Episodes

After covering the cutting edge of medical innovation, we're taking a step forward this season to ask a bigger question: who truly benefits from medical progress?

Welcome to Season 7: The Power of Health Equity. In this season, we explore health equity as a learning journey shaped by access to information, trust in systems, and whose knowledge is valued. Through conversations with prominent thought leaders, we examine how intelligence, media, law, policy, and innovation can either close health gaps or widen them. New episodes drop every Monday 7 AM EST, along with a newsletter on Substack coming soon!

Alongside this new season, LearnOn is evolving. What began as “the science show by kids, for everyone” has grown into “the show on health equity by youth, for everyone.” We’ll continue exploring medical and scientific advancements, but with a sharper focus on where equity and innovation intersect, as well as how young voices can help shape a more just future.

In the first episode of the season, Jaansi sits down with Dr. Howard Gardner, the renowned creator of the Multiple Intelligences theory, to explore how we define intelligence in an age of rapid technological and social change. Together, they discuss the future of learning, the role of AI in education, the importance of ethical and respectful minds, and what it takes to cultivate good work and good citizenship in a global society.

Dr. Howard Gardner is a pioneering psychologist and educator whose work reshaped how scholars and educators think about intelligence, learning, and human potential. A professor at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, he is the author of numerous influential books, has led major research initiatives on education and ethics, and has received international recognition for his contributions to psychology, education, and public scholarship.

In this episode, Jaansi sits down with Dr. Anne Harrington to explore how science, especially medicine and mental health, operates not only through data, but through powerful stories. Together, they discuss how cultural narratives shape psychiatric knowledge, how historical decisions continue to influence mental health care today, and what emerging technologies like AI and psychedelics reveal about the future of healing, ethics, and health equity.

Dr. Anne Harrington is a professor in the History of Science department at Harvard University and an internationally recognized scholar of psychiatry, neuroscience, and the mind sciences. Her work examines how scientific and medical knowledge shapes understandings of suffering, healing, and human identity, with a particular focus on mental health. She is the author of several widely cited works on the history of the brain and psychiatry and is known for bridging science, medicine, and the humanities in her scholarship.

Today, Jaansi sits down with Dr. Michael Rich, also known as the Mediatrician, to explore how digital media and technology shape adolescent identity and connection. Together, they discuss why screens themselves aren’t the problem, how digital tools can amplify both harm and healing, and what it means to approach youth mental health through interdisciplinary, compassionate, and equity-centered lenses in a rapidly evolving digital world.

Dr. Michael Rich is a pediatrician and child health researcher at Boston Children’s Hospital and a professor at Harvard Medical School. He is the founder and director of the Digital Wellness Lab and the Clinic for Interactive Media and Internet Disorders. Widely recognized for bridging medicine, psychology, and media studies, Dr. Rich is a leading voice on understanding and improving how children and adolescents engage with digital media.

In this episode, Jaansi and Dr. Francis Shen unpack neurolaw, the emerging field at the intersection of brain science, law, and public policy. Together, they explore how neuroscience can reshape ideas, what debates about free will mean for criminal justice, and how brain-based explanations can either challenge or reinforce stigma, especially for marginalized communities. Tune in to hear why rigorous science, transparency, and community engagement are essential to advance health equity with these tools!

Dr. Francis X. Shen, JD, PhD is a Professor of Law and faculty member in the Graduate Program in Neuroscience at the University of Minnesota, and an Associate Professor in the Harvard Medical School Center for Bioethics and the MGH Department of Psychiatry. He directs the Shen Neurolaw Lab, co-directs the Neurotech Justice Accelerator at Mass General Brigham, and is the Founding Director of the Dana Foundation Career Network in Neuroscience & Society.

This week, Jaansi sits down with healthcare journalist Kristen V. Brown to explore the role of science journalism in shaping public trust, health decision-making, and collective understanding. Together, they discuss how culture and politics influence scientific research, why women’s health remains underfunded, and how journalists can responsibly report on polarized topics like vaccines without deepening mistrust. Join us to learn about the essentials for communicating complex science in an increasingly fragmented media landscape!

Kristen V. Brown is a healthcare journalist currently working on a book about fertility. As a Hearst Fellow at the Albany Times Union and the San Francisco Chronicle, a staffer at Bloomberg and Gizmodo, and a Webby nominated podcaster, she has covered women’s health and the cultural forces that shape medical knowledge. Trained in arts and culture journalism, Brown brings a humanities-driven lens to science reporting and has written extensively on vaccines, reproductive health, and consumer genetics.

Check out Kristen's work: www.kristenvbrown.com/

In this episode, Jaansi sits down with Marshall Ganz to explore how organizing, storytelling, and power shape the pursuit of health equity. Together, they discuss why public health must be grounded in people rather than abstract data, how collective action builds power to drive systemic change, and how the “story of self, us, and now” framework transforms individual experiences into meaningful, values-driven movements. Tune in for a meaningful conversation that challenges the idea of neutrality and emphasizes the importance of values-driven leadership in moments of social and political crisis.

Marshall Ganz is a senior lecturer in public policy at the Harvard Kennedy School and a longtime community organizer, scholar, and leader in social movement strategy. A key architect of the public narrative framework and a veteran of the civil rights movement, he has played a pivotal role in grassroots organizing efforts including the Obama presidential campaign. Dr. Ganz's research and teaching focus has shaped movements and organizers worldwide committed to building collective power for social change.

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!

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/

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/

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

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

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/

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

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/

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/

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.

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/

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/

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/

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

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/

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

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/

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Curiosity is at the heart of great science and great storytelling. In this episode, we’re joined by Laura Baisas, science news writer at Popular Science, to explore how curiosity fuels her work and shapes the way science is shared with the public. Tune in to hear about her process for finding story ideas, the importance of fact-checking in the age of AI, how journalists balance engaging narratives with accuracy, and why embracing science as an ever-evolving process is key to building public trust.

Laura Baisas is a science news writer and reporter at Popular Science. Prior to joining PopSci, she worked in children’s news programming and has built her career around making complex scientific topics accessible and engaging for broad audiences. Her work spans subjects from ocean science and paleontology to health and climate change, with a focus on curiosity-driven storytelling and accurate, impactful journalism.

Check out Laura's writing: https://www.popsci.com/authors/laura-baisas/

Medication mismanagement is one of the most costly and preventable problems in healthcare as it impacts patient safety, outcomes, and billions in annual spending. In this episode, we’re joined by Yoona Kim, who cofounded Arine to use AI-driven medication intelligence for improving patient outcomes. Join us in a conversation about the key factors that contribute to medication errors, why culturally sensitive care is central to Arine's approach, and how smarter use of data can shape future healthcare policy.

Yoona Kim is the co-founder and CEO of the healthcare technology company Arine. After studying human biology at Stanford, she was trained as both a pharmacist (PharmD from the University of California San Francisco) and health economist (PhD from the University of Texas at Austin). She previously served as Vice President at Proteus Digital Health and held leadership positions in research and consulting at global pharmaceutical companies.

Language is central to healthcare, yet it’s often overlooked as a driver of equity, safety, and quality of care. In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Pilar Ortega, emergency medicine physician and Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at the ACGME, to explore how rethinking language in medicine can transform patient outcomes. Join us to discuss why the term “language barrier” misses the real problem, how language-concordant care improves health outcomes, the promises and limitations of AI translation tools, and what systemic reforms are needed to better support multilingual clinicians and patients alike.

Dr. Pilar Ortega is an emergency medicine physician and the Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME). A nationally recognized leader in medical Spanish education and language equity in healthcare, her work focuses on improving communication, valuing multilingualism in the medical workforce, and advancing more equitable healthcare systems through policy, education, and research.

Microplastics are everywhere, from our oceans and ecosystems to our food, water, and bodies, but their story began with a simple question: what are we missing? In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Richard Thompson, marine biologist at the University of Plymouth and the scientist who coined the term microplastics. Tune in to hear how curiosity led to a landmark discovery, why plastic pollution is fundamentally a design problem that affects public health, and why science must now shift from defining the problem to rigorously testing solutions.

Dr. Richard Thompson is a Professor of Marine Biology at the University of Plymouth and a leading authority on plastic pollution. His research has shaped global understanding of microplastics and informed major policies to improve environmental health, including the EU Marine Strategy Framework Directive and legislation banning microbeads in cosmetics. As an independent scientist, his work guides policymakers, industry, and the public toward safer and more sustainable use of plastics.

Access to contraception can shape health, autonomy, and opportunity, but what does it really take to safely expand that access? In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Stephanie Sober, OB-GYN and Global Director of Medical Affairs at Perrigo Women’s Health, to explore the landmark approval of Opill, the first daily oral contraceptive available over the counter in the U.S. Tune in to hear how nearly a decade of research and regulatory work made this switch possible, how the FDA evaluates real-world use without physician supervision, and why over-the-counter contraception is a major step forward for reproductive health equity.

Dr. Stephanie Sober is an OB-GYN physician and the Global Director of Medical Affairs at Perrigo Women’s Health. She co-led the studies submitted to the FDA to support Opill’s transition from prescription-only to over-the-counter status and has worked closely with medical organizations, regulators, and reproductive health advocates to expand safe, evidence-based access to contraception.

In this season finale, Sunay reflects on all 29 episodes of Season 6: Medical Marvels, revisiting the guests, ideas, and insights that shaped a season about how medicine works in the real world. From neurofeedback and gene therapy to clean water, mental health, environmental policy, and reproductive autonomy, this episode highlights how people, systems, equity, and persistence drive health outcomes. Sunay brings together the season’s biggest takeaways while thanking the guests and listeners who made the journey possible and setting the stage for what's coming next.

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!

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.

In the era of machine learning, smartwatch wearables, online health portals, and AI-powered chatbots, healthcare workers now have more technology at their 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.

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/

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/⁠

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/

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/

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/

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/

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/

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/

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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/

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/

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!

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/

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

Start learning about the basics of AI here (created by yours truly!): projectneurify.org/

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/

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==

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!

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!

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.

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/

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

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/

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/

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/⁠

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/

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

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!

Ms. Winston's Website: dianawinston.com/

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

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!

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/

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.

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!

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/

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!

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/

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!

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/

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!

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.

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 learnonpodcast@gmail.com 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!

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.

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.

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!

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!

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.

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!

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!

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!

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.

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.

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.

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!

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!

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/

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.

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!

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.

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!

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!

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.

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/