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

• 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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• Don’t Blame Growing Pains: The Dangers Of Ignoring Childhood Pain

  Sunday, July 13, 2025

  10 minutes

  Chronic pain in children is often dismissed as “growing pains,” but ignoring it can lead to lifelong health and socioeconomic consequences. Dr. Tonya Palermo emphasizes the need for better pain education and early intervention to help kids avoid long-term damage. Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/dont-blame-growing-pains-the-dangers-of-ignoring-childhood-pain Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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• Inside The Ambulance: Chaos, Camaraderie, And The Calls You Never See On TV

  Sunday, July 13, 2025

  14 minutes

  In the daily life of a paramedic, true emergencies are rare, resources are thin, and burnout runs high. Instead of glamorized rescues, medics often face issues that would be better handled by social workers and lawyers. This week, Joanna Sokol details her experience on the job and why the field is desperate for better worker rights. Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/inside-the-ambulance-chaos-camaraderie-and-the-calls-you-never-see-on-tv Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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• Medical Notes: Personality Tweaks, Fertility Clues, and the Right Way to Meditate

  Wednesday, July 9, 2025

  4 minutes

  Can inflammation affect fertility? Could curiosity change your life? This week, we explore cutting-edge research on anxiety treatments, parenting patterns, and the science of self-improvement. Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/medical-notes-how-to-change-your-personality-customizing-your-anxiety-treatment-and-a-hidden-cause-of-infertility Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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• Full Body Reset: Stress, Cortisol, And Adrenal Dysfunction

  Sunday, July 6, 2025

  11 minutes

  The adrenal glands regulate cortisol, a hormone crucial for managing stress and energy. When stress is chronic, cortisol imbalances can cause fatigue, anxiety, and pain. Dr. Izabella Wentz offers simple lifestyle changes that can help restore balance and improve your overall health. Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/full-body-reset-stress-cortisol-and-adrenal-dysfunction Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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• Her Pain, His Treatment: Issues With The Generic Approach To Pain Relief

  Sunday, July 6, 2025

  12 minutes

  Whenever we experience pain, our bodies use internal pain relief symptoms to reduce some of that discomfort. Though it’s been believed that men and women use the same, main system, a new study is pioneering an entirely new understanding of chronic pain. Our experts discuss this research and how it could change the future of pain management. Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/her-pain-his-treatment-issues-with-the-generic-approach-to-pain-relief Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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• Medical Notes: How Sleep Apnea Rewires Your Brain, A Non-Addictive Pain Pill, And Using Ultrasound As A Disinfectant

  Wednesday, July 2, 2025

  4 minutes

  Ultrasound isn’t just for imaging. Sleep apnea may silently rewire the brain. A new non-opioid painkiller shows promise—without the dangerous side effects. Dementia can make people act out in unexpected ways—and families are often left struggling. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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• Bertolotti’s Syndrome: The Under-diagnosed Cause Of Back Pain

  Sunday, June 29, 2025

  13 minutes

  When Jakki Maser’s back pain started at 13, doctors brushed it off as a minor injury. Years of unrelenting pain and dead-end appointments led her to uncover the real cause herself – Bertolotti’s syndrome, an underdiagnosed spinal condition. This week, our experts explain how to accurately catch this condition and the best treatment methods for a full recovery. Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/bertolottis-syndrome-the-under-diagnosed-cause-of-back-pain Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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• The Future Of Medicine Pt.2: A New Era Of Healthcare Focuses On Prevention

  Sunday, June 29, 2025

  10 minutes

  New technology like AI offers promise, but experts say true healthcare reform starts with prevention, not just innovation. The U.S. spends more on healthcare than any other nation, yet outcomes lag because we focus on expensive treatments instead of early care. Our expert explains how real change will require prioritizing prevention to keep people healthier from the start. Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/the-future-of-medicine-pt-2-a-new-era-of-healthcare-focuses-on-prevention Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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• Medical Notes: The Science Behind Your ‘AURA’, The Fluoride Debate, And The Real Reason Behind Your Yawn

  Wednesday, June 25, 2025

  4 minutes

  Your ‘aura’ may just be a mixture of oils and fats on the skin. Scientists still don’t fully know why we yawn—but they’re getting closer. The debate over fluoride is back in the spotlight. Urban rats may be more than just an annoying pest. Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/medical-notes-the-science-behind-your-aura-the-fluoride-debate-and-the-real-reason-behind-your-yawn Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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• The Future Of Medicine Pt.1: Do We Want Free Or Innovative Healthcare?

  Sunday, June 22, 2025

  10 minutes

  Most Americans don’t have a clear picture of what universal healthcare really means. Dr. Marschall Runge says we’re unlikely to see fully free, unlimited care – but a model based on preventive, team-based medicine is possible. In his new book, The Great Healthcare Disruption, Runge outlines how AI, better access, and more shareable medical records could revolutionize care – if we also prioritize our own health. Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/the-future-of-medicine-pt-1-do-we-want-free-or-innovative-healthcare Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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• The Mental And Physical Toll Of Inflammatory Bowel Disease

  Sunday, June 22, 2025

  13 minutes

  For people with inflammatory bowel disease, daily life can be painful, unpredictable, and isolating. The successful management of IBD means addressing both physical and mental symptoms. Our experts discuss treatment approaches and a new program aiming to end the stigma and offer support for patients. Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/the-mental-and-physical-toll-of-inflammatory-bowel-disease Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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• Medical Notes: How Fish Oil Slows Aging, The Loneliness Epidemic, And How To Better Understand Autism

  Wednesday, June 18, 2025

  3 minutes

  Is there a new brain region for our senses? Why are so many adults feeling alone? Can fish oil really slow down aging? Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/medical-notes-how-fish-oil-slows-aging-the-loneliness-epidemic-and-how-to-better-understand-autism Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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• Producer's Cut: Wombs For Rent - The Legalization of Commercial Surrogacy

  Tuesday, June 17, 2025

  15 minutes

  This segment is part of a new, podcast exclusive series called Producer's Cut. We'll be revisiting past shows that've left a lasting impact on the RHJ team, and providing behind-the-scenes insights on how the story came together. Commercial gestational surrogacy allows parents to have a biological child that’s carried and birthed by another woman who receives a salary. Though many countries have outlawed commercial surrogacy, states in America are beginning to legalize it. Experts weigh in on the ethical implications of commercialized surrogacy.   Learn more at: radiohealthjournal.org...

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• ‘GRAS’-FED Loopholes: Why Your Diet Is More Toxic Than The FDA Knows

  Sunday, June 15, 2025

  14 minutes

  For the most part, food companies are allowed to police themselves when introducing new food additives to market. This gap in oversight is the product of a GRAS loophole, a decades-old FDA policy. Jennifer Pomeranz explains how the status-quo is threatening public health and offers innovative solutions for reform. Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/gras-fed-loopholes-why-your-diet-is-more-toxic-than-the-fda-knows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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