Shows
David Rönnlid PodcastJonathan Cedernaes: Circadian Health from Molecular Clocks to Public Policy - David Rönnlid Podcast #14🌍 How can we align our lives — and our societies — with our body clocks?Poor sleep and circadian misalignment don’t just make us tired — they impair several aspects of our metabolic health. I sat down with Jonathan Cedernaes, M.D., Ph.D., and explored what we can do about it: from personal daily habits to systemic policy reforms. Sleep quality and quantity isn’t just about recovery — it’s a public health issue.We dive deep into:✅ Daily habits that keep your circadian rhythm aligned✅ Why sleep timing is as important as sleep duration...
2025-10-052h 25David Rönnlid PodcastDaniel Elias-López: Heart Disease Prevention Beyond “Good” and “Bad” Cholesterol - David Rönnlid Podcast #13Most of us think of different types of cholesterol as either “good” or “bad.” But the reality is more complex.Daniel Elías-López, Endocrinologist, Ph.D, is a Mexican endocrinologist and researcher whose work spans both clinical care and public health. After years of treating patients with obesity, diabetes, and lipid disorders, he saw a limit to what could be achieved in the clinic alone. That realization led him toward research—with work aimed at generating knowledge that could inform prevention and treatment strategies for millions.In this episode, we discuss:- Why LDL is o...
2025-09-071h 50David Rönnlid PodcastRay Dorsey: Environmental Toxins and Parkinson’s Disease - David Rönnlid Podcast #12Parkinson’s disease is now the fastest-growing neurological disorder in the world — and according to Dr. Ray Dorsey, it’s not just about aging or genetics. Dr. Dorsey argues that environmental toxins — including certain pesticides, industrial chemicals, and air pollutants — are significant, modifiable risk factors for developing Parkinson’s disease. In this podcast episode, we discuss:🔬 The evidence linking environmental toxins to Parkinson’s disease💡 What individuals can do today to reduce their exposure to environmental toxins that research has shown are associated with increased risk for developing Parkinson's disease🏛 The public health policy ch...
2025-08-1636 minDavid Rönnlid PodcastLouise Hecker: Psilocybin Improves Survival in Aged Mice - David Rönnlid Podcast #11Louise Hecker, PhD, is a scientist of the cellular mechanisms of aging, such as oxidative stress and endogenous antioxidant enzymes in lung tissue and how such mechanisms influence development of fibrotic lung tissue. During the early phases of this study on the effects of psilocbin on aging in human cells and mice, she was an Associate Professor at Emory University, whereas toward the final data analysis and manuscript preparation, she held the same position at Baylor College of Medicine.The study discussed in this episode investigated psilocybin’s ability to prolong cellular lifespan and reduce oxidative stress in human fi...
2025-07-281h 27David Rönnlid PodcastAlberto Espay: Precision Medicine for Neurodegenerative Diseases - David Rönnlid Podcast #10In this episode, neurologist Dr. Alberto Espay shares a bold new vision for treating Alzheimer's—beyond plaques and toward personalized care. We discuss limitations of current drug strategies and the potential of the Cincinnati Cohort Biomarker Program to individualize treatments for patients with neurodegenerative disease. Find his book Brain Fables here: https://www.amazon.com/Brain-Fables-Neurodegenerative-Diseases-Blueprint/dp/1108744621References:#1: β-Amyloid accumulation in the human brain after onenight of sleep deprivation: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29632177/Episode chapters:00:00:00 Introduction & Dr. Espay's Neurology Speciality00:01:05 Cincinnati Cohort Biomarker Program (CCBP) Goa...
2025-07-0757 minDavid Rönnlid Podcast#9: Aware and Intentful Phone Use with Richard CytowicRichard E. Cytowic, M.D., is a neurologist and author renowned for revitalizing the scientific study of synesthesia. His influential works, such as "Synesthesia: A Union of the Senses" and "The Man Who Tasted Shapes," have significantly contributed to our understanding of this perceptual phenomenon.His latest book, "Your Stone Age Brain in the Screen Age: Coping with Digital Distraction and Sensory Overload", explains how our relatively unchanged Stone Age brains struggle to adapt to the rapid advancements of the digital era. From this conversation, you can expect insights into the effects of excessive screen exposure and phon...
2025-06-021h 21David Rönnlid Podcast#8: The Future of Telemedicine: AI, VR and Certified Examination Assistants with Ilya BraginIlya Bragin, M.D., is a double board-certified Neurologist and Interventional Pain Specialist focused on expanding neurological care and brain longevity. He specializes in stroke care, telemedicine, and neurodegenerative diseases.Connect with Ilya on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ilya-bragin-b8698b49/Episode chapters:00:00 - Introduction & Definition of Telemedicine03:36 - Important Factors for Effective Telemedicine & Suitable Specialties06:45 - The Concept of Certified Examination Assistants in Telemedicine14:53 - Who Can Become a Certified Examination Assistant?17:42 - AI and Computer Vision in Telemedicine20:49 - Cost...
2025-05-051h 23David Rönnlid Podcast#7: How Psilocybin and Other Psychedelics Reshape Brain Networks with Matthew WallIn this conversation, I speak with Matthew Wall, PhD, about the effects of psilocybin and other classic psychedelics on the human brain.Matthew Wall is a psychologist specializing in psychedelics and functional MRI (fMRI) neuroimaging. He earned his PhD in Cognitive and Brain Sciences from the University of Cambridge. Currently, he leads MRI Applications at Perceptive London and serves as an Honorary Senior Lecturer at Imperial College London.Learn more about Matthew Wall's work: https://profiles.imperial.ac.uk/matthew.wallEpisode chapters:
2025-03-311h 39
David Rönnlid Podcast#6: How Lecanemab Slows the Clock on Alzheimer’s Disease with Dag SehlinDag Sehlin, PhD, is an Associate Professor of Neurobiology at Uppsala University. His research focuses on Alzheimer’s disease, developing therapeutic and diagnostic tools, including engineered antibodies targeting amyloid-betaDag has played an important role in the research behind the development of Lecanemab, an amyloid-beta antibody recently approved for Alzheimer's treatment by both the FDA in the U.S. and the EMA in Europe.Episode timestamps:00:00 - Guest Introduction: Dag Sehlin, Associate Professor of Neurobiology 03:25 - Progression of Alzheimer's Disease in the Brain 05:48 - Comorbidities and Ch...
2025-03-031h 53
David Rönnlid Podcast#5: How to Recover from Exercise Efficiently with Mathieu NedelecDr. Mathieu Nedelec, who holds a PhD in sports science, is a researcher specializing in recovery and sleep at the French Institute of Sport (INSEP). His primary research focuses on fatigue, recovery, and evidence-based recovery strategies such as sleep, cold water immersion, and nutrition. He also offers sports science support to elite athletes across various disciplines.
Link to Mathieu's book (available in French).
Episode chapters:
00:00 Introduction
00:25 Why Recovery from Exercise is Important
02:10 Ways to Measure Recovery Including Heart Rate Variability (HRV)
06:02...
2025-01-2751 min
David Rönnlid Podcast#4: How the Gut Microbiome Impacts Human Health with Gabriel Baldanzi and Koen DekkersIn this episode, I talk with Gabriel Baldanzi, PhD, M.D., and Koen Dekkers, Research Assistant, who work in the same research group at Uppsala University. They are both actively researching the role of the gut microbiome in human health and chronic disease.Studies discussed in this episode: Dekkers, K.F., Sayols-Baixeras, S., Baldanzi, G. et al. An online atlas of human plasma metabolite signatures of gut microbiome composition. Nature Communications 13, 5370 (2022).Baldanzi, Gabriel et al. Accelerometer-based physical activity is associated with the gut microbiota in 8416 individuals in SCAPIS. eBioMedicine, Volume 100, 104989.Baldanzi, Gabriel et al., OSA...
2024-12-302h 13
David Rönnlid PodcastDoes skin exposure to UVA light increase serum serotonin and improve mood? | Health study of the week #9Please beware of the risks of exposing your skin to sunlight in general and UVA light in particular. A large body of evidence suggests that UVA light exposure on the skin can increase risk for various skin cancers. This podcast episode is not intended as a recommendation to increase your personal amount of time spent in the sun. The decision of how much sunlight to expose your skin to is yours to make. This podcast episode is intended to raise awareness of only some of the effects of UVA in order to help you make that decision an informed...
2024-12-1610 min
David Rönnlid PodcastDo barbell or cable bicep curls yield more strength and muscle gains? | Health study of the week #8Study link: https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/17/16/5859Study reference:Nunes, J.P., et al.Placing Greater Torque at Shorter or Longer Muscle Lengths? Effects of Cable vs. Barbell Preacher Curl Training on Muscular Strength and Hypertrophy in Young Adults. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17, 5859. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17165859
2024-12-0209 min
David Rönnlid PodcastDo cold baths improve sleep and recovery after HIIT? | Health study of the week #7Study link: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/sports-and-active-living/articles/10.3389/fspor.2021.659990
Study reference:
Chauvineau Maxime , et al.
Effect of the Depth of Cold Water Immersion on Sleep Architecture and Recovery Among Well-Trained Male Endurance Runners
Frontiers in Sports and Active Living. Volume 3. 2021.
https://doi.org/10.3389/fspor.2021.659990
Related episodes from the Exploring Health and Medicine podcast:
#1: Christian Benedict - How to measure and improve your sleep
Does ambient temperature impact sleep quantity or quality? | Mental health monologue #6
2024-11-1817 minDavid Rönnlid Podcast#3: Breast cancer prevention and screening - Per HallPer Hall is a professor at the Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics at Karolinska Institute in Stockholm. He is also a senior physician at Södersjukhuset.His breast cancer research is focused on prevention and early detection.Timestamps:00:00 Why breast cancer prevention is important01:35 Breast Cancer Statistics in Sweden and Worldwide 03:01 Breast Cancer in Males and Age-Related Incidence 05:17 Breast Cancer Screening Programs 07:20 Risk-Based Screening vs. Age-Based Screening 12:21 AI and Machine Learning in Breast Cancer Detection 22:36 Contrast-Enhanced Mammography
2024-11-1159 minDavid Rönnlid PodcastDoes ambient temperature impact sleep quantity or quality? | Health study of the week #6Practical takeaways from the study are summarized at the beginning of the episode (00:00 - 04:30).
Study link: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1087079224000194
Study reference: Guillaume Chevance, et al.
A systematic review of ambient heat and sleep in a warming climate,
Sleep Medicine Reviews, Volume 75, 2024, 101915, ISSN 1087-0792, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.smrv.2024.101915.
2024-11-0431 minDavid Rönnlid Podcast#2: How to relate to people with schizophrenia - Lena FlycktLena Flyckt is an associate professor at the Department of Clinical Neuroscience at Karolinska Institutet in Stockholm, Sweden.
She is recognized for her research in psychiatry, including on schizophrenia and the effects of the condition on caregivers surrounding the patient.
Lena also has more than 30 years of experience working clinically as a psychiatrist, including with many people who have schizophrenia.
2024-10-281h 57David Rönnlid Podcast#1: How to measure and improve your sleep - Christian BenedictChristian Benedict, PhD, is a sleep researcher at Uppsala University in Sweden.He is known for his ability to communicate the importance of sleep in both academic and public settings, advocating for sleep as a key factor in maintaining health and productivity.Follow Christian on InstaGram: https://www.instagram.com/sleep_advocate/Buy Christians book (Swedish version): https://www.bokus.com/bok/9789178876402/sov-dig-till-ett-battre-liv-vad-andning-sex-melatonin-tyngdtacke-fullmane-och-kiwi-kan-gora-for-din-somn/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaZwBdKTFb1SZhUgw7jfrZvADGzF67tcfJqQJVDi5b6OOXr8xt3Nv-dMLac_aem_ef109znbPXFYsN2nMw8UYQ
2024-10-211h 40David Rönnlid PodcastDoes recurrent sleep deprivation impair spatial or procedural learning? | Health study of the week #5Jonathan Cedernaes, et al.Learning and sleep-dependent consolidation of spatial and procedural memories are unaltered in young men under a fixed short sleep schedule,Neurobiology of Learning and Memory,Volume 131, 2016, Pages 87-94, ISSN 1074-7427,https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nlm.2016.03.012.
2024-10-1414 minDavid Rönnlid PodcastDoes small talk or deep talk bring more happiness? | Health study of the week #4Study reference: Mehl MR, Vazire S, Holleran SE, Clark CS. Eavesdropping on happiness: well-being is related to having less small talk and more substantive conversations. Psychol Sci. 2010 Apr;21(4):539-41. doi: 10.1177/0956797610362675. Epub 2010 Feb 18. PMID: 20424097; PMCID: PMC2861779.
2024-10-0705 minDavid Rönnlid PodcastDoes mindfulness meditation increase heart rate variability during wakefulness and sleep? | Health study of the week #3Article Source: Heart rate variability is enhanced during mindfulness practice: A randomized controlled trial involving a 10-day online-based mindfulness intervention
Kirk U, Axelsen JL (2020) Heart rate variability is enhanced during mindfulness practice: A randomized controlled trial involving a 10-day online-based mindfulness intervention. PLOS ONE 15(12): e0243488. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0243488
2024-09-3020 minDavid Rönnlid PodcastDoes having plants in the office improve focus? | Health study of the week #2Ruth K. Raanaas, et al. Benefits of indoor plants on attention capacity in an office setting, Journal of Environmental Psychology, Volume 31, Issue 1, 2011, Pages 99-105, ISSN 0272-4944,https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvp.2010.11.005.
2024-09-2309 minDavid Rönnlid PodcastWill climbing the stairs give you a creativity boost? | Health study of the week #1"Subjects on average generated 61% more original uses after stair-climbing."Study reference:Matsumoto K, et al. The Effect of Brief Stair-Climbing on Divergent and Convergent Thinking. Front Behav Neurosci. 2022 Jan 28;15:834097. doi: 10.3389/fnbeh.2021.834097. PMID: 35153696; PMCID: PMC8831728.
2024-09-1606 min