Shows
Degrees of HealthWhy Drew Decker Believes Ketosis Could Change Mental Health ForeverYour brain runs on what you eat. So what happens when you fuel it with fat instead of sugar?Drew Decker and Ben join together to discuss his study on the ketogenic diet and depression in college students and how a simple dietary shift led to a 70% reduction in depression scores. No tracking apps, no dieticians, no hand-holding, just students with a budget, a plan, and a mission to feel better.Drew’s journey started after a traumatic brain injury in the military and led him to Dr. Jeff Volek’s lab, where he’s...
2025-10-2930 min
Degrees of HealthWhy 'Eat Less, Move More' Doesn’t Work | Jessica Turton, PhDMost people who end up in Jessica Turton’s health clinic have already tried everything from calorie tracking, low-fat, fasting, moving more, eating less… and still nothing works to shift weight. So what’s going on?Ben sits down with Jessica - dietitian, nutritionist, researcher - to talk about what happens when your body’s been stuck in energy deficit for years, and how the real issue for many people isn’t overeating, it’s under eating.They get into why most nutrition advice backfires, how your brain handles hunger, the impact of stress on me...
2025-10-221h 14
Degrees of HealthMuscles, Cancer & the Future of Exercise Medicine | Professor Mark FebbraioWhat if your muscles could talk to your organs and maybe even prevent cancer? Here, Ben sits down with world-renowned exercise scientist Professor Mark Febbraio to dismantle the science behind myokines - molecules released by muscle that signal throughout the body.Insights covered in this episode:🧪 Myokines and inter-organ communication🦠 Exercise’s role in cancer prevention🧬 Inflammation, cytokines & what IL-6 does🧠 The cognitive power of exercise & BDNF🏋️♂️ What type of training protects best and how much is too much💉 Why we don’t understand GLP-1 side effects yet🧫...
2025-10-151h 08
Degrees of HealthWeight Plateaus, GLP-1s & Why Keto Got So Complicated | Amy Berger, MS, CNSKeto doesn’t have to be complicated. Yep, you heard that right.Nutritionist and author Amy Berger joins us to unpack the chaos of keto culture and how a once-simple metabolic switch has turned into a jungle of macros, misinformation and food fear. Amy cuts through the noise and brings keto back to what it was always meant to be: a simple, flexible, effective way of eating.Together with Ben, she covers the realities of weight loss stalls, hormonal shifts, fasting fads, the rise of ultra-processed keto products and what the science says ab...
2025-10-081h 01
Degrees of HealthAnorexia Recovery, Ketosis & How We Medicalised Hunger | Michelle Ann Hurn, RDWhat if we’ve been treating eating disorders the wrong way?In this deeply personal and provocative episode, registered dietitian Michelle Hurn shares her journey from severe anorexia and psychiatric medication to ultra-running and mental clarity through a radical change in nutrition.Ben and Michelle unpack the broken foundations of dietetics, why metabolic health is inseparable from mental health and how the standard of care may be making things worse.We cover:🥩 Why animal-based diets are helping eating disorder recovery🧠 The link between stable blood sugar and psyc...
2025-10-011h 10
Degrees of Health“Ketones Work - Even If We Don’t Know Why” | Dr Adrian Soto-Mota, MD, PhDDr Adrian Soto-Mota, MD, PhD is one of the clearest and most curious voices in metabolic research and he’s not afraid to say what doesn’t make sense anymore.Dr Adrian is an internal medicine physician and metabolic researcher based in Mexico City. In this conversation, we go deep on the limitations of RCTs, why calorie logic keeps breaking down, what lean mass hyper-responders teach us about lipids, and why sometimes the data works before we understand the mechanism.We also talk about the surprising impact of meat-heavy diets on IBD, why exog...
2025-09-241h 08
Degrees of HealthThe Dopamine Trap - Why We Keep Scrolling & How to Stop | Michael Long📲 Why do we keep chasing things that never quite satisfy?We’re joined by The Molecule of More co-author Michael E. Long to unpack dopamine and why our brains are wired to want more, not to enjoy what we already have.From doomscrolling to dating apps, productivity obsessions to endless self-improvement, we explore how dopamine fuels craving and not contentment, and what we can do to stop living in the next and start living in the now. Michael shares insights from his new book, Taming the Molecule of More, and explains how understanding this...
2025-09-171h 04
Degrees of HealthThe Case Against Plants | Dr Anthony ChaffeeSome people find health through green smoothies. Others find it in 3 kilos of steak cooked in ghee.Dr. Anthony Chaffee is a neurosurgical registrar and ex-professional rugby player who’s been running on nothing but animal products for years. No salads. No supplements. No exceptions. In this conversation, we get into the weeds of his theory, that many modern illnesses (autoimmune conditions, metabolic disorders, mental health struggles) are not mysterious at all, they are the result of eating the wrong fuel.🥩 Why plants aren’t as innocent as they look 🧬 Autoimmunity, inflammati...
2025-09-101h 13
Degrees of HealthThe Hormone That Could Reverse Kidney Disease | Thomas Weimbs, PhD'High-protein diets hurt your kidneys!'. 'Once kidney disease starts, it only gets worse'. Heard something similar? It's just not the whole picture and also showing to be quite far from the truth.Dr Thomas Weimbs, PhD is a Professor of Bioengineering at UCSB where his lab has spent over 20 years studying chronic kidney disease. What they found, mostly by accident like all great science, changed the course of their research entirely. From mouse models to human trials, they discovered that a state of nutritional ketosis could not only slow but potentially reverse the progression of...
2025-09-0356 min
Degrees of HealthCancer Is Personal: Treat It That Way | Ben Whately & Padman Vamadevan Cancer treatment isn’t one disease = one drug. It’s thousands of different stories playing out at a molecular level and yet when it comes to care, we’re still treating most of them the same way.Padman Vamadevan and Ben Whately, co-founders of Astron Health, are rethinking oncology from the ground up. Here we explore why recurrence is such an under-addressed problem, how AI can help oncologists cut through a tidal wave of research and what it looks like to track cancer like a chronic disease instead of a binary cure-or-palliative model.We cov...
2025-08-061h 11
Degrees of HealthThe Secret Role of Water in Health | Gerald PollockWhat if everything we learned about water was missing its most important piece?In this episode, we speak with Professor Gerald Pollack - biomedical scientist, professor, and author of The Fourth Phase of Water - whose research reveals a side of water that’s been hiding in plain sight. From how cells create energy to what actually drives chronic disease, this conversation turns biology inside out - but stays rooted in how this changes our view of the practical day to day.Pollack’s ideas challenge convention. But they also unlock new ways to u...
2025-07-091h 06
Degrees of HealthWomen Aren’t Broken. We’re Misinformed. | Food, Hormones and Healing with Dr Pauline Cox, MScMost of us were never taught what hormones actually do. We just noticed things getting weird - heavier periods, brain fog, random mood swings that made us question our entire personality.And when we asked for help, we got vague answers. A prescription. Maybe a “come back in 6 months.”That’s why we sat down with Pauline Cox, a functional nutritionist who’s actually good at explaining this stuff. She's worked with hundreds of women dealing with endometriosis, PCOS, low thyroid, fatigue, and all the “you’re fine” symptoms that so many of us learn to li...
2025-07-021h 10
Degrees of Health“How I Dropped My Biological Age by 20 Years" Part 1 | Michael Lustgarten, PhDWe all age. But what if we could slow it down, reshape it, or even pause it altogether?After connecting over one of our most viewed episodes with Dr. Glen Jefferys, we got to hear from scientist and relentlessly curious longevity researcher Dr. Michael Lustgarten. He’s been tracking over 50 biomarkers for nearly a decade and has reduced his biological age by more than 20 years.In this episode, we explore what that process looks like for Michael with data. Lots of data.We cover:🧪 How to interpret and act o...
2025-06-2554 min
Degrees of Health“How I Dropped My Biological Age by 20 Years" Part 2 | Michael Lustgarten, PhDPART 2! If you missed it, we highly recommend checking out Part 1 before listening to this episode. We all age. But what if we could slow it down, reshape it, or even pause it altogether?After connecting over one of our most viewed episodes with Dr. Glen Jefferys, we got to hear from scientist and relentlessly curious longevity researcher Dr. Michael Lustgarten. He’s been tracking over 50 biomarkers for nearly a decade and has reduced his biological age by more than 20 years.In this episode, we explore what that process looks li...
2025-06-2540 min
Degrees of HealthYou’re Not Tired - You’re Undercharged: Red Light and Real Energy | Bjørn Ekeberg, PhDWe talk a lot about nutrition, movement, and sleep when it comes to health. But there's a missing piece in most conversations: light.In this episode, we sit down with Bjørn Ekeberg - philosopher of science turned founder of Recharge Health - to explore how red and near-infrared light can support recovery, improve energy, and help us reconnect with our biology.We unpack what red light therapy is, how mitochondria drive everything from mood to metabolism, and why so many of us are unknowingly light-deficient. Athletes, health nerds, or if you're just t...
2025-06-1857 min
Degrees of HealthWater Is a Battery - Are You Charging Yours? | Sara Pugh, PhDWe know health isn't just about the food you eat or the supplements you take. But do we really understand the other elements that are so crucial - the light we see, the water we drink, and even the way we think?Sara Pugh, PhD, Quantum Biologist and Ketogenic Coach shares how she has brought together physics and wellness. She explains why light and water are key players in how our bodies works and how simple daily choices can make a huge difference to our overall health and wellbeing.We cover:💧 How...
2025-06-111h 09
Degrees of HealthThe Hidden Health Risks of 5G | Olle Johansson PhDThis one’s for anyone who’s ever wondered: Are we really safe in a wireless world?What if the invisible forces all around us - your phone, your Wi-Fi, even your toothbrush - were quietly shaping your health and the planet’s health too?In this conversation, EMF researcher Olle Johansson shares his decades of experience researching the health impacts of electromagnetic fields - the kind you can’t see but you might well be feeling. From rising chronic diseases to the decline of natural pollinators, Olle connects the dots between our modern t...
2025-06-041h 01
Degrees of HealthYou Don’t Need Millions to Slow Aging | Julie Gibson ClarkWhat happens when your body completely crashes and you have no energy to get off the couch?For Julie Gibson Clark, that moment became the turning point. After being diagnosed with heavy metal poisoning, she began a journey that would transform not only her health, but how she thinks about aging, wellness, and self-discipline taking her to the leaderboard of the Rejuvenation Olympics worldwide (a public leaderboard ranking biological aging via epigenetic clocks), and currently ageing at only 65 days per 100 days. Julie shares her accessible approach to longevity - blending science, intuition, and a healthy dose...
2025-05-281h 02
Degrees of HealthDr Nicole Cain | From Panic to Peace: Rewire An Anxious Nervous SystemIf you've ever felt like your anxiety was swallowing you whole - like something was broken inside but like you have to suck it up and get on with it anyway - you've got to know you don't have to stay there, and this episode might help to see how. In discussion here with leading expert in trauma-informed clinical psychology and holistic medicine for anxiety and panic, Dr Nicole Cain unpacks with us that anxiety isn’t the problem - yep, that's right. It's not the problem - it’s the signal. Through her personal and clin...
2025-05-211h 01
Degrees of HealthDr Philip Ovadia | Cholesterol Isn’t the Enemy: Reversing Heart Disease Through Metabolic HealthHere, heart surgeon Dr Philip Ovadia dismantles decades of medical dogma around cholesterol and heart disease. Once morbidly obese and pre-diabetic, Dr Ovadia shares his transformation and exposes why the traditional cholesterol-focused approach to heart health is failing millions.He speaks about the real root causes - insulin resistance, metabolic dysfunction, and inflammation - and explains why diet, not drugs, is the key to long-term health. This conversation is a roadmap to reclaiming your health and staying off the operating table.We cover:🫀 Why cholesterol isn’t the root cause of heart...
2025-05-1358 min
Degrees of HealthDr Dan Turner, PhD | The Enhanced Games - Performance Enhancement Done Safely and LegallyJoin us for an exploration of high-stakes innovation and athlete health, and learn how we might just be scratching the surface of what’s possible in the world of elite performance.Here we’re sitting down with Dr. Dan Turner, PhD, Director of Athletic Safety at the Enhanced Games, where athletes push the boundaries of human potential with performance-enhancing substances — under medical supervision. Dan, also a Lead Scientist for High Performance at Red Bull, is a leading expert in high-performance health and athlete safety, shares his pioneering work with the Enhanced Games and reveals how the use of...
2025-04-301h 10
Degrees of HealthScott Walker | Life Lessons from a Kidnap Negotiator - Knowing What People Really WantWhat do crisis negotiations, hostage rescues, and your everyday conversations have in common? More than you think.Former Scotland Yard detective, military intelligence operator, and globally recognised negotiation expert Scott Walker offers a masterclass in the art of influence, communication, and emotional self-regulation. Scott shares the tools he’s developed through decades of real-world experience - techniques that help us stay calm under pressure, navigate conflict with confidence, and bring more agency into how we show up in our life. These principles have been honed with elite teams under the most intense, high-stakes situations - this is...
2025-04-2354 min
Degrees of HealthDr Tomás Duraj | Part 2 Can You Starve Cancer? | Mitochondria, Ketones & The New Metabolic PlaybookIn Part 1, we laid the foundation for a new understanding of cancer - one that begins with mitochondrial dysfunction and the bioenergetic breakdown of cells. In Part 2, we move into the real-world implications: how we treat, manage, and potentially prevent cancer using a metabolic lens.Dr. Tomás Duraj explores the emerging tools and protocols being studied - from ketogenic metabolic therapies to glutamine inhibition, and how combining dietary strategies with systemic approaches might redefine cancer care completely. It is not throwing away what we already know, but rather using what we know works and disregarding w...
2025-04-181h 10
Degrees of HealthDr Tomás Duraj | Part 1 Targeting Cancer Metabolism - Why Mitochondria Matter More Than MutationsWe’ve been told for decades that cancer is a genetic disease - a matter of unlucky mutations. But what if we’ve been starting in the wrong place?In this two-part episode, medical doctor and cancer metabolism researcher Dr. Tomás Duraj takes us through a paradigm-shifting look at cancer - exploring the metabolic theory, how it contrasts with the prevailing somatic mutation theory, and why mitochondrial dysfunction may hold the key to both treatment and prevention.This episode covers the history of cancer theory, the evolutionary biology behind it, and why curre...
2025-04-161h 11
Degrees of HealthDr Rob Kominiarek | Hormones, Health, Longevity - Fix Your Lifestyle First, Hormones Will FollowHormones are often misunderstood or oversimplified (because they are quite complicated). But according to Dr. Rob Kominiarek, they are one of the most powerful (and most overlooked) levers we have for health, vitality, and aging well. So it's worth knowing what we can do to improve them and feel better, right?In his practice, Dr Rob Kominiarek focuses on individualised, root-cause approaches towards hormone balance, metabolic health, and long-term wellness. Yes he uses all the tools in the box, but only when they're necessary and fit the client. Here, Dr Rob and Ben are exploring the...
2025-04-0954 min
Degrees of HealthStephanie Seneff, PhD | MIT Scientist Warns: This Chemical is Everywhere (And It's Dangerous)We hear about toxins in our food all the time - but what if one chemical was quietly linked to the rise of so many chronic conditions and diseases? Autism, Alzheimer’s, diabetes, fatty liver disease, Parkinson’s, ADHD, even certain cancers?Meet Dr. Stephanie Seneff, an MIT scientist who has spent years uncovering the shocking effects of glyphosate - the active ingredient in the world’s most commonly used weedkiller. Stephanie explains how this one component could be the root behind the biggest health crises of our time - and in this episode, she breaks down e...
2025-04-021h 11
Degrees of HealthDaniel Lewis | Part 1: Reversing Aging (Without Billionaire Budgets)Part 1.We all know the headlines: billionaire-funded biohacking, flashy protocols, impossible routines. But what if longevity could be simpler - accessible, structured, and something you can actually integrate into real life?Meet Daniel Lewis: lawyer by day, longevity guinea pig by night, and formerly #1 in the Rejuvenation Olympics. Daniel isn’t chasing immortality with an unlimited budget - he’s focused on what works, what’s measurable, and what fits into a normal life.In this episode, Daniel shares exactly how he’s slowed his rate of ageing to just 0.62 - and drop...
2025-03-2648 min
Degrees of HealthDaniel Lewis | Part 2: Reversing Aging (Without Billionaire Budgets)Part 2.We all know the headlines: billionaire-funded biohacking, flashy protocols, impossible routines. But what if longevity could be simpler - accessible, structured, and something you can actually integrate into real life?Meet Daniel Lewis: lawyer by day, longevity guinea pig by night, and formerly #1 in the Rejuvenation Olympics. Daniel isn’t chasing immortality with an unlimited budget - he’s focused on what works, what’s measurable, and what fits into a normal life.In this episode, Daniel shares exactly how he’s slowed his rate of ageing to just 0.62 - and drop...
2025-03-2648 min
Degrees of HealthDr Melissa Sundermann | Take A Simple Idea - And Take It Seriously.Can it be this simple?Simply? Yes.Dr. Melissa Sundermann ('Doctor Outdoors') - lifestyle medicine physician - shares how six pillars (plus one extra weapon) can prevent, treat, and even reverse chronic disease - no fancy gadgets or prescriptions needed. Melissa's message is pivoted on the fact that our genes are not our destiny - if you disagree, read on. If you agree, hi, we like you, agent of your own health 👋We cover:🥗 Food as Medicine - your gut, brain, and mood are all connected🏋️♀️ Movement That Mat...
2025-03-191h 02
Degrees of HealthDr Tracy Gapin, M.D. | Low Testosterone: Symptoms, Causes & Solutions🚨 Testosterone is Dropping – Should We Be Worried? 🚨Testosterone levels have been plummeting for decades with studies showing a 40-50% drop in free testosterone over the last 20-30 years. But why is this happening? And more importantly - what can men do about it?Dr. Tracy Gapin, urologist and leading expert in men’s health and performance, unpacks the modern testosterone crisis, the role of environmental toxins, lifestyle, and nutrition, and how small daily decisions may be the key to reclaiming long-term health.We cover:⚠️ Hidden Symptoms of low T - do any sou...
2025-03-121h 00
Degrees of HealthLucas Aoun | Unpacking the Testosterone Toolbox - Supplements, Microplastics & PerformanceLads, is your: energy low? sex drive fading? motivation struggling? You’re not alone.Testosterone levels are dropping at an alarming rate worldwide - but it’s not just about age. Factors like microplastics, stress, poor sleep, and diet are wreaking havoc on our hormones.But before jumping on TRT, there are powerful lifestyle and supplement-based interventions that can naturally optimise your testosterone and send it sky rocketing once again. We're chatting here with Lucas Aoun, Australia’s leading biohacker and founder of Boost Your B...
2025-02-261h 01
Degrees of HealthDr Mary Newport | Part 2: Fat, Cholesterol & Metabolic Mayhem: What We Thought We KnewPart 2 of 2. For years, fat has been the villain of the food world. We’ve been told it clogs arteries, sends cholesterol through the roof, and leads to heart disease. But is that actually true? It's about time to give fat a fair trial.Enter Dr Mary Newport. Here, we're discussing Mary's new article (released this month - Feb 2025) analysing 26 studies conducted from 1985 to 2024 with 984 complete datasets - looking specifically at the coconut oil on lipid parameters (total, LDL, HDL cholesterol, and triglycerides).Mary helps us to break down the history of...
2025-02-1239 min
Degrees of HealthDr Mary Newport | Part 1: Fat, Cholesterol & Metabolic Mayhem: What We Thought We KnewPart 1 of 2. For years, fat has been the villain of the food world. We’ve been told it clogs arteries, sends cholesterol through the roof, and leads to heart disease. But is that actually true? It's about time to give fat a fair trial.Enter Dr Mary Newport. Here, we're discussing Mary's new article (released this month - Feb 2025) analysing 26 studies conducted from 1985 to 2024 with 984 complete datasets - looking specifically at the coconut oil on lipid parameters (total, LDL, HDL cholesterol, and triglycerides).Mary helps us to break down the history of...
2025-02-1237 min
Degrees of HealthDr Marianne Brandon, PhD | Why We’re Having Less Sex - The Latest Scoop on Intimacy, Desire and TechHas desire for your partner changed within the course of your relationship? Do you feel like you and your partner are mis-matched in terms of desire? Are you curious to know what you could do differently to change this from a sex therapist with over 27 years experience? Read on. Dr Marianne Brandon, PhD, joins us as we delve into the complex world of sexual dynamics, relationships, and the future of intimacy. As a clinical psychologist, sex therapist, and futurist, Dr. Brandon sheds light on the often-unspoken challenges couples face in long-term relationships, offering fresh perspectives rooted...
2025-01-291h 00
Degrees of HealthDr Mark Tarnopolsky, MD, PhD | Mitochondrial Mastery: Supplements, Exercise & Longevity InsightsDr. Mark Tarnopolsky is a world-renowned expert in mitochondrial health, muscle function, and ageing science. As a clinician-scientist at McMaster University, he has dedicated his career to understanding how we can optimise our mitochondria - the tiny powerhouses in our cells - for better energy, performance, and longevity.This is for you if you’ve ever asked yourself: Why does energy fade as I age? How can I boost my endurance, strength, and resilience whatever age I am? And what are the best ways to support (even enhance) these powerhouses naturally?We cover:...
2025-01-2248 min
Degrees of HealthDr Martin Moore-Ede | Why Your Health Hinges on the Light You SeeThe light we see is as crucial as the food we eat, the water we drink, and the air we breathe. Former Harvard Medical School professor and 40-year leading expert in circadian clocks and human health, Dr. Moore-Ede speaks on why our health hinges on getting the right sort of light at the right time. In this episode, he reveals the dangers of modern LED lighting, which often emits bright but unhealthy "junk light." Just as junk food wreaks havoc on our body, junk light disrupts our circadian rhythms, suppresses melatonin, and contributes to chronic diseases.
2025-01-1559 min
Degrees of HealthDr Joseph Cullen, MD | Doubling Survival in Cancer Patients - The Science Behind IV Vitamin CHere we're speaking with Dr. Joseph Cullen as he discusses his research on high dose intravenous (IV) vitamin C as a treatment for metastatic cancer. The aim in his lab is to show that adding high-dose, IV vitamin C, which is very inexpensive and very well tolerated, can improve treatment for these cancers that are among the deadliest. Joseph highlights the potential for it to transform not just patient outcomes but the entire conversation around alternative therapies. He shares candid insights from his lab’s work on glioblastoma, lung cancer, and pancreatic cancer, as well as ongoing studies into co...
2025-01-0140 min
Degrees of HealthProfessor Thomas Seyfried | Cancer as a Mitochondrial Metabolic DiseaseMeet Professor Thomas Seyfried, the biologist leading a revolution in how we fight cancer and other chronic diseases with metabolic therapies. Author of the acclaimed book 'Cancer as a Metabolic Disease', Professor Seyfried talks through the evolutionary biology behind cancer and the scientific evidence that disproves the consensus theory on the origin of cancer. His focus on the need for mitochondrial health and metabolic therapies opens up the conversation for new avenues of treatment that are less toxic and, quite possibly, more effective.We cover (+much more):🥬 How cancer cells thrive on fermentation - and...
2024-12-181h 14
Degrees of HealthL.J. Amaral, MS, RD, CSO | The future of oncology isn’t just in the lab - it’s on your plateLJ Amaral dives us deep into the world of metabolic therapies and the ketogenic diet as a potential treatment for cancer. LJ shares valuable insights into the promising intersection of diet and cancer care and her pioneering research in the field makes this a must-listen for anyone interested in personalised cancer treatments and improving quality of life through dietary changes.We cover (but so much more too):📖 The Warburg theory - understanding a cancer cells’ glucose dependence🥑 Getting the fat equation right - omega-3s, whole fats, and tips for sticking to a high-f...
2024-12-111h 02Degrees of HealthLauren Kennedy-West | From Schizophrenia to Symptom-Free - Metabolic Therapies for Mental HealthWhat if the way we think about mental health is due for a revolution? Maybe we don’t need to suffer and to 'try to' live well with the big challenges that mental illness can bring - maybe we can actually...live well. In this deeply personal and groundbreaking conversation, Lauren Kennedy-West shares her experience of living with schizoaffective disorder - and historical diagnoses that included depression, bipolar disorder with psychotic features, and an eating disorder - to living symptom-free and off psychiatric medications. What she did? After years of psychotic episodes, anti-depressants, and anti-psychotics, Lauren ma...
2024-12-041h 04Degrees of HealthDr John Mulhall, MD | 70% of ED cases are vascular. Gents, here’s what that means for youDr. John Mulhall doesn't just treat erectile dysfunction (ED), he's also on a global mission to demystify its causes, highlight its complexities, and offer an alternative to how we currently think about sexual health.This is for you if you’re wondering: what can I do today to ensure better sexual health tomorrow? Even if it's good today, don't you want to ensure it'll be good in your later years? And if it's not where you want it to be today, perhaps you've not spoken to anyone about it yet - you're not alone here. There ar...
2024-11-2747 minDegrees of HealthDr. Kate Balestrieri | Modern Intimacy and The Nuances of Sex: Trading Judgement for CuriosityJust how judgey are we when it comes to sex? With ourselves, with our partners, with friends, when listening to others online... Be honest. What benefit does it serve? Or a better question to ask perhaps is what damage might it be doing?❗Whether you’re navigating your own relationship challenges or seeking deeper insights into your own sexual exploration, listen here to Dr Kate because it's a rich and honest conversation that might just reshape how you think about and experience intimacy, equality, and desire.Dr. Kate, who has spent thousands of hours with individuals and...
2024-11-201h 01Degrees of HealthLily Nichols, RDN, CDE | The Fertility Factors: Blood Sugar, Protein, and Nutrient DensityThis episode's information revealed just how much of our 'regulated' nutritional information is either completely outdated or incorrect. Here with Lily Nichols, a renowned dietitian and author who is not afraid to speak on the controversial dietary topics, we discuss where current nutritional guidelines on protein and micronutrients impact overall health and hold us back, particularly for those looking to optimise fertility and metabolic health.Tune in to get the latest on:🤰 Nutritional foundations for maternal and child health - pre-pregnancy, pre-natal, and post natal🍩 Blood sugar regulation and nutrient-dense diets for prospe...
2024-11-131h 03Degrees of HealthDr Casey Peavler, MD | Cancer, Ketosis, and Control: Taking the Driver's Seat in TreatmentA powerhouse of knowledge, we're joined by Dr. Casey Peavler who invites us to address 3 impending needs: 1. for medicine to become less siloed 2. for doctors never to stop learning or being curious and 3. for patients to not lose their autonomy and agency in health treatments and decisions. Here, Ben and Dr Casey delve into the evolving understanding of cancer treatment, contrasting the traditional somatic mutation theory with the emerging metabolic theory of cancer. The conversation highlights the intricacies and nuances of new and promising routes to understand cancer and its treatment to remission. As with many of our conversations...
2024-11-061h 06Degrees of HealthDr Brendan Egan, PhD | Promise or Hype? Natural and Exogenous Ketosis for Performance & RecoveryMore keto! We're interested in everything keto at the moment. The different ways to get into ketosis, how the body and brain respond to a ketogenic state, the complexities of exogenous ketones, and what possible benefits and drawbacks a state of ketosis has.Dr. Brendan Egan this week helps us to dissect the current literature of ketones within the field of exercise performance and recovery, and offers a suggestion to look past ketones as a one-size-fits-all solution. Brendan also shares insight on the future of ketone research and the importance of focusing on foundational health practices.
2024-10-3059 minDegrees of HealthIan Kerner, PhD | Let’s Talk About Sex (Seriously, It’s Important)Why are we scheduling dentist appointments but not sex? How do we tackle desire discrepancies—when one of us is in the mood while the other is wondering what’s on Netflix? And why is "performance anxiety" such a thing?!Ready to dive into the nitty-gritty of what really makes relationships tick? We sit down with Ian Kerner - he’s got the answers to all those questions you probably didn’t ask at your last dinner party. From how common it is for couples to be inches apart physically but miles apart emotionally, to the very rea...
2024-10-2355 minDegrees of HealthDr Dom D'Agostino | Augmenting Cancer Outcomes: Ketogenic Diets, Caloric Restriction & Hyperbaric Oxygen TherapyThis podcast episode features an in-depth conversation on metabolic therapies and their potential in cancer treatment, particularly focused on glioblastoma and other glycolytic cancers. Our guest, Dr Dom D'Agostino, a researcher and professor with a diverse background in neuroscience, molecular pharmacology, nutrition and physiology, has a particular interest in metabolic therapies. Dr Dom shares how manipulating the body’s metabolism through the glucose ketone index (GKI), therapeutic ketogenic diets, and redox therapies can improve cancer outcomes by reducing tumour growth and enhancing standard treatments like chemotherapy and radiation. We also explore the synergies of non-toxic therapies such as hyperbaric ox...
2024-10-161h 17Degrees of HealthJames O'Hara, NP | Hair Loss, Hormones and Health OptimisationAre you struggling with hair loss and not sure where to start? Or perhaps you have a hormone profile back that you want to work to improve? Whether you’re dealing with hair loss, want to optimise your hormonal profile towards a specific goal, or just want to feel at your best, this episode is packed with a science-backed medical perspective to provide you with the information to make decisions that support your journey to better health.James O'Hara, a nurse practitioner with a keen specialisation in preventative medicine, explores the science behind hair loss, hormonal ba...
2024-10-091h 07Degrees of HealthMary Newport, M.D. Part 2 | Brain Fuel: How Coconut Oil and MCTs Can Transform the Alzheimer's BrainPART 2! If you or someone you love is affected by Alzheimers, this is for you. If you believe you’re at risk genetically or you want to prevent your own cognitive decline, this is also for you. If you’re curious about the role of ketones and the ketogenic diet in brain health, this is absolutely for you.Find Mary Newport:Website and BooksMentioned in this episode:Use of medium chain triglyceride (MCT) oil in subjects with Alzheimer's diseaseStudy of the ketogenic agent AC-1202 in mild...
2024-10-0243 minDegrees of HealthMary Newport, M.D. Part 1 | Brain Fuel: How Coconut Oil and MCTs Can Transform the Alzheimer's BrainPART 1! If you or someone you love is affected by Alzheimers, this is for you. If you believe you’re at risk genetically or you want to prevent your own cognitive decline, this is also for you. If you’re curious about the role of ketones and the ketogenic diet in brain health, this is absolutely for you.Dr. Mary Newport, neonatologist, author and certified Ketogenic Nutrition Specialist, shares her personal story of using a ketogenic diet to support her late husband, Steve, in his battle against early-onset Alzheimer’s. She explains the science behind ketones and ho...
2024-10-0248 minDegrees of HealthWilliam B. Irvine | Your Guide To The Good Life - from a 21st Century StoicIf you feel like life is slipping by and you're unsure how to live with purpose or intention, this episode is for you. William B. Irvine - author, philosopher, teacher and practicing Stoic - shares profound insights on how Stoicism offers a coherent framework for living a fulfilled life. Bill encourages us to embrace discomfort, fail forward, and live authentically—not for social approval but for personal fulfilment. Whether you're new to Stoicism or a seasoned practitioner, this conversation offers actionable insights to help you master the art of living well.🧠 The psychology of Stoicism: controlling negat...
2024-09-251h 19Degrees of HealthDr Mitesh Patel | YOUR MIND MATTERS - Tele-Therapy, Tech, and Transformation in Mental HealthMental health - we all have it. Yep, even you.We are all getting so good at looking after the various aspects of our physical health - nutrition, types of exercise, light exposure, cold baths - whatever your bag is, we're here for it. And many are catching on that the same approach can be used to look at aspects of our mental health. There are things we know make us feel great and then things we do that make us feel... well, not so great. We're human and we have and will continue to get...
2024-09-1848 minDegrees of HealthProfessor Glen Jeffery | Red Light Revolution: Charge Your Cells, Reduce Ageing & Decrease InflammationIf you use a red or near-infra red light and you don’t really know why or what wave length you’re working with - this is for you. If you don’t even know why you would use a red light or want/need exposure to it, this is also for you. Glen Jeffery Professor of Neuroscience at UCL, explains the profound impact of light on our cellular health, particularly through the lens of mitochondria—the energy powerhouses of our cells. He explains how different wavelengths, especially red and near-infrared light, can recharge these cellular batteries...
2024-09-1159 minDegrees of HealthDr Karen Doll | Self-Awareness to Self-Discovery: Psychological Fitness and Effective ChangeWe all have that tendency to go against our own better judgement when it comes to making decisions for our health - but why do we do it when we know there’s a better option there for us? The frustration it incurs! Not to mention the time wasted… and the guilt. It most certainly isn’t a lack of information available on how to be happy and healthy - that’s abundant. So, why is it that we often don’t actually do the things we know we should?We ask this and more with psychologi...
2024-09-0447 minDegrees of HealthDr Thomas Seager, PhD | The Metabolic Theory of Cancer: Mitochondrial Defects, Cold Water and KetosisThomas Seager joins us again for a conversation challenging the conventional understanding of cancer. Thomas argues that the war on cancer, launched over 50 years ago, has failed to make significant strides in combatting the disease due to a fundamental misunderstanding of its origins.With scientific clarity, Dr. Seager explains:🔬the theory of cancer as a metabolic disease, beginning with defects in mitochondrial DNA, rather than the previously believed nuclear DNA🍯 how glucose metabolism plays a crucial role in cancer growth💧 ketosis and cold exposure therapies in inhibiting tumour growth🏆 inspi...
2024-08-2855 minDegrees of HealthProfessor of Behavioural Psychology John Parkinson | "When do we stop and think, I can change this"?We can all talk a good game - but how often do we actually deliver on the goods? If we know what we need to do to feel good, to attain and maintain good health, and achieve our goals and desires - why is that we find ourselves not doing the things?! Professor John Parkinson and Ben dive head first into the theories of behavioural psychology behind these patterns in us - where they come from, why they develop and what we can do to change them.Here we cover:🎯 The Intention-Action Gap 💡...
2024-08-211h 05Degrees of HealthDr James Kinross | A Microbiome Masterclass: The Dark Matter Within UsDr. James Kinross, a leading consultant surgeon and lecturer at Imperial College London, isn’t just at the forefront of gut microbiome research—he’s also written the book on it. Dark Matter delves into the vital role micro-organisms play in our bodies and the profound impact their balance (or imbalance) has on our health. Dr. Kinross’ research explores how the gut microbiome seemingly influences everything about how we interact with our environment and the impact it has on our health and our life as we age.Here, we discuss:👤 The symbiotic relationship between hum...
2024-08-141h 07Degrees of HealthKristi Storoschuk, PhD(c) | A Metabolic Love Story: High-Intensity Exercise and Your MitochondriaKristi Storoschuk couldn't sit back on her laurels and only write about science, she followed her academic curiosity into conducting the research herself, to deepen all of our understanding of metabolic health, healthy ageing and prevention of chronic disease. Kristi is active in developing a career around science communication and truly believes understanding why we make a lifestyle change dictates how well it we stick with it. Kristi is making a real difference in the health industry, and we're grateful she took the time to tell us how. Here, we cover:🙂 How we can imp...
2024-08-071h 02Degrees of HealthDr Felice Gersh, MD | The No.1 Cause of Female Infertility... and What You Can Do About ItHere, with globally recognised women’s health expert Dr Felice Gersh, we talk about PCOS. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is on the rise with 1 in 10 women currently suffering with or managing the condition - sadly, most are the former. The imbalance affects the entire metabolic system and leads to inflammation, fatigue, and perhaps most prevalent in the reproductive era, fertility issues - it is the number one cause of female infertility. Quite right that this requires plenty of attention then. Dr Felice Gersh explains where we may be exacerbating the problem (birth control pills), but also where the...
2024-07-311h 00Degrees of HealthDr Lauren Burns, PhD OAM OLY | An Olympic Mindset MasterclassThe opportunity to sit down with an Olympic gold medallist is a rare one - but an even rarer opportunity is to speak with an Olympic athlete-naturopath-nutritionist-performance coach-author-keynote speaker in one. Don't believe us? Introducing Dr Lauren Burns, PhD OAM OLY. Lauren has a unique perspective of how we can each tap into our inner resources to bring about desired outcomes in our lives and has developed her career to foster that in others through her coaching, speaking and books.Here, Ben and Lauren discuss:⭕ The Circle of Lifestyle - Lauren's holistic method to el...
2024-07-241h 00Degrees of HealthProfessor Russell Foster | "The quality of your life is downstream of your circadian biology"Russell Foster is a Professor of Circadian Neuroscience and the Head of Department of Ophthalmology at the University of Oxford. Russell has received globally renowned prizes, medals and awards for his discovery of non-rod, non-cone ocular photoreceptors - which he explains in this episode is revelatory in our understanding and application of circadian biology.Here, we learn:😴 Disrupted sleep-wake cycles and associated health issues⏰ Sleep individuality - aligning sleep-wake patterns with your biology🔵 Blue light blockers may not be as effective as previously thought💤 Melatonin as a mild modulator o...
2024-07-171h 01Degrees of HealthDr Gabrielle Fundaro, PhD | Body Image Disturbance - Self-Worth, Self-Trust and Freedom with FoodDr Gabrielle Fundaro, PhD, is educated in several areas of academia including human physiology in exercise and sport, skeletal muscle and hyper trophy, microbiome and metabolism, and gut health. More recently, Gabrielle has aggregated this knowledge and turned her focus to dismantling diet culture and weight stigma through nutritional coaching. Gabrielle supports her clients to build confidence outside of our external physique and synergise self-awareness with nutritional knowledge - all with great compassion having had her own years with body image disturbance and a misplaced definition of 'healthy'.This episode covers:•Unlearning the diet na...
2024-07-101h 00Degrees of HealthDr Luana Colloca, MD, PhD, MS | Life: One Big Placebo Effect?Dr. Luana Colloca disseminates the value, practical and ethical use of placebos. How powerful are they and how much influence do they hold in our lives? Luana holds an MD, a masters degree in Bioethics and a PhD in Neuroscience. From her contribution and research, she has developed an international reputation as a leading scientist on the neurobiological mechanisms of placebo and nocebo effects. In this conversation, we found ourselves asking more than ever, is life just one big placebo effect?In this episode, we cover:🤕Placebos and pain - managing symptoms we don’t und...
2024-07-0358 minDegrees of HealthDr Anna Schaffner, PhD | Burnout Coach on Conquering Overwhelm, Beating Burnout and Rediscovering Your PurposeAnna Schaffner, PhD, is a former academic who, after suffering the impact of burnout herself, turned her experience into a much-needed support for others to overcome burnout and reclaim a sense of balance in their work and life.This episode is for you if:•you think you’re burnt out - it will help you identify it and offer ways to support you shift out of it•you’re an employer looking to improve internal programmes and processes to avoid burnout in your work forceWe cover:❤️🔥The ‘passion piec...
2024-06-2656 minDegrees of HealthDr Michael Platt, PhD | Secrets of the Social Brain - Decision Making, Reciprocity and BiasDr Michael Platt is known for asking some of the most challenging questions in 21st century neuroscience—and conceiving innovative ways to find the answers. His principal questions focus on the biological mechanisms that underlie decision-making in social environments - why do we make the decisions we do and how conscious of these processes are we? This episode covers:📉The value of reciprocity and the neuro-economics of decision making🥀Waning social connection and species decline - are we in an age of despair?🌎How unconscious and implicit bias works - diversity as a route to...
2024-06-1958 minDegrees of HealthDr Wendy Suzuki | Upgrade Your Brain, Enhance Your Memory and Indulge in Neurochemical Bubble BathsDr Wendy Suzuki is a Professor of Neural Science and Psychology in the Center for Neural Science at New York University. Here, we cover how to get a big, fat, fluffy hippocampus (nb: you want one!) and bubble baths for your brain. No hidden agendas - it sounds as fun as it is, and it's just as good for you. Dr. Wendy Suzuki oozes energy and enthusiasm, guiding us how to embrace the potential of our brains throughout our lives.We explore: 🏃 3 key effects on our brains when we exercise (+the short and long ter...
2024-06-121h 09Degrees of HealthDr Tommy Wood | Tools for Better Brain Fitness At Any AgeWe all carry misconceptions about brain development, learning and adaptation - the fact that it can't change is the biggest of them all. Enter neuroplasticity and Dr Tommy Wood - a walking google scholar whose message is simple - we can change how our brain is ageing at any time.This discussion on cognitive function explores:-the significance of physical movement and mental stimulation-the impact of retirement on age-related cognitive decline-the role of arousal, sleep, and environmental factors (what F1 drivers do to get their brain in gear)
2024-06-051h 13Degrees of HealthDr Julie Radlauer-Doerfler | The Power of Courage for ConnectionMost of us think social connection is a squishy topic—subjective and hard to define. And while there's much truth to this, there is no doubting the profound scientific data highlighting just how critical social connection is for all aspects of our health. It’s in our bones. We are wired to connect. Here with Dr Julie Radlauer, we discuss the social influences of mental health - namely Social Connection • Social Support • Social Capital • Social Media • Social Justice. Knowing these social influences isn't hard, but navigating and implementing them isn't always easy, and so Julie provides us science-b...
2024-05-2959 minDegrees of HealthDr Stephen Seiler, PhD | 80/20 Endurance Training: Go Slow, Get Fast“The goal is not to destroy yourself”. Through his career with high level athletes and his research publications related to endurance training and intensity distribution, Dr Stephen Seiler, PhD, realised the damage in the ‘no pain no gain’ narrative. Here, we explore why the most effective training regimens emphasise sustainability over intensity and why rest days and consistent "Green Zone" activities are the backbone of superior athletic performance.Stephen breaks down his polarised training model and shares insights on the 80/20 principle in application to your weekly/monthly schedule of training, and how reducing training complexity can lead to...
2024-05-2247 minDegrees of HealthDr Prerna Varma, Phd | Insomnia and Circadian Rhythm DisruptionThis episode explores the 3-P model of insomnia (Predisposition, Precipitation, and Perpetuation), the effects of sleep deprivation and disturbance on cognitive function, and the risks faced by shift workers and healthcare professionals from chronic sleep loss. The conversation also details the intricate relationship between our natural circadian rhythms, guided by light exposure, that are disrupted by many modern practices, and the potential for better aligning our biological clocks with nature through innovative tools and routines.Ben and Prerna also discuss sleep chronotypes - night owls and morning larks - busting myths around later sleepers being lazier...
2024-05-2157 minDegrees of HealthDr Bill Harris, PhD | Omega-3 - Healthspan's Best FriendNew to Omega-3 Fatty Acids? If you don’t know what fatty acids are or what they do for our health, there is no one better to learn from than Dr Harris on the topic. Ranked among the top 2% of scientists worldwide based on the impact of his research, Dr. Bill Harris has been a leading researcher in omega-3 fatty acids for over 40 years.“If you care what your cholesterol level is, you better care what your omega 3 is because it’s more important than cholesterol in terms of telling you about your risk for heart diseas...
2024-05-0854 minDegrees of HealthDr Norm Dawson | Hearing Loss: A Modifiable Risk Factor of DementiaAt age 76, Dr Norm Dawson has been deaf for over 50 years and unlike many of his peers, he has no signs of dementia. Dr Norm sheds light on what he sees as a crucial but often overlooked aspect of cognitive function as we age: the profound connection between hearing loss and dementia.Here, Ben and Dr Norm explore the Lancet Commission's 2020 findings on Dementia Prevention, Intervention and Care - covering 12 modifiable risk factors for dementia - a conversation gaining considerable momentum in brain health research. Dr Norm has a malleable view on health, and he emphasises...
2024-05-0153 minDegrees of HealthDr Ed Laskowski, M.D. | Momentum in Motion: Consistent and Quality MovementA refreshing take on what it means to be ‘physically active’. It’s actually way more simple than sweating bullets in lycra, and Dr Ed Laskowski emphasises the enjoyment to be found in movement far beyond the gym and cliquey exercise niches. Dr. Laskowski navigates the complexities of modern living, urging us to prioritise consistency and quality in our movement practices.We discuss:-the power of strength training (mitigating muscle loss and enhancing joint function, vital for preventing falls and maintaining independence as we age)-the importance of foundational movement and proper techni...
2024-04-241h 02Degrees of HealthDr Nathan Bryan, PhD | Nitric Oxide: The Foundation for Optimal HealthEver heard of Nitric Oxide (NO)? We wonder why this molecule is so under-discussed as its profound role in our bodies suggests it should be top of the list. This simple molecule:-controls oxygen and nutrient delivery to every cell in the body-regulates cellular communication-has anti-microbial properties that protect our body from invading pathogens.The loss of nitric oxide production is recognised as the earliest event in the onset and progression of most if not all chronic diseases.Dr Nathan Bryan is an international leader in...
2024-04-1759 minDegrees of HealthDr Tom Walters, DPT, OCS | Mastering Movement: Pain, Rehab and PrehabDr. Tom Walters is a board-certified orthopaedic physical therapist who specialises in the treatment of pain and movement disorders. He is the founder of Rehab Science and dedicates his time to teaching people about human movement, pain, and how to most effectively recover from injury.Tom runs one of the world’s largest social media accounts dedicated to physical rehab that helps over a million people to master their movement. He makes understanding pain and injury easy, simplifying the science, and then providing the best exercises and suggestions to start, improve and make a holistic recovery. Hi...
2024-04-031h 08Degrees of HealthSian Richardson | Embracing the Chill - Finding Belonging, Community and CourageWe dive into the invigorating world of cold water immersion and the transformative power of community with Sian Richardson, founder of the Blue Tits Chill Dippers Community. In this episode, Sian shares her journey of building a global community of over 120,000 cold water enthusiasts, united by their love for the icy plunge and the warmth of camaraderie 🤝🏻Sian illuminates the importance of embracing discomfort, confronting fear, and taking action in the face of uncertainty. From our innate human desire to belong, to the liberating effect of stopping overthinking, this episode is a conversation inspiring us to seize...
2024-03-2759 minDegrees of HealthDr Roger Seheult, M.D. | Part 2 | Light as Medicine - Red Light, Infrared and Long COVIDThis is Part 2 of our conversation with Dr Roger Seheult. We highly recommend listening to Part 1 as a precursor to this episode to get the most out of terms and topics covered! In this episode, we discuss:-emerging research around red light and infra-red light-the impact of sunlight on Covid-19 surges-long covid-tools that may not only support in recovery from long covid, but could possibly speed up the rate at which you recover from other illnesses in the future tooRecap of...
2024-03-2037 minDegrees of HealthDr Roger Seheult, M.D. | Part 1 | Light as Medicine - Light Exposure on Circadian Rhythm, Sleep and Metabolic FunctionIn Part 1 of this episode about light as medicine, Dr Roger Seheult talks us through the light spectrum of UV to infra-red and the importance of exposure to types of light at certain times of the day to regulate our circadian rhythm. Many of us suffer from some form of circadian rhythm dysfunction due to the technology-driven societies we live in. As a result, the cues our body takes from the external environment can become out of sync with our internal environment, causing an imbalance in many of our basic functions - the processes that aid good quality sleep...
2024-03-141h 02Degrees of HealthJulien Périard | Heat Stress and PerformanceJulien Périard is a research professor and deputy director of the University of Canberra Research Institute for Sport and Exercise. In our conversation, Julien proved to be a hub of information regarding heat stress, having worked with amateur and professional athletes across various sporting disciplines, and also with National and International Federations like World Triathlon and FIFA. In this episode, we discuss heat stress - what is it? Heat for recovery and heat for performance, VO2 max, pre cooling before exercise, perceived exertion, hydration, the placebo effect, and more. Julien gives detailed scientific explanations on how...
2024-02-2159 minDegrees of HealthNíall Ó'Murchú | The Blissful Breath and The Power of the ColdBreath work instructor, wellness expert of 22 years, and author Níall Ó’Murchú grew up going in and out of the waters around County Dublin. What moved from childhood play and curiosity, has burgeoned into a practice, a philosophy, and a lifestyle for Níall, his family, and all those lucky enough to be taught by him.We talk about the importance of setting intentions going into the cold, and how this shapes our experience each time, the cold as a respite from grief, tightness, struggle, the art of ‘letting go’ and surrendering to soften, and bringing our physic...
2024-02-1456 minDegrees of HealthDr Cara Ocobock, PhD | Humans at Extremes: Biological Underpinnings of our EvolutionTo understand our physiology and health today, it’s critical to look back - a long way - at our evolution, not only to inform our now, but to better understand which mechanisms we may need to sustain us in the face of our changing world. Dr Cara Ocobock is an evolutionary anthropology encyclopaedia, an enthusiastic academic, and an incredibly engaging listen.In this episode, Dr Cara helps us to understand some of the interactions between our physiology, our evolution and our environments. In Cara’s work with reindeer herders in Finland, she explores physiological and beha...
2024-01-311h 01Degrees of HealthProfessor Mike Tipon MBE, MSc, PhD | Cold Water Immersion: Kill or Cure?Head of the extreme environments lab at Portsmouth University, Professor Mike Tipton MBE has spent his working life understanding, evaluating and enhancing the comfort, performance and survival of human beings in extreme environments. With decades of knowledge gained in the lab, the aim is to apply the science to areas where it has most use and benefit. Having worked with the likes of the Ministry of Defence, RNLI and Olympic and Paralympic athletes, Mike is well-positioned to speak to the scientific and practical sides of the human response to cold water immersion.Critically, he clarifies what...
2024-01-241h 08Degrees of HealthDean Hall | How Cold Water Cured my CancerDean Hall went from working 100 hour weeks as a licensed therapist and coach, to receiving a 2-6 week diagnosis to live. Our conversation with Dean documents his 11 year old dream to swim the English Channel, turned realised adult and active-cancer patient achievement of swimming the 187 miles of the cold Willamette River in Oregon. All this through a leukaemia diagnosis, a lymphoma diagnosis, bouts of pneumonia and viral meningitis, and the grief of losing his wife. Inspired to see through raising his then 14-year old daughter, he committed to do anything to prolong his time to fulfil that role. This...
2024-01-171h 22Degrees of HealthDr Marc Cohen | Contrast Therapy and Bio-Hacks from ‘Ancient Future Medicine’Dr Marc Cohen is one of the world's leading academics in the study of holistic and integrative medicine, including contrast therapy. Dr Marc is a registered medical practitioner with degrees in medicine, physiology and psychology and PHDs in Chinese Medicine and Biomedical Engineering. His thirst for knowledge doesn't end in the classroom and spans several spheres making his approach incredibly well-informed and wide-ranging.In this episode, he guides us through the concept of 'ancient future medicine' and the many bio hacks available to us that we can choose to incorporate for mastery over mind and body...
2024-01-1054 minDegrees of HealthMarc Millar | Men’s Mental Health, Loneliness and Cold Water SwimmingMarc Millar is the founder of Edinburgh Blue Balls, a men’s mental health cold water swimming group in Scotland. We had the pleasure of speaking with Marc about how EBB came about, why it is necessary, and how the community keeps it going. The conversation has many takeaways - the most prominent being how the concept of masculinity needs shaking up in order to have any hope of being truly useful in todays society of external toxicity and internal loneliness. Importantly, the cold swimming group is also a vector for education, support and awareness of the Joshua Nolan fo...
2024-01-0353 minDegrees of HealthDr Joy Hussain | Sauna and the Science of SweatingThis week we had the pleasure to speak with Dr Joy Hussain, a medical practitioner promoting wellness and evidence-based sauna therapies. Joy completed her PhD at RMIT University on the topic of health effects of frequent sweating and sauna bathing. Joy is currently working to adapt sauna-based experimental protocols for lifestyle and medical applications, such as in cardiovascular disease prevention, cardiac rehabilitation and treatment for postmenopausal hot flushes.In this episode, Joy discusses links between dementia and sauna use, the benefit to females of syncing their sauna use with their menstrual cycle, the increase in cardiac...
2023-12-271h 04Degrees of HealthEmma O'Kelly | Sauna: The Power of Deep HeatThis week, we're joined by Emma O'Kelly - journalist, long-term contributing editor to Wallpaper magazine, author and, most recently, sauna enthusiast. The book - "Sauna: Power of Deep Heat" - was sparked initially by a work trip to Finland in 2016, that led to a book deal and travelling 10,000 miles in a trusty van across Northern Europe, with friend, aid and Finn, Maija Astikainen, who so beautifully photographed the saunas they visited. Together, the pair have created a rare find in one book - a collection of stunning photography with insightful commentary and detail into the history and cultural significance...
2023-12-2051 min
Degrees of HealthDr Thomas Seager, PhD | Cold Exposure on Resilience, Testosterone and Pair-BondingDr. Thomas P Seager is an Associate Professor in the School of Sustainable Engineering at Arizona State University. He is the founder of a new concept called Self-Actual Engineering that emphasises application of design principles for the top of Maslow's Hierarchy of Human Motivation, rather than the bottom. Seager is CEO of Morozko Forge ice bath company and an expert in the use of ice baths for building metabolic and psychological resilience.If you are looking to understand why you might start cold exposure practices, this episode breaks down why we should consider it. Thomas covers...
2023-12-121h 03