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

• 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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• Medical Notes: Magic Mushrooms Can Relieve Depression, How To Avoid Wearing A Mosquito’s Favorite Color, And Why Earth’S Coasts Are Disappearing

  Wednesday, March 19, 2025

  3 minutes

  How are psychedelic mushrooms related to mental health? Earth’s natural coasts are disappearing. Do mosquitoes care about your fashion sense? Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/magic-mushrooms-can-relieve-depression-how-to-avoid-wearing-a-mosquitos-favorite-color-and-why-earths-coasts-are-disappearing Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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• Space Medicine Pt. 2: How A Mission To Mars Helps Patients On Earth

  Sunday, March 16, 2025

  10 minutes

  Last week we discussed the dangers astronauts face when going on missions. This week, Dr. Joshua Ong, a space medicine researcher, explains the cutting-edge technology that’s being used to hopefully save astronauts’ eyesight, and how these advancements will help underserved patients on Earth. Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/space-medicine-pt-2-how-a-mission-to-mars-helps-patients-on-earth Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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• Everything You Need To Know Before Getting Lasik Eye Surgery

  Sunday, March 16, 2025

  13 minutes

  Lasik eye surgery has been life-changing for millions. However, there are a select few who have been left irreversibly disabled by the procedure. Our experts describe the qualities of a good Lasik candidate, the very real risks that come with the surgery, and an alternative option for those unable to get Lasik. Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/everything-you-need-to-know-before-getting-lasik-eye-surgery Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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• Medical Notes: Smoking Weed May Be Causing Your Cavities, A Bacteria That Eats Plastic, And Why Falling In Love Is Good For A Woman’s Health

  Wednesday, March 12, 2025

  4 minutes

  Bacteria could be a key player in the fight against plastic. As more states legalize cannabis, you should know how it affects your health. Does gender affect how we complete our goals? Should women date more for the good of their health? Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/medical-notes-smoking-weed-may-be-causing-your-cavities-a-bacteria-that-eats-plastic-and-why-falling-in-love-is-good-for-a-womans-health Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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• “There Must Be Something Wrong With Women”: The Dangers Of Medical Ignorance

  Sunday, March 9, 2025

  14 minutes

  Despite all the progress made for women’s rights, the medical field continues to lag behind when it comes to female research. Because of this, half of the population is left in the dark about how to properly care for their bodies and the dangers they’re at risk for. Our experts explain the importance of researching women’s health. Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/there-must-be-something-wrong-with-women-the-dangers-of-medical-ignorance Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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• How Space Medicine Could Save You From Going Blind Down Here On Earth

  Sunday, March 9, 2025

  9 minutes

  The breaking-edge technology NASA’s creating for space travel has positively impacted so many lives back on earth. Dr. Joshua Ong, a space medicine researcher, is now hoping to add to that beneficial list with his work on improving astronauts’ eyesight. He explains the conditions they’re most at risk for and how finding a solution for space travel will help increase access to eye treatments on earth. Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/how-space-medicine-could-save-you-from-going-blind-down-here-on-earth Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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• Medical Notes: Revealing The Chattier Gender, The Hidden Dangers Of Your Hair Salon, And The Difference Between A Sore Throat And Strep

  Wednesday, March 5, 2025

  3 minutes

  Your monthly haircut may be more dangerous than you think. Is one gender chattier than the other? How to tell if your sore throat is something more serious. Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/medical-notes-revealing-the-chattier-gender-the-hidden-dangers-of-your-hair-salon-and-the-difference-between-a-sore-throat-and-strep Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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• How To Use Fasting In The Fight Against Cancer

  Sunday, March 2, 2025

  11 minutes

  Research is showing how useful a fasting-mimicking diet can be in fighting cancer. It not only weakens the tumor, but it also makes chemotherapy and immunotherapy less toxic for the patient. Our expert breaks down the benefits of FMD and how it enhances current cancer treatments. Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/how-to-use-fasting-in-the-fight-against-cancer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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• Why Genetic Testing Should Be Part Of Your Pregnancy Plan

  Sunday, March 2, 2025

  13 minutes

  Prenatal genetic testing can make parents aware of any anomalies or genetic diseases their unborn child has. Knowing this information before the baby is born can give parents a head start on understanding their child’s condition and finding proper resources. Our experts explain the role of genetic counseling and why it’s an important tool for parents. Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/why-genetic-testing-should-be-part-of-your-pregnancy-plan Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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• Medical Notes: The Hidden Message Behind Your Tears, Why Vacation Is Necessary For Your Health, And Using Vr To Fight Anxiety

  Wednesday, February 26, 2025

  4 minutes

  Can more screen time ease anxiety? Is crying a sign of more than just sadness? Have you been feeling out of sorts? Yes, vacation is necessary for your health. Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/medical-notes-the-hidden-message-behind-your-tears-why-vacation-is-necessary-for-your-health-and-using-vr-to-fight-anxiety Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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• How A Fungal Pandemic Could Create Real-Life Zombies

  Sunday, February 23, 2025

  10 minutes

  Our body temperature is currently too hot for fungus to thrive in – which is why we don’t often have to worry about a serious fungal infection. However, global warming is forcing fungi to evolve to withstand hotter temperatures, which could be bad news for humanity. Dr. Arturo Casadevall explains what a future fungal pandemic might look like. Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/how-a-fungal-pandemic-could-create-real-life-zombies Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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• The Secret To Successful Aging: Outdoor-Based Activities To Keep You Young

  Sunday, February 23, 2025

  13 minutes

  Outdoor activities have been shown to be an important part of disease prevention and successful aging. And though there are some obstacles for older adults, there are ways to adjust the activities to fit all skill levels. Our experts explain the benefits to prioritizing outdoor-based interventions and group activities. Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/the-secret-to-successful-aging-outdoor-based-activities-to-keep-you-young Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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