episode 3: This is Your Brain on Hearing

Vinton Cerf, famous across the globe as a "father of the internet," was a developer of TCP/IP, which is a set of important communication protocols used in the Internet and similar computer networks. His work has allowed for data to be sent to the intended destination in computer networks around the world, which is also what allowed you to access this website and listen to our podcast! But what not as many people know about Mr. Cerf is that he, along with his wife, has a hearing impairment that has affected him from childhood. Today, we're going to examine the structures and functions of the nervous system that allow us to hear and process auditory information. Also, be sure to tune in to listen to our interview with Mr. Cerf about his life experiences and work to make technology more accessible for disabled communities. 
​
Learn more about this topic with the following resources:
Crash Course Video: www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ie2j7GpC4JU
TED Talk: www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Rzs9r79dWY
An Interview About Mr. Cerf's Work: www.youtube.com/watch?v=MjPGPPAUUMM 

Episode 4: This is Your Brain on Personality ft. Dr. Brian Little

Type A vs. Type B, zodiac signs, introvert vs. extrovert, the Myers-Briggs type indicator, and the Sorting Hat of Harry Potter. What do all of these have in common? They are ways we attempt to measure, categorize, and understand our personalities! There are so many different types of personality test out there, ranging from fun quizzes to lengthy tests used in the professional world. But, how accurate can they be? Today, we sat down to chat with Dr. Brian Little, a professor of personality psychology, about the different aspects that make up your personality, some common personality myths debunked, and how personality testing requires a unique approach. Tune in today to learn more about this incredibly interesting field and yourself!

Listen to Dr. Little's TED Talk here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qYvXk_bqlBk
Try out the PrinciplesYOU quiz: https://principlesyou.com/
Check out Dr. Little's website: https://www.brianrlittle.com/

Learn more about this topic with the following resources:
Crash Course Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sUrV6oZ3zsk​
Big 5 Personality Traits: www.youtube.com/watch?v=IB1FVbo8TSs
TED-Ed Video: www.youtube.com/watch?v=lN7Fmt1i5TI

​episode 5: ​This is Your Brain on Neurohacking ft. Elizabeth Ricker

On this podcast, we've talked a lot about neuroscience; specifically, understanding how our brain works, where problems may arise, and possible solutions to improve our physical and mental health. But, is there any way to use our scientific knowledge and take advantage of our biology so as to optimize brain function? Enter neurohacking: a method of improving brain function by testing various methods and determining how our performance improves. Tune in to hear our conversation with neuroscience researcher and author Elizabeth Ricker about what neurohacking is, common "mental bottlenecks," and how to implement neurohacking efficiently at home!

Check out Elizabeth Ricker's website: https://www.ericker.com/
Learn more about her book, Smarter Tomorrow, here: https://www.amazon.com/Smarter-Tomorrow-Minutes-Neurohacking-Better/dp/031653515X

Learn more about this topic with the following resources:
Neurohacking Case Studies: https://bigthink.com/neuropsych/neurohacking-upgrade-your-mental-abilities/​
TEDx Talk: www.youtube.com/watch?v=-72iQfPRaBQ
​Article: www.inc.com/steve-farber/are-you-overwhelmed-take-advantage-of-these-simple.html

episode 6: ​This is Your Brain on Stress ft. Dr. Romie

As we get older and more responsibilities pile onto our to-do list, it's inevitable that our stress levels rise. Though we know stress isn't good for us in the long term, it has become so ingrained in our everyday lives and work culture that it is a new norm. Nevertheless, it is important to combat such societal standards as stress can actually cause a whole host of medical problems and catch up to us in the form of burnout. In this episode, we sat down to talk with Dr. Romie, a brain doctor, Chief Wellness Officer at Evolution Hospitality, keynote speaker, and mindful leadership expert. Tune in to hear her story about navigating stress in the corporate world, recovering from burnout, and establishing a healthy work-life balance!
​
Check out Dr. Romie's website: https://drromie.com/

Learn more about this topic with the following resources:
LifeNoggin Video: www.youtube.com/watch?v=KAqnrqSPonk
TEDx Talk: www.youtube.com/watch?v=OHj38et5L04
​Teenage Burnout Article: www.napervillecounseling.com/blog/teenage-burnout-an-epidemic

episode 7: ​This is Your Brain on Group Polarization ft. David Myers

Have you ever noticed that you or your friends act differently when surrounded by certain groups of people versus when you are alone? Perhaps even that the opinions you reflect in conversation seem to change? Many  psychologists have conducted research to understand why this happens, and we finally have a clear answer. Today, we'll dive deep into social psychology with Dr. David Myers, who will guide us through his research on the group polarization phenomenon. Stay tuned to learn about how Dr. Myers conducted experiments to research this phenomenon, how we experience this phenomenon in everyday life, and ways that we can apply this knowledge for social reform!


Dr. Myers' website: https://davidmyers.org/
​
Learn more about this topic with the following resources:
Dr. Myers' research: davidmyers.org/articles/social-psychology/group-influence
​KhanAcademy video: www.youtube.com/watch?v=ds3-ljxTRvo
Simply Psychology video: www.simplypsychology.org/group-polarization.html

episode 8: This is Your Brain on Travel ft. Bianca Caruana

Traveling around the world is an incredible way to gain a sense of adventure, learn about different cultures, meet new people, and create memories that will last a lifetime. However, as we travel to explore different ecosystems and communities, it is important to also be mindful of the impact that tourism has in these places. Today, we are honored to welcome Bianca Caruana, an Australian-Maltese author, blogger, and podcast host specializing in stories that ignite thoughts surrounding compassion, ethics and sustainability. Join us on an engaging discussion about ethical tourism and how to improve mental health with mindful travelling practices.


Check out Bianca's blog, The Altruistic Traveller, here: ⁠https://thealtruistictraveller.com/blog/author/admin/⁠
Learn about Bianca's new memoir, Soul Truth, here: ⁠https://thealtruistictraveller.com/blog/soul-truth-updates-about-biancas-new-memoir/⁠
​
​Learn more about this topic with the following resources:
Animated video explaining ecotourism: www.youtube.com/watch?v=1i4ioqIaXrE
TEDx Talk on "smart" tourism: www.youtube.com/watch?v=tWU7XxgajS8
​Forbes article on integrating mindfulness into tourism: www.forbes.com/sites/rogersands/2023/05/15/discover-the-benefits-of-mindfulness-via-these-travel-experiences/?sh=1e64c5a87f68

episode 9: This is Your Brain on Food ft. Dr. Waller

We all know that eating food is crucial for our survival, but this basic principle of life isn't as simple as it may seem upon first glance. With more food options to choose than ever and often drastically conflicting nutrition advice from various sources, simply deciding what to eat can feel really overbearing at times. Today, we sat down with Dr. TJ Waller to discuss his research in disordered eating and neurodegeneration, which explores the mind-body connection from the perspective of food. Join us in a powerful conversation to investigate how food impacts the performance of the brain, understand why diet advice shouldn't be one-size-fits-all, and debunk harmful myths that perpetuate modern diet culture!

Content warning: This episode contains mentions of disordered eating, dieting, calories, and body image.

If you need immediate help, please visit the following website for crisis hotlines: https://www.eatingdisorderhope.com/treatment-for-eating-disorders/eating-disorder-hotlines
For more information and help about eating disorders: https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/
Explore Dr. Waller's work and publications: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wallerthomas26/

Learn more about this topic with the following resources:
Doctor Mike fact checks nutrition advice online: www.youtube.com/watch?v=ep8ZMq3GLNA
TED-Ed video: www.youtube.com/watch?v=xyQY8a-ng6g
Pros and Cons of the Keto Diet: www.youtube.com/watch?v=InvnD77Apyc

episode 10: This is Your Brain on Meditation ft. Dr. Sara Lazar

Throughout our nearly 3 years of podcasting, a major theme we have discussed on many occasions is meditation and mindfulness. Today, we sat down with Dr. Sara Lazar, a neuroscientist and pioneering researcher in understanding how meditation changes our brain, to understand the biological influences of meditation practices and how this translates to benefits in mental health. Join us in a fascinating conversation tackling everything from neurodegeneration to the different kinds of meditation practices to interdisciplinary approaches in neuroscience! We hope you enjoy the season finale, and we are very excited for you to join us in the educational adventures that await!

Dr. Lazar's TEDx Talk: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m8rRzTtP7Tc⁠
Dr. Lazar's research: ⁠https://www.massgeneral.org/psychiatry/research/lazar-lab-for-meditation-research⁠
Compassion meditation resources: ⁠https://self-compassion.org/⁠, ⁠https://chrisgermer.com/⁠
Get FREE Headspace for Teens: ⁠www.peerhealthexchange.org/go/headspace

Learn more about this topic with the following resources:
Mayo Clinic article on the health benefits of meditation: www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/meditation/in-depth/meditation/art-20045858
​AsapSCIENCE video on the scientific power of meditation: www.youtube.com/watch?v=Aw71zanwMnY
TED-Ed video on how yoga impacts the brain and body: www.youtube.com/watch?v=_8kV4FHSdNA

​SEASON 3: Live Your Best Life!

Episode 1: A Beginner's Guide to Mindfulness & Meditation ft. Diana Winston

Hello learners and welcome to the first episode of the season! Today, we sit down with the one and only Diana Winston, author of The Little Book of Being and director of mindfulness education at the UCLA Mindfulness Awareness Research Center, to talk about the origins of meditation, the benefits of practicing mindfulness meditation, and how to incorporate it in our every day lives. Also, stick around until the end for a quick mini-meditation to get a quick taste of the practice!

Thank you so much to Ms. Winston once again for joining us in this episode and helping us to kick off the season!
​
Learn more about this topic with the following resources:
UCLA Mindful App: www.uclahealth.org/marc/ucla-mindful-app
Mindful.org: www.mindful.org/how-to-meditate/
Headspace: www.headspace.com/meditation/meditation-for-beginners

Ms. Winston's Website: dianawinston.com/

episode 2: Your Brain on Music ft. Dr. Maryvi Gonzalez

Music is a powerful tool that can increase physical and mental health for a variety of reasons. We all love listening to music, but have you ever wondered why? Specifically, what goes on in our brains while we are listening to music? Join Jaansi and Sunay for a conversation with Dr. Gonzalez about the anatomy of the brain and how music has a deep rooted connection to our wellbeing!

Want to see more of Dr. Gonzalez's work? Click below!
​https://linktr.ee/queenmaryanatomy

Learn more about this topic with the following links:
UCFF Article: www.ucf.edu/pegasus/your-brain-on-music/
Harvard Article: www.health.harvard.edu/blog/why-is-music-good-for-the-brain-2020100721062
Johns Hopkins Article: www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/keep-your-brain-young-with-music

episode 3: A Deep Dive Into Mental Health Stigma ft. Bracelet4Hope

We've mentioned some different types of mental disorders on this podcast before. But, what does the term "mental disorder" truly encompass? Furthermore, what are these mental disorders, how are they defined, and what misconceptions surround them that lead to stigma? For answers to these questions and many more, tune into Jaansi and Sunay's very education conversation for today!

Also, a big thank you to Bracelet4Hope, our partner for this episode. You can check out their Etsy shop here for cute and cheap jewelry supporting mental health causes below, and you can also see this link for our live review of a package graciously sent to us on Instagram!

Learn more about this topic with the following resources:
List of Psychological Disorders: www.verywellmind.com/a-list-of-psychological-disorders-2794776
Helping a Loved One Cope With a Mental Illness: www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/helping-a-loved-one-cope-with-a-mental-illness
Stigma & Discrimination Against People with Mental Illnesses: www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/stigma-and-discrimination

Episode 4: The Wonders of Working Out ft. Dr. Yewande Pearse

It's common knowledge that exercise helps the body, but how exactly does this work? And how do the benefits of exercise extend to the most complex organ of them all, the brain? Today, we are honored to welcome Dr. Yewande Pearse, a neuroscientist from The Lundquist Institute in affiliation with UCLA. Tune in to hear a very educational discussion between us and learn how you can improve your quality of life with a  quick and fun lesson on neuroscience!

Check out Dr. Pearse's website to learn more about her amazing work!
www.yewandepearse.com/
​
Learn more about this topic with the following resources:
Dr. Pearse on Headspace: www.youtube.com/watch?v=tY-j3RRe5wE
Dr. Pearse on John Legend's "Music on My Mind": www.youtube.com/watch?v=bnG3jy5EXeQ
Scientific American Article: www.scientificamerican.com/article/how-exercise-affects-your-brain/#:~:text=Exercise%20also%20promotes%20brain%20plasticity,to%20grow%20new%20neuronal%20connections.

episode 5: Mindfulness & Empathy with Anita Moorjani!

Hello learners! Today, we have a fun bonus episode to share as we are halfway through the third season. We had the amazing opportunity to sit down and talk with Anita Moorjani, a cancer survivor, mindfulness advocate, New York Times bestselling author, and fellow empath. We discussed how sensitive is the new strong (as explained in her newest book!) as well as ways to empower the youth with mindfulness. You can check out the video interview on her YouTube and Instagram as well. Thank you so much for listening and we hope you enjoy.

episode 6: Back to School ~ Your Guide to Thrive

It's that time of the year again: going back to school! And while there's always an atmosphere of excitement with the new teachers, classmates, and set of stationery, it can also be a stressful and anxious time. However, we're here to remind you all on how to stay true to yourself through the transition from summer break to a full day of school and homework. Tune in to hear Jaansi and Sunay's perspectives of managing workload mindfully as well as our top tips to stay productive, happy, and healthy.

Also, a big thank you to Tab for a Cause for partnering with us on this episode! You can learn more about them on their website here. To download their free browser extension and start raising money for charity at no cost to you, click here and join with our link!

Learn more about this topic with the following resources:
Studyquill on YouTube: www.youtube.com/c/studyquill
KhanAcademy Guided Meditations: www.youtube.com/watch?v=K4YoQHjaziI&list=PLSQl0a2vh4HBbhBafKm-m7I-nO3iJLqdV
ASAP Science Study Tips: www.youtube.com/watch?v=p60rN9JEapg

episode 7: A Crash Course on Sleep Science with Dr. Meeta Singh

Hello learners! Today, we have a special episode for you where we will be talking about sleep. We've already touched upon sleep in some previous episodes because after all, it is critical for survival. But how does brain activity during sleep look like, what can possibly go wrong in this process that is crucial for life, and how can you make sure that you are getting the best quality of sleep in an increasingly busy world? To learn the answers about these questions and many more, be sure to tune in and listen to our amazing conversation with Dr. Meeta Singh!

To learn more about Dr. Meeta's Singh, check out her website: meetasinghmd.com/

Learn more about this topic with the following resources:
American Academy of Sleep Medicine: aasm.org/
American Sleep Association: www.sleepassociation.org/
National Sleep Foundation: www.thensf.org/

episode 8: Mindfulness and Yoga In the Classroom

Most of us have spent a couple months in the new school year. You may start feeling burned out and exhausted with your workload, which is why we are going to be talking about mindfulness in classrooms today with Jenny Doherty! Ms. Doherty is a yoga and primary school teacher in Ireland, and she is also studying to be a mindfulness teacher for kids. She is the founder of Smiling Soul Kids and we had a lovely time chatting with her about how using mindfulness techniques in school is great for teaching healthy habits. Whether you're a student wanting to be more kind to yourself, an educator wanting to advocate for mental health in the classroom, a parent wondering how to support your child through a high workload, or somewhere in between, you'll definitely want to tune into this episode!
​
Learn more about this topic with the following resources:
​Headspace for Educators: www.youtube.com/watch?v=scY-NAmS_e8&list=PLW8o3_GFoCBOruXFJeGuZpPUt-AS8Blf_
Cosmic Kids Yoga: www.youtube.com/c/CosmicKidsYoga
Mindfulness in the Classroom Article: www.edutopia.org/blog/integrating-mindfulness-in-classroom-curriculum-giselle-shardlow

episode 9: Mental Health Behind the Mask​

We've already discussed the clinical terminology and diagnoses for various mental health conditions,  but how do they really impact people? Everyone's mental health manifests itself in various ways, which is why we bring this episode to you in collaboration with Taila, an amazing psychology student from Australia! She runs the wonderful page Growth Mental Wellbeing and is also a qualified youth, disability, and community worker. Be sure to tune in to find out the ways that mental health problems may affect people in ways that aren't always clear and how to best support yourself or others in need. We hope you enjoy this one!

Taila's Page: www.instagram.com/growth.mental.wellbeing/

​Learn more about this topic with the following resources: 
​Mental Health Warning Signs and Symptoms: www.nami.org/About-Mental-Illness/Warning-Signs-and-Symptoms
5 Do's and Don'ts of Dealing with Other's Mental Illness: www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ezmyi8fPjxs
Mental Health Resources: www.nami.org/Support-Education/NAMI-HelpLine/Top-HelpLine-Resources

episode 10: Finale!

With 10 great episodes in the Live Your Best Life series, we are so excited to wrap up this journey with our finale episode! Tune in to hear Jaansi and Sunay discuss some of the topics we have covered throughout this season, as well as how it can be applied in our everyday lives to have a very mindful and health lifestyle. We have had so much fun learning with you all over these past months and we appreciate each and every one of you for being here. Enjoy!

SEASON 2: Be Mindful

Trailer

Hey there! We're finally back with the trailer for our brand new series: Be Mindful! In the upcoming weeks, we'll have 10 episodes about the science of mindfulness in different categories like music, art, nature, self-care, and much more!

This is actually a part of Jaansi's Girl Scouts Silver Award. You can learn more about her project and the inspiration behind this podcast season here:
​https://sites.google.com/view/jaansi-patel-2020-silver-award/home

You can also check out Headspace, a great resource for mindfulness that we love, here:
https://www.headspace.com/ 

Episode 1: Mindful Work

Nowadays, many of us are working a lot from home. However, though you might feel really comfortable hanging out on the couch wearing pajamas, it doesn't always help with accomplishing tasks. Join Jaansi and Sunay to learn how you can be productive and manage your schedule well!

Learn more about this topic with the following links:
How to Organize Your Workspace (video): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6CCby3oIIFY​
Expert Advice for Working from Home (video): www.youtube.com/watch?v=ICtXN_dDyZM
Meditation for Focus (video): www.youtube.com/watch?v=2awoUfCwXQs

Episode 2: Mindful Technology

Technology is everywhere! Could you imagine your life without it? But, sometimes, we get a little ~too~ attached to technology. Today, let's learn about the history technology, why we need to maintain a healthy relationship, and how to go on a technology "detox" from time to time.

​Learn more about this topic with the following links:
Headspace Technology Study ("Generationally Speaking", mentioned in our podcast!): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BtavoUb67iM
A cute animation on disconnecting from the screen: www.youtube.com/watch?v=5NqGvSKvDgI
50 Things To Do Without a Screen: themodernparent.net/50-things-to-do-without-technology-and-screens/

BONUS: 1,500 Streams Giveaway!

As a big thank you for 1,500 streams, we're hosting a special giveaway for you guys! There are just 3 simple steps to enter the giveaway and you can listen to the full instructions on our podcast! To contact us and enter the giveaway, please send us an email at [email protected] or fill out the contact form at ​https://www.learnonpodcast.com/support-us.html.  The 3 lucky winners will receive custom stickers, science gadgets, and mindfulness tools in an awesome package put together by us. Any entries received before March 20th, 2021 are eligible for the giveaway and will get a shoutout in our next episode once we have hit 2,000 streams. If you are under 13, please make sure you have parent/guardian consent to enter. Thank you so much for the support and see you in the next one, learners!

Episode 3: Mindful Sleep​

 Happy World Sleep Day! In honor of this national event, let's learn about the importance of sleep, why you might lose out on some time when trying to rest, and how to optimize your nighttime routine. Join Sunay and Jaansi for this interesting discussion and learn how to improve your own sleep schedule with just a few simple steps to do while you're still awake.

​Learn more about this topic with the following links:
Expert Advice from Dr. Meeta Singh: www.youtube.com/watch?v=InFaBFT35yY
Headspace sleep exercises playlist: www.youtube.com/watch?v=vh3I3by2f6Q&list=PLW8o3_GFoCBOAwxWmQYN2iSBCjVLyNYz0
 Life Noggin & The Odd 1s Out Sleep Exploration: www.youtube.com/watch?v=0r-zYs6NQu8

episode 4: Mindful Relationships

Stuck at home in isolation can be rough. Even meeting people and talking face-to-face doesn't feel the same with those pesky masks in between us. At the same time, humans are built for social connections and we rely on them. So, how can we fix this social deprivation? Tune into this episode with Jaansi and Sunay to learn about the importance of mindful communication, why exactly the pandemic may interfere in this process, and how we can rise above it with some helpful strategies.

​Learn more about this topic with the following links:
Headspace Animation: www.youtube.com/watch?v=PMIHulkqPgw
Zoom Games: www.youtube.com/watch?v=KnWUvpMQOpw
Staying in Touch with Long-Distance Friends: www.youtube.com/watch?v=zAD0oF7mVhA

episode 5: Mindful Self Care

You've probably heard of self-care before, whether through some social media post, a news article, or general conversation. But what does self-care actually mean and is it all that important? Plus, how can one practice it? Join Jaansi and Sunay for the answers to these questions plus many more in today's episode!
​
Learn more about this topic with the following links:
Animated Short Film: www.youtube.com/watch?v=_HEnohs6yYw
25 Self-Care Ideas: www.youtube.com/watch?v=4LSTfMANYqk
Headspace Mini Meditation: www.youtube.com/watch?v=sSSyvmBCTj8

​Episode 6: Mindful Skincare ft. Bubble!

Skincare can be tough. Our skin comes in so many different types and acne itself is a spectrum. The stigma around skin conditions like acne does not help either. Why do we feel uncomfortable about acne and why does it occur in the first place? Explore these questions as well as how to build your ideal skincare routine with Jaansi and Sunay in this episode!

Thanks so much to Bubble Skincare for partnering with us in this video! You can check out our collaboration here with them on our Instagram, where Jaansi unboxes their Balancing Bundle and explains the awesome science behind their products. Also, be sure to check out Bubble's website for more information about skincare, their products, and the causes they support.

NOTE: Bubble has generously partnered with us to spread their mission and ideas, but all statements in this podcast episode reflect our own opinions. Thanks for listening, learners!

​Learn more about this topic with the following links:
Bubble's Skin School: hellobubble.com/pages/skin-school
Healthline Article: www.healthline.com/health/skin/acne#symptoms
Animated Video: www.youtube.com/watch?v=CGvx4gl3D7w

Episode 7: Mindful Fidgeting

Fidget toys are EVERYWHERE right now. But are they worth it? Join Jaansi and Sunay in this episode to learn about the fidgeting trend, the science behind it, and how you can employ fidget toys to boost your work ethic.

A BIG thank you to our sponsor for this video, Fidget Bubble. You can check out their account @fidget.bubble on Instagram for giveaways, daily posts, and a high quality fidget toy shop.

NOTE: Fidget Bubble has kindly provided us some of their products to review for an IGTV post (Instagram Video). However, all words and statements in this episode reflect our own opinions. Thanks for watching learners, and we hope you enjoyed.

Learn more about this topic with the following resources:
Fidget Bubble's shop: www.instagram.com/fidget.bubble/
Article (referenced in episode): www.flushinghospital.org/newsletter/can-fidget-toys-help-your-childs-ability-to-focus/#:~:text=Enter%20%E2%80%9CFidget%20Toys.%E2%80%9D%20Fidget,bendable%20sticks%20to%20malleable%20putty.
Video Ranking Fidget Toys: www.youtube.com/watch?v=rCttGH4K3eg

episode 8: Mindful Art

Art comes in so many different forms, such as through music, dance, 3D models, or pictures. We all know that art can be relaxing to look at, but what about creating art? Jaansi and Sunay have a very interesting discussion on how creating art can boost your self-care routine and add mindfulness to your everyday life that you definitely don't want to miss!

Learn more about this topic with the following resources:
Art Movements and Styles Throughout History: magazine.artland.com/art-movements-and-styles/
Mindfulness Drawing Meditation: www.youtube.com/watch?v=0kcAFq7C_CA
​
Here are the links to the amazing Instagram art accounts we mentioned:
Science Art by Anum: https://www.instagram.com/sci.art_by_anum/
Nourie Flayhan: https://www.instagram.com/nouriflayhan/
Art for Mental Health: https://www.instagram.com/artformentalhealth/

Episode 9: Mindful Eating

Hello learners! For today, we have a longer episode because we are accompanied by two very special guests, Dr. Jessica Steier and Dr. Andrea Love from the Unbiased Science podcast! Tune in for an engaging discussion about what nutrition really means, the truth behind fad diets, how eating habits have been impacted by the pandemic, and methods to eat mindfully while being kind to yourself.

​Thank you so much to Unbiased Science once again for partnering with us to bring this special collaboration to our listeners. Be sure to check out this page for all of their links and information!

​Learn more about this topic with the following links:
Introduction to Mindful Eating Video: www.youtube.com/watch?v=u1jRaHrpokA
Debunking Weight Loss Myths Video: www.youtube.com/watch?v=F94IY408Q4E
Fact-Checking Weight Loss Tips Video: www.youtube.com/watch?v=q42n27oCOUM

episode 10: Mindful Living

Hello learners! After six months of mindfulness, we are now ending the season! In this episode, we recap our previous mindfulness information and conclude the season. We hope that all of these tips will help you to live a balanced, happy, and healthy life. Stay tuned for the next season, Live Your Best Life, as we are going to start in 2 weeks!

SEASON 1: Science is Everywhere

Episode 1: The Science Of Saying OUCH: A Closer Look at Pain

In this episode, Jaansi and Sunay explain how pain works and why we feel it. We also delve deeper into the causes of pain and what life is like for the very rare people without it. Although ancient civilizations have been trying to treat pain in many ways for centuries, we have yet to find a miracle cure. And so finally, we discuss possible solutions to pain and how we can take advantage of genetics to help people around the world.
​​
Learn more about this topic with the following links:
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XNP1x11Z2Ig
Article: https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20170426-the-people-who-never-feel-any-pain
Biography: https://allthatsinteresting.com/jo-cameron

Episode 2: Our World Depends On... Sand?!

Listen to Jaansi and Sunay talk about the uses of sand you never thought of and how critical it is to our civilization. We bet you didn't know that the industry of sand (which yes, is a real thing) is worth $70 billion! Then, we discuss how the world's high sand demand is negatively affecting our economy and the environment. Finally, we talk about some ways to solve the different levels of this issue and possibly move onto a world without sand.

Learn more about this topic with the following links:
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8J78ezpadFo
Article: https://www.britannica.com/topic/Palm-Jumeirah
News Website: https://news.cgtn.com/news/2019-09-24/Sand-Shortage-An-overlooked-environmental-crisis--KfyqccSNBS/index.html

Episode 3: What If You Only Napped for the Rest of Your Life?

Join Jaansi and Sunay to discuss how important sleep really is. Listen to us talk about the science of sleep and the different stages that make it such a critical process for life. No wonder the world record for surviving without sleep is only 11 days! We also talk about what happens if you don't get enough sleep. Finally, we discuss different alternatives to just sleeping at night, also known as sleep cycles.
​
​Learn more about this topic with the following links:
Video 1: www.youtube.com/watch?v=BN9yqF6Um98
Video 2: www.youtube.com/watch?v=uUpOLX4dRT4
Healthline Article: www.healthline.com/health/polyphasic-sleep 

Episode 4: The Mass Extinction Happening... Inside YOU!

Join Jaansi and Sunay in their discussion about the MASS EXTINCTION happening right here, right now, inside of you! Although we are aware our modern diets aren't the healthiest, they are also deadly! And constantly administering antibiotics since the first dosage in 1936 doesn't help our story either... So, listen in to talk about the ins and outs of this extinction and how to avoid it before it is too late!

Learn more about this topic with the following links:
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=scDmziIwUEY
Article 1: https://health.usnews.com/health-news/blogs/eat-run/articles/is-your-gut-healing-diet-actually-hurting-you
Article 2: ​https://www.nutritionletter.tufts.edu/general-nutrition/debunking-6-probiotic-myths

Episode 5: The Ins and Outs of Diets

​Are you thinking of starting a diet? Or maybe you're just curious about how dieting works? Tune in to listen to this bonus episode about 3 popular diets: Whole30, Vegan, and Keto. Jaansi and Sunay discuss what these diets actually mean, how they help your body, and how they may just be dangerous. Keep listening to learn how to make the healthiest and tastiest diet decisions!

Learn more about this topic with the following links:
Video 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0vyQ5q3cH5E
Video 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P28mbaFf52g
Video 3: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rDBZ2u7JvIg

Episode 6: How We Oversalt Our Food (Before It Even Reaches Our Plates)

We can probably all agree that salt is a great way to add flavor to food, as long as you don't add too much. But what about when we unintentionally oversalt our food before it even makes it to our stores, let alone our plates? Turns out, we've been doing so since we first began farming and it's just getting worse. Join Jaansi and Sunay to talk about what this issue is and how we can solve it!

Learn more about this topic with the following links:
Video (Visuals by MinuteEarth): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RL0Fai06OhU
Article: https://www.agriculture.com/crops/cover-crops/how-to-manage-soil-salinity
Research Summary: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4336437/

Episode 7: Pills, Tablets, and Gummies, Oh My: An Unofficial Guide to Dietary Supplements

Ever wonder how helpful the supplements you take everyday are? Or what all of those labels on the bottles are meant for? Join Jaansi and Sunay in this exploration to debunk some common misbeliefs about dietary supplements and learn what all that medical talk really means.
​
Learn more about this topic with the following links:
Video 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GLzwozJE2IM
Video 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JXDo-73uaAI
Article: https://www.fda.gov/food/dietary-supplements

Episode 8: How To Make Our Own, Custom Planet... Wait, What?!

We've all heard about how Earth's resources are running out. But what if, instead of trying to desperately save our planet, we just make another one? Join Jaansi and Sunay in this discussion of how we might just be able to find a new home in the universe with recent ideas and technologies. But until then, we've got to stay grounded!

​Learn more about this topic with the following links:
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7XdkKMhAdnA
Article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/terraforming.htm
Podcast: ​https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/settle-the-stars-the-science-of-space-exploration/id1488541353

Episode 9: ONE OF THE MOST DANGEROUS THINGS IN ALL OF HISTORY: COLORS...

It's pretty safe to say that there's a lot of dangerous things we've encountered in the past. But one thing we bet you've never thought about is colors! Join Jaansi and Sunay to learn about white, green, purple, and orange. Specifically, how dangerous compounds and crazy fashion trends created the perfect pigment storm.

Learn more about this topic with the following links:
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hhXeUQOuRaw
Article: https://www.popularmechanics.com/science/health/a26656/the-worlds-most-dangerous-colors/
Website: https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/engineering/synthetic-dye

episode 10: An Interview In Quarantine, About Quarantine!

For the past few months, we've all been quarantined. Life has changed in ways we could never imagine before, and with this has come a lot of new information. With everyone buzzing about the back-to-school season, it's the perfect time to learn more about COVID-19. Check out this interview with Jaansi and Sunay to learn more about this pandemic and get to the facts!

All of our information comes from the CDC and WHO:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/
https://covid19.who.int/

And you can check out some fun things to do in quarantine here:
https://parade.com/1009774/stephanieosmanski/things-to-do-with-kids-during-coronavirus-quarantine/

Episode 11: The Inside Scoop of Genetic Modification

​Ever looked at the label of your food and seen the "bioengineered" label? Or maybe the "nonGMO" one with the little butterfly? Today, Jaansi and Sunay will talk about what exactly genetic modification is. Tune in to learn more about the possible benefits and drawbacks of GMOs, and what this debate is exactly about!

​Learn more about this topic with the following links:
FDA Website: https://www.fda.gov/food/agricultural-biotechnology/gmo-crops-animal-food-and-beyond
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sH4bi60alZU
Article: ​https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/gmo-pros-and-cons​

Episode 12: How We May FINALLY Be Able to Treat Cancer... With Cancer!

Cancer has plagued us for the centuries and claimed the lives of millions. We have spent so much time, money, and effort trying to eradicate this disease for good, but we're only halfway there. Today, we're going to discuss what exactly cancer is, why it is so tricky to beat, and how we could finally get rid of it! So, tune into this episode and join Jaansi and Sunay to learn more about this disease.

Learn more about this topic with the following links:
Video 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Irf3_oJXHKM
Video 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BmFEoCFDi-w
Video 3: ​https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h2rR77VsF5c

EPISODE 13: The Genius of Marie Curie & Her Contributions to Atomic Theory

Marie Curie was many great things: a chemist, physicist, Nobel Laureate, and woman. Today, we will talk about the life and work of Marie Curie, especially in atomic theory and radiation. Thanks to Marie Curie, we have chemotherapy for cancer, X-rays, and a better general understanding of the world around us. Tune into this episode to learn more about this genius scientist's influence!
​
​Learn more about this topic with the following links:
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w6JFRi0Qm_s
Biography: https://www.britannica.com/biography/Marie-Curie
Article: ​https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/physics/1903/marie-curie/facts/
​