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: AI Can Diagnose Your Parkinson’s Disease, How Bacteria Can Lower Your Medical Bills, And The Dangers Of Dehydration

  Wednesday, September 10, 2025

  3 minutes

  Some diseases are tough to self-diagnose, but AI is here to help. Does bacteria get a bad rap? Have you had enough water today? Probably not – and that’s a big problem. Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/medical-notes-ai-can-diagnose-your-parkinsons-disease-how-bacteria-can-lower-your-medical-bills-and-the-dangers-of-dehydration Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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• Breaking Down The Most Effective (And Ineffective) Treatments For ADHD | Primal Wounds: How To Break Harmful Cycles For Healthier Relationships

  Monday, September 8, 2025

  27 minutes

  Breaking Down The Most Effective (And Ineffective) Treatments For ADHD Synopsis: Every case of ADHD requires a unique treatment plan because no one child is the same. However, there are many options and not much research on how they all work independently and together. Our experts this week break down what research shows to be the most effective options and the surprising results for what doesn’t work. Primal Wounds: How To Break Harmful Cycles For Healthier Relationships Synopsis: Some psychotherapists theorize that our strongest emotional reactions often stem from childhood “pr...

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• Primal Wounds: How To Break Harmful Cycles For Healthier Relationships

  Sunday, September 7, 2025

  10 minutes

  Some psychotherapists theorize that our strongest emotional reactions often stem from childhood “primal wounds.” They can make us feel inadequate, powerless, or undeserving. While these triggers can create harmful cycles if ignored, our expert explains how they can act as protective mechanisms that can be our biggest strengths to improve relationships and turn vulnerabilities into personal superpowers. Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/primal-wounds-how-to-break-harmful-cycles-for-healthier-relationships Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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• Breaking Down The Most Effective (And Ineffective) Treatments For ADHD

  Sunday, September 7, 2025

  13 minutes

  Every case of ADHD requires a unique treatment plan because no one child is the same. However, there are many options and not much research on how they all work independently and together. Our experts this week break down what research shows to be the most effective options and the surprising results for what doesn’t work. Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/breaking-down-the-most-effective-and-ineffective-treatments-for-adhd Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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• Medical Notes: How To Flush Out ‘Forever Chemicals’, Eat Fruit To Sleep Better, And Is Toothpaste Causing Your Allergies?

  Wednesday, September 3, 2025

  3 minutes

  Toothpaste may be the cause of your child’s allergies. An antimicrobial chemical called triclosan (try-klow-san) has been a staple ingredient in everyday products like mouthwash and clothing for decades. A new player in the fight against forever chemicals. An apple a day may help you sleep better. Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/medical-notes-how-to-flush-out-forever-chemicals-eat-fruit-to-sleep-better-and-is-toothpaste-causing-your-allergies Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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• Short Kids Are Being Given Growth Hormones – Is It Safe? | Radical Women: The History Of Breast Cancer In America

  Monday, September 1, 2025

  28 minutes

  Short Kids Are Being Given Growth Hormones – Is It Safe? Many parents begin to worry if their child is much shorter than classmates, and some go as far as to give growth hormone to their kids. However, it doesn’t make the significant difference that these families hope. Our experts explain when growth hormone is appropriate, and how the real solution to shorter kids feeling inferior is society’s mindset. Radical Women: The History Of Breast Cancer In America It’s no secret that October is the month of breast cancer awareness, but it wasn’t always this way. There was a time when ...

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• Radical Women: The History Of Breast Cancer In America

  Sunday, August 31, 2025

  12 minutes

  It’s no secret that October is the month of breast cancer awareness, but it wasn’t always this way. There was a time when speaking of cancer was taboo and women having any choice of how they were treated was even more strange. Author Judith Pearson discusses the three women who transformed the breast cancer movement into what we see today. Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/radical-women-the-history-of-breast-cancer-in-america Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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• Short Kids Are Being Given Growth Hormones – Is It Safe?

  Sunday, August 31, 2025

  12 minutes

  Many parents begin to worry if their child is much shorter than classmates, and some go as far as to give growth hormone to their kids. However, it doesn’t make the significant difference that these families hope. Our experts explain when growth hormone is appropriate, and how the real solution to shorter kids feeling inferior is society’s mindset. Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/short-kids-are-being-given-growth-hormones-is-it-safe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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• Medical Notes: Why Kids Should Be Bilingual, Stopping The Spread Of Malaria, And Are Generic Drugs Dangerous?

  Wednesday, August 27, 2025

  4 minutes

  Not all generic drugs are created equal. How much of a benefit do you get from learning a second language? A new product to help stop the spread of malaria. Your next hospital visit may look a bit greener. Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/medical-notes-why-kids-should-be-bilingual-stopping-the-spread-of-malaria-and-are-generic-drugs-dangerous Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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• Facing Dementia: Early Detection And Advancements In Treatment | The Best Way To Protect Athletes From Overuse Injuries

  Monday, August 25, 2025

  27 minutes

  Segment 1: Facing Dementia: Early Detection And Advancements In Treatment Dementia can be a scary diagnosis. And though it’s an umbrella term for many conditions, identifying the specific cause is crucial for effective treatment. While most cases aren’t curable, our expert explains how advances like new blood tests, medications, and lifestyle changes can make a noticeable difference. Segment 2: The Best Way To Protect Athletes From Overuse Injuries Many young athletes are focusing on a single sport year-round, but new research shows this can lead to longer recovery times, high...

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• Facing Dementia: Early Detection And Advancements In Treatment

  Sunday, August 24, 2025

  14 minutes

  Dementia can be a scary diagnosis. And though it’s an umbrella term for many conditions, identifying the specific cause is crucial for effective treatment. While most cases aren’t curable, our expert explains how advances like new blood tests, medications, and lifestyle changes can make a noticeable difference. Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/facing-dementia-early-detection-and-advancements-in-treatment Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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• The Best Way To Protect Athletes From Overuse Injuries

  Sunday, August 24, 2025

  9 minutes

  Many young athletes are focusing on a single sport year-round, but new research shows this can lead to longer recovery times, higher re-injury rates, and more serious injuries. Our expert explains how this impacts the athletes’ careers later in life and recommends a protocol that will reduce overuse injuries. Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/the-best-way-to-protect-athletes-from-overuse-injuries Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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• Medical Notes: The Best Alcohol For Minimal Hangovers, The Impact Of Color Additives, And Is One Brand Of Water Healthier Than The Rest?

  Wednesday, August 20, 2025

  4 minutes

  Is your gut making you sick? Should you be drinking one type of water over all the others? Does vibrant food make us eat more? If you’re sick of hangovers, we may have a solution. Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/medical-notes-the-best-alcohol-for-minimal-hangovers-the-impact-of-color-additives-and-is-one-brand-of-water-healthier-than-the-rest Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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• Hormone Imbalances May Be Causing Your Mental And Physical Issues | Are Pharmacy Benefit Managers To Blame For Your Massive Health Bills?

  Monday, August 18, 2025

  27 minutes

  Segment 1: Hormone Imbalances May Be Causing Your Mental And Physical Issues Hormones regulate nearly every function in the body, yet their role in women's health is often overlooked in conventional medicine. Misdiagnosis of hormone imbalances can lead to physical and emotional suffering. Dr. Julie Taylor explains the proper tests and education that can help women find the root cause of many different symptoms, empowering them to better understand and manage their health. Segment 2: Are Pharmacy Benefit Managers To Blame For Your Massive Health Bills? Last week we discussed ho...

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• Are Pharmacy Benefit Managers To Blame For Your Massive Health Bills?

  Sunday, August 17, 2025

  10 minutes

  Last week we discussed how PBMs operate within healthcare, including negotiating drug prices and operating clinical programs. And though PBMs are under increasing scrutiny from lawmakers and the FTC, experts argue that reform – not removal – is key to creating a more transparent and efficient system. Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/are-pharmacy-benefit-managers-to-blame-for-your-massive-health-bills Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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• Hormone Imbalances May Be Causing Your Mental And Physical Issues

  Sunday, August 17, 2025

  14 minutes

  Hormones regulate nearly every function in the body, yet their role in women's health is often overlooked in conventional medicine. Misdiagnosis of hormone imbalances can lead to physical and emotional suffering. Dr. Julie Taylor explains the proper tests and education that can help women find the root cause of many different symptoms, empowering them to better understand and manage their health. Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/hormone-imbalances-may-be-causing-your-mental-and-physical-issues Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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• Medical Notes: The Anti-Aging Properties Of Psychedelic Mushrooms, How Sleep Is Linked To Migraines, And The Exercise-For-Happiness Myth.

  Wednesday, August 13, 2025

  4 minutes

  You should sleep more to ease your headaches. Should you swap your morning coffee for magic mushrooms? Does exercise always make you happier? You may be more extroverted than you think. Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/medical-notes-the-anti-aging-properties-of-psychedelic-mushrooms-how-sleep-is-linked-to-migraines-and-the-exercise-for-happiness-myth Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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• PBM’s: The Invisible Influence Behind Modern Healthcare

  Sunday, August 10, 2025

  10 minutes

  Pharmacy Benefit Managers, or PBMs, play a powerful but often invisible role in U.S. healthcare. While they’re often blamed for rising drug costs, recent research suggests the real culprit may be drug manufacturers and patent protections. Our experts explain how PBMs have evolved from simple claims processors into complex organizations that work behind the scenes for insurance companies, pharmacies, and employers. Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/pbms-the-invisible-influence-behind-modern-healthcare Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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• Not All Anxiety Is The Same – And Neither Are The Solutions

  Sunday, August 10, 2025

  13 minutes

  Cognitive neuroscientist Resh Gupta argues that anxiety isn’t a one-size-fits-all condition, but a spectrum of experiences that affect cognitive control in different ways. Her research explores how specific types of anxiety can be treated more effectively with tailored mindfulness practices. Gupta’s newly proposed framework aims to reshape how scientists study and treat anxiety. Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/not-all-anxiety-is-the-same-and-neither-are-the-solutions Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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• Low Dose: the science to manifesting your dream life, how your clothes are poisoning you, and the future of genetically-modified humans

  Wednesday, August 6, 2025

  12 minutes

  Low Dose is a specially-curated segment that combines the most interesting RHJ stories into one, bite-sized episode. Bypass all the fluff and get straight to the information you need to know. This week, we highlight the scientifically-backed strategies for manifesting your dream life, how the fashion industry is poisoning you, and a very real future where parents can design their own perfect baby. You can find more information about our guests and where to find each full episode below: 00:00-03:55 - The science to manifesting your dream life (Manifestation: Dr. James R. Doty ⁠⁠https://...

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• Medical Notes: How To Unlock Superhuman Healing, Why Football Players Should Start Practicing Ballet, And Can Ai Replace Your Doctor?

  Wednesday, August 6, 2025

  4 minutes

  Diabetics may no longer have to suffer through frequent injections. Should you skip the doctor and just ask AI? How you can unlock super-human healing. Why football players should start taking ballet classes. Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/medical-notes-how-to-unlock-superhuman-healing-why-football-players-should-start-practicing-ballet-and-can-ai-replace-your-doctor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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• Increasing Patient Access To Experimental Drugs

  Sunday, August 3, 2025

  11 minutes

  There are many experimental drugs being tested for various conditions, but many of them never get to real patients due to obstacles like low rates of clinical trial participation. Dr. Casey Chapman explains a growing research method that brings the trials directly to patients and gives them the opportunity to access a wider range of medications. Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/increasing-patient-access-to-experimental-drugs Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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• The New Drug That Shrinks Tumors For Patients With NF1-PN

  Sunday, August 3, 2025

  12 minutes

  Born with NF1-PN, a rare genetic disorder, Austin Fields spent his childhood learning how to live in a body riddled with benign tumors. Though removal surgery is the main treatment for this painful condition, a new medication has recently been approved for adults with NF1-PN. Our experts explain what it’s like to live with this condition and how this novel drug is enhancing patients’ quality of life. Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/the-new-drug-that-shrinks-tumors-for-patients-with-nf1-pn Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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• Medical Notes: A New Cause of Infertility, the Future of Drinking Ocean Water, and Why You Should Embrace PDA

  Wednesday, July 30, 2025

  4 minutes

  Researchers have discovered a new cause of infertility. Not all of us grow from adversity. Will the ocean be our newest water source? Why you should embrace PDA. Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/medical-notes-infertility-air-pollution-ocean-water-pda Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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• The FDA Is Vegan: Why The Agency Is Phasing Out Animal Testing

  Sunday, July 27, 2025

  14 minutes

  In a historic move, the FDA has taken the first steps to phase out animal testing in research. Though it’s been a requirement for new drug development for decades, there are other, more accurate methods that the FDA wants to move forward with. Elizabeth Baker, Esq. discusses these new methods and the emerging technology helping to remove animal testing from all drug research. Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/the-fda-is-vegan-why-the-agency-is-phasing-out-animal-testing Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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• “Two Sides Of The Same Coin”: There’s No Such Thing As Nature Vs Nurture

  Sunday, July 27, 2025

  10 minutes

  This week we continue the discussion about how our genes influence our future. Our expert explains how our genetics affect the people around us – and how their genes affect us, from parenting to romance. Dalton Conley, author of The Social Genome, explains the immense impact of this hidden influence. Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/two-sides-of-the-same-coin-theres-no-such-thing-as-nature-vs-nurture Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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• Medical Notes: Running, Cancer Detection, and the Future of Dentistry

  Wednesday, July 23, 2025

  4 minutes

  This week: Why your gaze can boost running performance, a breakthrough in early cancer detection, the future of dental implants, and how childhood nutrition shapes adult health. Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/run-faster-cancer-detection-high-tech-teeth/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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• From Weight To Career Success, How Your Genes Can Predict Your Future

  Sunday, July 20, 2025

  13 minutes

  Can your genes predict how much money you’ll make in your career? Dalton Conley, a sociologist, explains how our genes can be predictive of all aspects of our life – from BMI to who we’re friends with – in his new book, The Social Genome. Would you want to know the odds your genes have predetermined about life outcomes? Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/from-weight-to-career-success-how-your-genes-can-predict-your-future Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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• Edible Sunscreen: Can You Eat Your Sun Protection?

  Sunday, July 20, 2025

  11 minutes

  Edible sunscreens have become a hot topic, but can SPF gummies replace your normal sunscreen? Dr. Susan Massick explains how UV rays cause damage throughout our body and what type of protection will be most effective. Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/edible-sunscreen-can-you-eat-your-sun-protection Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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• Medical Notes: How Sleep, Safety, and Optimism Shape Your Health

  Wednesday, July 16, 2025

  3 minutes

  What does poor sleep do to your brain? How can you grill smarter this summer? And could optimism secretly improve your health? We break down the latest science. Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/medical-notes-poor-sleep-can-change-your-brain-how-to-grill-safely-this-summer-and-the-secret-superpower-of-optimism Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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