Radio Health Journal

Each week, Radio Health Journal breaks down important news in medicine, science and technology with the help of world-renowned experts. Our three weekly segments will help guide you to a happier, healthier life – with some fun facts to share at dinner parties. Can magic mushrooms cure your depression? Have we outrun natural selection? Hosted by Elizabeth Westfield, Greg Johnson and Maayan Voss de Bettancourt and produced by Kristen Farrah and Amirah Zaveri. New shows posted each Sunday by 5 a.m. EST. Subscribe, listen, and rate. If you’re looking for older episodes, you can find our entire segment catalog on our website radiohealthjournal.org. Also, check out the latest on Facebook and Instagram @radiohealthjournal and on X @RadioHealthJrnl.

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Episodes

• Re-framing Excuses: How Mental Weakness Sabotages Your Success

  Sunday, May 25, 2025

  10 minutes

  For many people, staying consistent is the hardest part of accomplishing goals. Dr. Haley Perlus, a sports psychologist, believes that the core of this issue is mental toughness. She explains how to trick yourself into staying consistent even when your motivation runs out. Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/re-framing-excuses-how-mental-weakness-sabotages-your-success Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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• Aging Like An Olympian: The Exercises That Keep You Healthy And Independent

  Sunday, May 25, 2025

  13 minutes

  More than two decades after retiring, Joetta – a 4x Olympic athlete – laced up her spikes to get back into racing at age 62. This week, She explains how her training has adjusted to accommodate for her aging body, while our exercise expert lists the reasons why older adults need to be weightlifting and training fast-twitch muscles fibers. Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/aging-like-an-olympian-the-exercises-that-keep-you-healthy-and-independent Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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• Producer's Cut: How To Provide Support in the Wake of a Traumatic Loss

  Thursday, May 22, 2025

  16 minutes

  It can be difficult to figure out how to comfort someone dealing with a traumatic loss. Often, there’s a fear of not knowing what to say, which can leave the grieving person feeling more alone. Two bereaved mothers recount their experiences of losing their children, and detail what good support looks like.   Learn more at: radiohealthjournal.org/support-in-wake-of-traumatic-loss/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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• Medical Notes: How Our Genetics Can Predict Our Future, Climate Change Is Worsening Seasonal Allergies, And Why Research Excludes Pregnant Women

  Wednesday, May 21, 2025

  4 minutes

  Why more pregnant women need to be in clinical trials. Scientists are helping us see the future. Does our DNA know our future? Have your seasonal allergies gotten worse? Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/medical-notes-how-our-genetics-can-predict-our-future-climate-change-is-worsening-seasonal-allergies-and-why-research-excludes-pregnant-women Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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• Li-Fraumeni Syndrome (LFS): A Fatal Curse Passed Down Through Generations

  Sunday, May 18, 2025

  13 minutes

  We’re all born with a special gene that’s job is to seek out and destroy cancer cells. But when some people are born with a mutated version, it lets cancer run rampant throughout the body – sometimes even helping tumors spread. Lawrence Ingrassia details his family’s battle with this mutation and the tragedies left in its wake. Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/li-fraumeni-syndrome-lfs-a-fatal-curse-passed-down-through-generations Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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• How To Rewire Your Brain For Happiness And Success

  Sunday, May 18, 2025

  11 minutes

  Have you been feeling stuck in your career or personal life? Though it can take some time and effort, it’s possible to rewire our brains for the better. Dr. Greg Hammer, author of Gain Without Pain, reveals the best tricks to form healthier habits that’ll lead to more happiness and success. Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/how-to-rewire-your-brain-for-happiness-and-success Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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• Medical Notes: How Vitamin D Can Fight Your Allergies, America’s Impending Population Shortage, And The Care Disparity With Dementia Patients

  Wednesday, May 14, 2025

  3 minutes

  Why is there a care gap for dementia patients? Is sunlight good for your nose? Will America soon be facing a population shortage? Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/medical-notes-how-vitamin-d-can-fight-your-allergies-americas-impending-population-shortage-and-the-care-disparity-with-dementia-patients Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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• How The Primary Care Physician Shortage Is Draining Your Health And Wallet

  Sunday, May 11, 2025

  11 minutes

  There’s a primary care shortage and it’s only expected to worsen in coming years. Some experts have proposed using non-physician practitioners as a substitute to fill the gap. And though it may sound promising, our expert explains why this will only worsen physician burnout, patient health outcomes, and medical debt. Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/how-the-primary-care-physician-shortage-is-draining-your-health-and-wallet Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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• Genetic Justice: How Your DNA Can Help Solve Cold Cases

  Sunday, May 11, 2025

  13 minutes

  Genetic genealogy has completely changed how law enforcement catches criminals. Cold cases can now be solved by a genetic match to the perpetrator’s sibling, parent or distant relative. Our experts explain the revolutionary technology and how you can help catch these violent criminals. Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/genetic-justice-how-your-dna-can-help-solve-cold-cases Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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• Medical Notes: The Best Place To Live For Your Brain Health, Reducing Animal Testing, And Why You Should Skip Your Afternoon Nap

  Wednesday, May 7, 2025

  3 minutes

  How the environment affects brain health. Will science ever move away from animal testing? Should you skip your afternoon nap? Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/medical-notes-the-best-place-to-live-for-your-brain-health-reducing-animal-testing-and-why-you-should-skip-your-afternoon-nap Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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• The Pitt: How A Television Medical Drama Is Saving Lives

  Sunday, May 4, 2025

  10 minutes

  Healthcare professionals across the nation have been applauding television’s new medical drama, The Pitt, for its accurate portrayal of medicine. Dr. Sylvia Owusu-Ansah explains why this accuracy is so important and how it could help strengthen patient-doctor relationships. Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/the-pitt-how-a-television-medical-drama-is-saving-lives Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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• Hysterical And Exaggerated: How Women’s Pain Is Viewed In Healthcare

  Sunday, May 4, 2025

  14 minutes

  This week, our experts dive into the hard facts of healthcare’s internal biases against women’s pain. Across all age groups and pain levels, women are given less medication for their pain than men. Our experts explain their research and why they believe this bias exists. Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/hysterical-and-exaggerated-how-womens-pain-is-viewed-in-healthcare Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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• Medical Notes: Your Humidifier Is Making You Sick, Global Warming Is Messing Up Your Gut, And Do Cancer Vaccines Work?

  Wednesday, April 30, 2025

  3 minutes

  Would you take a cancer vaccine? Your humidifier could be making you sick. Is global warming bad for your gut? Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/medical-notes-your-humidifier-is-making-you-sick-global-warming-is-messing-up-your-gut-and-do-cancer-vaccines-work Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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• Trouble Sleeping? This Science-Backed App Could Change Your Life

  Sunday, April 27, 2025

  13 minutes

  Sleep quality is a huge determinant of our health, but it’s not always an easy benchmark to achieve – especially for patients with cancer or chronic illnesses. Our experts this week have created an app that monitors a user’s circadian rhythm, then offers feedback throughout the day to optimize their sleep quality. Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/trouble-sleeping-this-science-backed-app-could-change-your-life Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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• The FDA Is Failing – Here’s What Needs To Change

  Sunday, April 27, 2025

  10 minutes

  We’ve long trusted the FDA to protect public health, but is this safeguard wavering? Our expert this week explains why premarket review isn’t as effective as it once was, how corporations have leveraged loopholes to skirt around regulations, and how the agency can get back on track. Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/the-fda-is-failing-heres-what-needs-to-change Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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• Medical Notes: Human Blood Can Poison Mosquitoes, Why Soup Is Good For Pregnancy, And How Trees Keep Communities Healthy

  Wednesday, April 23, 2025

  4 minutes

  Overcoming obstacles doesn’t always make you stronger. Mosquitoes may soon be scared of humans. Trees do more for your health than simply provide oxygen. Is soup good for pregnancy? Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/medical-notes-human-blood-can-poison-mosquitoes-why-soup-is-good-for-pregnancy-and-how-trees-keep-communities-healthy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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• From Love To Resentment – The Motherhood Taboo

  Sunday, April 20, 2025

  11 minutes

  Motherhood is often touted as the most rewarding part of life – and while that may be true in some cases, there are many other feelings associated with this experience. Though many women feel they must push any negative feelings down, our expert explains why moms should embrace all emotions, from love to resentment. Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/from-love-to-resentment-the-motherhood-taboo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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• User Fees And Presidential Intrusion: Why The FDA Isn’t More Effective

  Sunday, April 20, 2025

  13 minutes

  The FDA is the linchpin in American society keeping us safe, but many things slip through the cracks since the agency is underfunded and understaffed. Daniel Aaron, an FDA researcher, explains the main hurdles the agency faces and how these obstacles put consumers at risk. Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/user-fees-and-presidential-intrusion-why-the-fda-isnt-more-effective Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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• Medical Notes: The Issue With Fewer Forest Fires, Watching Traumatic Events Can Cause PTSD, And How Microplastics Are Fueling Antibiotic

  Wednesday, April 16, 2025

  4 minutes

  You may want to rethink watching that new horror film. Despite the recent devastation of fires in California, these natural disasters are still on a downward trend. Microplastics may be worsening antibiotic resistance. Concerts are fun, but the real benefits of music happen when you’re alone. Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/medical-notes-the-issue-with-fewer-forest-fires-watching-traumatic-events-can-cause-ptsd-and-how-microplastics-are-fueling-antibiotic Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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• The Memory Failure That Could Be A Death Sentence For Your Child

  Sunday, April 13, 2025

  12 minutes

  With summer fast approaching, it’s more important than ever to understand the dangers of leaving your kids in a hot car. Even temperatures in the 50s can be a major risk to a child under three years old. Our experts explain a memory failure that leads even the best of parents to forget their baby in the backseat. Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/the-memory-failure-that-could-be-a-death-sentence-for-your-child Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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• Tranquil Travel: How To Get Rid Of Your Flight Anxiety

  Sunday, April 13, 2025

  11 minutes

  Despite the fact that we’re on pace to have less plane crashes in 2025 compared to recent years, flight anxiety is on the rise. Our expert this week explains how to recognize anxiety and offers different strategies to use for your next trip in the sky. Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/tranquil-travel-how-to-get-rid-of-your-flight-anxiety Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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• My Brothers’ Keeper: The Experience Of A Living Donor

  Sunday, April 6, 2025

  14 minutes

  Being a living donor is a major decision, but one that can save a life. For Mike O’Gorman, it was a no-brainer to help his brother who needed a new kidney. However, there were various obstacles he never anticipated. Our guests explain the donation process and the physical and mental challenges many face. Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/my-brothers-keeper-the-experience-of-a-living-donor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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• Ultra-Processed Foods Are Killing You -- Here’s The Cure

  Sunday, April 6, 2025

  9 minutes

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

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• Medical Notes: The Best Age To Prevent Brain Decline, Lead Is Leaching Into Our Air, And How Hotter Days Reduce Birth Rates

  Sunday, April 6, 2025

  3 minutes

  Polluted air is killing our children. Microplastics may be worsening antibiotic resistance. It’s not too late to improve your brain health. Do hotter days reduce birthrates? Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/medical-notes-the-best-age-to-prevent-brain-decline-lead-is-leaching-into-our-air-and-how-hotter-days-reduce-birth-rates Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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• Medical Notes: Why You Should Date Someone Who’s Nice, The Biological Cause Of Infertility, And Why Spring Goals Are More Successful

  Wednesday, April 2, 2025

  3 minutes

  It may be time to re-start your New Years resolution. The biological factor that’s making you infertile. Do opposites attract? Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/medical-notes-why-you-should-date-someone-whos-nice-the-biological-cause-of-infertility-and-why-spring-goals-are-more-successful Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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• “The Woman Just Has To Suffer”: Changing How Medicine Views Women’s Health

  Sunday, March 30, 2025

  9 minutes

  Cervical cancer detection often involves the use of a speculum. However, not only is this device often uncomfortable, it’s also a main reason for why women with disabilities skip the test altogether. Dr. Diane Harper proposes a new, FDA-approved screening method that’s proven to reduce cases of cervical cancer more than standard practices. Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/the-woman-just-has-to-suffer-changing-how-medicine-views-womens-health Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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• Leaving The Cult: How To Rebuild Your Life After Living A Lie

  Sunday, March 30, 2025

  14 minutes

  High demand, high control groups can be both positive and negative, and describe many different populations from the military to infamous cults. Experiencing the negative side of these groups can lead to trauma and abuse. Our experts discuss their time in high demand, high control groups and how they were able to heal from these experiences. Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/leaving-the-cult-how-to-rebuild-your-life-after-living-a-lie Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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• Medical Notes: How AI Is Preventing Heart Attacks, Why Alzheimer’s Research Needs More Patient Diversity; And Why Hot Weather Leads To More ER Visits

  Wednesday, March 26, 2025

  3 minutes

  Artificial intelligence can predict fatal heart attacks. A lack of patient diversity in Alzheimer's research threatens accurate diagnosing in people of color. As the temperature rises, so do emergency room visits. Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/medical-notes-how-ai-is-preventing-heart-attacks-why-alzheimers-research-needs-more-patient-diversity-and-why-hot-weather-leads-to-more-er-visit Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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• Pulses And Profits: An Insider Look Into The Business Of Healthcare

  Sunday, March 23, 2025

  13 minutes

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

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• The Pap Smear: Why Is America Holding On To This Outdated Practice?

  Sunday, March 23, 2025

  10 minutes

  The speculum has been used for centuries, but unlike other ancient medical tools, it hasn’t had any major updates to its design. However, this instrument may soon be unnecessary for many women with the new approval of self-administered HPV tests. Dr. Diane Harper explains why this is a major step forward for women’s healthcare and the importance of female patients advocating for more effective and comfortable procedures from their providers. Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/the-pap-smear-why-is-america-holding-on-to-this-outdated-practice Learn more about your ad choices. Visit m...

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