Degrees of Health

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 understand yet🧠Placebos and neuroplasticity - when things change in our brain, they change how we see the world🍹Positive and negative environmental cues, context and individual variability. Why do we still feel tipsy drinking non-alcoholic drinks?💭Thoughts as placebos - "I can do this", "I’ve got this" - just how much of our reality starts in the mind?👥Mass-psychogenic phenomenons - nocebo effects at the population level⚖️The ethics of placebos - to use or not to useFind Luana:Oxford University Press Book - open access. Also here.Website - Placebo Beyond Opinions CentreWant to watch this on video? Subscribe on YouTubeInstagram  @degreesofhealth Tik Tok @degrees_of_healthDisclaimer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Anna 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 piece’ in work - inspiring or misleading?😪The signs and symptoms - what causes burnout? Expectation vs reality, toxic work environments, resources and appreciation❌Saying no. Perpetual people pleasing, perfectionism and negative inner critics⏰The 80/20 principle and bucketing your areas of control🎭The joy of hobbies, pleasure and play in making you more successfulFind Anna:WebsiteBookInstagramLinkedInFree download - Overcome Burnout and Overwhelm: 7 Steps Towards ThrivingWant to watch this on video? Subscribe on YouTubeInstagram  @degreesofhealth Tik Tok @degrees_of_healthDisclaimer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dr 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 equity🐒How monkeys predicted the US poll outcome🤝Synchrony, shared mindset, and physiological alignment in group decision-making and cooperationFind Michael:Platt Labs WebsiteBook - The Leader’s BrainLinkedInMentioned in this episode:-Chimp Empire documentaryHow High Fives are Proven to Improve Culture and PerformanceRisk factors for faster aging in the brain revealed in new studyInfluence - Robert CialdiniEarly predictors of successful military careers among West Point cadetsThe Psychology of Human Misjudgement - Charlie Munger (Farnham Street write up)Thinking Fast and Slow - Daniel KahnemanHuman fertility is declining steeply and might presage our species' collapseThe Children of Men - Film, P.D. JamesCountdown - Shanna Swan + Stacey ColinoKlara and the Sun - Kazuo IshiguroWant to watch this on video? Subscribe on YouTubeInstagram  @degreesofhealth Tik Tok @degrees_of_healthDisclaimer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dr 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 term benefits, BDNF and intentional exercise)🍯 4 things that make new memories stick🧘 the power of mindset and meditation on brain health👫 the role of social connection for learning in cognitive function - and what Wendy is excited to see unfold in this area🦸 anxiety as our superpower🤩 Wendy's method to learning new things. Spoiler: it involves a lot of funFind Dr Wendy:WebsiteInstagramMasterclass: ‘Brain Health’ - releasing June 13th 2024Books - US ‘Good Anxiety’. UK ‘Anxiety is your superpower’. Healthy Brain, Happy Life. Mentioned:An Exercise-Meditation SmackdownMind-set matters: exercise and the placebo effectBuddha's Brain: Neuroplasticity and MeditationDaniel Brevick - Opera singerElizabeth Strout - AuthorWant to watch this on video? Subscribe on YouTubeInstagram  @degreesofhealth Tik Tok @degrees_of_healthDisclaimer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We 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)-the influence of beliefs, skills, APOE4 gene, supplements, and resistance trainingFind Dr Tommy:InstagramPodcastSubstackStudies/Books mentioned in this podcast:-Working Conditions and Early Retirement: A Prospective Study of Retirement Behavior-Sensitive Periods for Visual Calibration of the Auditory Space Map in the Barn Owl Optic Tectum-Demand Coupling Drives Neurodegeneration: A Model of Age-Related Cognitive Decline and Dementia-Stress and multitasking in everyday college life: An empirical study of online activity-Brain HQ-Navigation-related structural change in the hippocampi of taxi drivers-The Finnish Geriatric Intervention Study to Prevent Cognitive Impairment and Disability (FINGER): study design and progressLisa Mosconi - The Menopause Brain + The XX Brain (Empowering Women to Prevent Dementia)The Yerkes Dodson LawWant to watch this on video? Subscribe on YouTubeInstagram  @degreesofhealth Tik Tok @degrees_of_healthDisclaimer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Most 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-based insights and actionable steps to help us support ourselves and others. If you struggle to ask for help, give help, find support, or connect with others during difficult times, listen to Julie. Her warmth and experience offer universal comfort and practical guidance.Dr Julie is a leading expert in the social influences of mental health and uses her experience to create impact within communities, systems, organisations, and individuals. As a doctor of public health and a licensed mental health counsellor, Julie’s work aims to answer why so many people struggling don’t access services and more importantly, how these people want to have their health needs met.Find Julie:LinkedInInstagramJulie's Book - Connect: 100 Ways to Create Happiness in Your LifeWebsiteTED talkMentioned in this podcast:Adam Grant - Give and TakeLean on me - Bill Withers You’re Invited - Jon LevyCaste: The Origins of our Discontents - Isabel WilkersonBelieve in People - Charles KochWant to watch this on video? Subscribe on YouTubeInstagram  @degreesofhealth Tik Tok @degrees_of_healthDisclaimer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“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 better results and a more enjoyable process. If you are:-training for an event/marathon/triathlon-looking to understand if VO2 max is the right metric for you to measure-want to understand how elite athletes optimise their workouts...this episode offers valuable strategies to enhance your endurance efficiency with less injury.Dr Stephen Seiler, PhD, is an exercising physiologist who teaches, researches and leads on the topic of physiology and training adaptations, particularly in regards to endurance training. While anchored in an academic environment, Dr. Seiler has also served as research consultant and scientific advisor for a research foundation, sports teams, a regional hospital, and the Norwegian Olympic Federation, as well as founding the Elite Sport Performance Special Interest Group in 2014 at the European College of Sport Science.Find Stephen Seiler:XTEDResearchGateGoogle ScholarYouTubeWant to watch this on video? Subscribe on YouTubeInstagram  @degreesofhealth Tik Tok @degrees_of_healthDisclaimer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This 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 and whether society may benefit from observing these patterns. Without prescription, Prerna shares how consistency in sleep can lead to better health outcomes and how technology can both hinder and enhance our sleep health.Dr Prerna Varma, PhD, is a Psychology Research Fellow in the School of Psychological Sciences at the Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health in Australia. Prerna is deeply committed to examining as well as addressing sleep and mental health in underserved populations, including caregivers, people living with dementia, culturally diverse and other minoritised communities. She engages in and advocates for increasing public health awareness with the intent to improve sleep outcomes in our communities.Find Prerna:XGoogle ScholarStudies mentioned or related to this episode:Sleep regularity and mortality: https://doi.org/10.1093/sleep/zsad253 ; https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-018-32402-5 ; https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.09.08.23295231v1.full.pdfInsomnia and stress during COVID: https://doi.org/10.1080/15402002.2022.2074996Initial Testing of SleepSync app with shift workers: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/20552076231165972Sleep and relationship conflicts: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/1948550613488952 ; https://doi.org/10.1097%2FPSY.0b013e3181ecd08a ;https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3056503/Want to watch this on video? Subscribe on YouTubeInstagram  @degreesofhealth Tik Tok @degrees_of_healthDisclaimer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

New 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 disease”. Here with Ben, Dr Harris unveils how these essential nutrients, found predominantly in marine sources like EPA and DHA, are vital for reducing risks associated with major health issues such as heart disease, stroke, cognitive decline, and premature death.Dr Bill Harris has over 300 scientific papers on fatty acids and health, the vast majority on omega-3. He has been on the faculty of three medical schools (Universities of Kansas, Missouri (at Kansas City), and South Dakota), and has received 5 NIH grants to study omega-3. He was the co-author on three AHA statements on fatty acids and heart health. As the co-inventor of the Omega-3 Index (and other omega-3 blood tests) and founder of OmegaQuant Analytics.Find Dr Bill Harris and learn more:Fatty Acid Research InstituteOmegaquant Test - order a dry blood spot test to measure your omega-3 levelsStudies mentioned or related to this episode:The Effects of Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplementation on the Lipid Profile and Cardiovascular Markers Following Downhill Running in Long-Distance RunnersPlasma BDNF is a more reliable biomarker than erythrocyte omega-3 index for the omega-3 fatty acid enrichment of brainCan omega-3 fatty acids help protect against hearing loss?Assessing the Efficacy of Omega-3 Fatty Acids + Statins vs. Statins Only on Cardiovascular OutcomesEstimation and predictors of the Omega-3 Index in the UK BiobankOmega-3 Fatty Acids Improve Functionality of High-Density Lipoprotein in Individuals With High Cardiovascular RiskWant to watch this on video? Subscribe on YouTubeInstagram  @degreesofhealth Tik Tok @degrees_of_healthDisclaimer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

At 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 the importance of taking personal responsibility for our well-being. As a passionate advocate for proactive health measures and thriving in adversity, he highlights the pivotal role of treating hearing impairment as soon as possible to reduce and delay further cognitive decline.*For those listening, Dr norm explains how the cochlea implant works - to see the demonstration, head over to YouTube to watch!Mentioned in this podcast:Lancet Report 2020Lisa Genova TED Talk - What You Can Do To Prevent Alzheimers Find Dr Norm:LinkedInWebsite----------------------------------------------------------------------Want to watch this on video? Subscribe on YouTubeInstagram  @degreesofhealth Tik Tok @degrees_of_healthDisclaimer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A 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 technique,-the kinetic chain of movement and the triad of fitness: heart health, strength, and flexibility, with the added dimension of stability.As Dr. Laskowski aptly puts it, why wait for a health crisis to make positive changes? Embracing movement as a preventative 'pill' enables us to maintain our ability to engage in the activities we love, for longer. So what are we waiting for?Dr. Laskowski, MD, is a highly acclaimed figure in his field, and it’s not hard to see why. Dr Laskowski’s relatable persona and ability to succinctly filter the science in a way that is digestible may indeed be why he served Presidents Bush and Obama after being appointed to the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports. Dr Laskowski has been named among Americas Top Physicians, has served as an Olympic Polyclinic physician, in addition to publishing several hundred papers on health and fitness. He is also a former co-director of Mayo Clinic Sports Medicine (you may recognise this site from when you google your symptoms online).Find Dr Ed Laskowski:TwitterResearch Gate Publications MayoClinic.org - Strength Training Videos mentioned in this episode----------------------------------------------------------------------Want to watch this on video? Subscribe on YouTubeInstagram  @degreesofhealth Tik Tok @degrees_of_healthDisclaimer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ever 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 molecular medicine and nitric oxide biochemistry - he has been at the fore of this field for two decades. In this episode, we explore the profound impact of nitric oxide (NO) deficiency on our health - from erectile dysfunction to cardiovascular disease, cognitive decline to sleep disorders, listen to the far-reaching consequences of inadequate NO production. But it's not all doom and gloom - Dr Nathan and Ben discuss with equal weight the pivotal role our choices make in the production of this molecule and where we produce it in the body - all helping you establish the crucial link between NO levels and overall well-being. Dr Nathan gives us simple things to be aware of that can optimise NO production and our enhance vascular, respiratory, and metabolic health. This episode gets pretty science-heavy at times, but stick with it and we can promise there's a lot to learn from Dr Nathan's extensive knowledge in this field!Find Dr Nathan (Dr Nitric):WebsiteInstagramYouTubeTwitterPubMed ResearchBook - Coming Soon!----------------------------------------------------------------------Want to watch this on video? Subscribe on YouTubeInstagram  @degreesofhealth Tik Tok @degrees_of_healthDisclaimer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dr. 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. His book (Rehab Science) covers the most common musculoskeletal conditions that many of us either currently have or will have in our lifetime - this episode and Tom's book may just save you a ton on physio appointments. Regardless of where you’re at now, the knowledge Tom shares is beneficial for any and all of us to take on board - for injury recovery and injury prevention in all domains. In this episode, Tom and Ben discuss why we experience pain and the 3 types of pain, the difference between pain and injury, the cycle of pain avoidance, rehab vs. prehab, having a why behind movement habits, the importance of addressing impairments quickly and having a malleable mindset. As a source of knowledge on exercise, movement and the body - Dr Tom is the head-liner of the rehab science world and this is one to watch if you've ever suffered with any pain that debilitates you and lessens your ability to do the things you love. Besides running his clinical practice, Tom served as a full-time undergraduate kinesiology professor for eight years where he taught human biomechanics, therapeutic exercise, and pain science. Tom received his bachelor’s degree in exercise science from Montana State University and his Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree from Chapman University. Afterwards, he completed a residency in orthopaedic manual physical therapy (OMPT) and a fellowship in lower quarter functional biomechanics.Find Tom (Rehab Science):InstagramYouTubeWebsiteRehab Science - The Book----------------------------------------------------------------------Want to watch this on video? Subscribe on YouTubeInstagram  @degreesofhealth Tik Tok @degrees_of_healthDisclaimer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We 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 each moment, one small victory at a time. Discover the profound impact of simply showing up, spending time without an agenda, and the resilience gained from embracing failure. With heartfelt anecdotes and practical insights, Sian will empower you to challenge your limits, cultivate courage, and find solace in a community.We hope you enjoy this conversation as much as we did. If you choose to move through overthinking even with fear and try something new because of it - let us know on our instagram page! We’d love to hear from you.Find your local dipping community:The Blue Tits - Nippy Dippers----------------------------------------------------------------------Want to watch this on video? Subscribe on YouTubeInstagram  @degreesofhealth Tik Tok @degrees_of_healthDisclaimer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This 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 Part 1:-the light spectrum of UV to infra-red-the importance of light exposure to regulate our circadian rhythm and reduce oxidative stress-impacts of light on hypersomnia, sleep inertia, hunger and satiety cues-the best times of day to eat, and differences in our insulin sensitivityA recap on Dr. Seheult - Roger is quadruple board-certified in Internal Medicine, Pulmonary Diseases, Critical Care Medicine, and Sleep Medicine through the American Board of Internal Medicine. He has a practice in California where he is a critical care physician, pulmonologist, and sleep physician. He lectures across the country, is the director of a sleep lab, and is the Medical Director for a Respiratory Care Program. In 2012 he co founded MedCram, a medical education company with videos that support medical learning (and over 1.5 million YouTube Subscribers). His passion is "demystifying" medical concepts.Find Dr Roger's work:MedCram WebsiteMedCram YouTube----------------------------------------------------------------------Studies mentioned in Part 1 and 2:Autumn COVID‑19 surge dates in Europe correlated to latitudes, not to temperature‑humidity, pointing to vitamin D as contributing factorUltraviolet A radiation and COVID-19 deaths in the USA with replication studies in England and ItalyA geographical approach to the development of hypotheses relating to Covid-19 death ratesCardiopulmonary and hematological effects of infrared LED photobiomodulation in the treatment of SARS-COV2Insufficient Sun Exposure Has Become a Real Public Health Problem----------------------------------------------------------------------Want to watch this on video? Subscribe on YouTubeInstagram  @degreesofhealth Tik Tok @degrees_of_healthDisclaimer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In 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, metabolic function, and everything down stream of these. We also discuss the impacts of light on hypersomnia, sleep inertia, hunger and satiety cues, the best times of day to eat, insulin sensitivity, infra red light and oxidative stress.Dr. Seheult is currently an Associate Clinical Professor at the University of California and an Assistant Clinical Professor at the School of Medicine and Allied Health at Loma Linda University. Dr. Roger is quadruple board-certified in Internal Medicine, Pulmonary Diseases, Critical Care Medicine, and Sleep Medicine. In 2012, he and Kyle Allred founded MedCram, a medical education company that creates videos utilised by hospitals, medical schools, and hundreds of thousands of medical professionals from all over the world (and over 1.5 million YouTube Subscribers). His passion is "demystifying" medical concepts.Tune in next week for Part 2 for more on the emerging research around red light, infra-red light, the impact of sunlight on Covid-19 surges, long covid, and possible tools to support in recovery from long covid.Find Dr Roger's work:MedCram WebsiteMedCram YouTube----------------------------------------------------------------------Studies mentioned in this podcast:Autumn COVID‑19 surge dates in Europe correlated to latitudes, not to temperature‑humidity, pointing to vitamin D as contributing factorUltraviolet A radiation and COVID-19 deaths in the USA with replication studies in England and ItalyA geographical approach to the development of hypotheses relating to Covid-19 death ratesCardiopulmonary and hematological effects of infrared LED photobiomodulation in the treatment of SARS-COV2Insufficient Sun Exposure Has Become a Real Public Health Problem----------------------------------------------------------------------Want to watch this on video? Subscribe on YouTubeInstagram  @degreesofhealth Tik Tok @degrees_of_healthDisclaimer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Julien 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, what and why aspects of heat are measured in the lab, but also speaks to the inferences we can take from these in the challenges we face in light of our warming climate. Currently, Julien is working on developing extreme heat policies for safely exercising in hot environmental conditions and using exercise and heat exposure to maintain or improve resilience to rising global temperatures.Find Julien:University of CanberraTwitter----------------------------------------------------------------------Studies mentioned in this podcast:Cardiovascular and Other Health Benefits of Sauna Bathing: A Review of the EvidenceStandalone sauna vs exercise followed by sauna on cardiovascular function in non-naïve sauna users: A comparison of acute effectsEffects of physical exercise and cold stimulation on serum testosterone level in men----------------------------------------------------------------------Want to watch this on video? Subscribe on YouTubeInstagram  @degreesofhealth Tik Tok @degrees_of_healthDisclaimer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Breath 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 physicalities (tension, breath, mood, state) conscious. There could be several reasons you are interested in entertaining some cold in your life - physical health, easing pain or inflammation, performance, recovery, or perhaps there’s just a dose of curiosity getting the better of you. The wonderful thing with the cold is that whatever your reason to start, it may not what you’ll end up finding. And Níall explains how the same could be said for breath work. But the most powerful tool? Bringing them together. There’s no way of foretelling what you might find beyond that. Like anything worth having, what we do know is the more regular the practice, the deeper it can seep - this merciless teacher of the cold and the power of the breath can help us find ultimate calm amidst any chaos. Find Níall:WebsiteInstagramFacebookYouTubeThe Breathe with Níall PodcastNíall's books:The Blissful BreathThe Power of Cold----------------------------------------------------------------------Mentioned in this podcast:Choke documentary - Rickson GracieStudies mentioned in this podcast:The positive effects of combined breathing techniques and cold exposure on perceived stress: a randomised trial----------------------------------------------------------------------Want to watch this on video? Subscribe on YouTubeInstagram  @degreesofhealth Tik Tok @degrees_of_healthDisclaimer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

To 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 behavioural mechanisms required to cope and adapt to extreme climates and activity. We discuss her findings into brown adipose tissue (BAT or brown fat), metabolic health, male/female differences, the potential drivers of metabolically healthy obesity, and the role of oestrogen in the body (spoiler: gents - you need this too!)Find Cara:[email protected]‘Cara Ocobock’ Twitter, Bluesky, ThreadsCara also has a podcast of her own disseminating innovative research in the field - Sausage of Science----------------------------------------------------------------------Mentioned in this podcast:Jeremy DeSilvaMilford WolpuffHerman PontzerUniversity of LaplandUniversity of OuluStudies mentioned in this podcast:Maximal sustained energy budgets in humans and animalsCommentary - fat but fit…and cold?More of Cara’s work:Human Energy Expenditure in Anthropology and BeyondHuman Bodies in Extreme EnvironmentsHuman cold adaptation: An unfinished agenda v2.0Brown adipose tissue thermogenesis among a small sample of reindeer herders from sub-Arctic FinlandBetween a rock and a cold place: Neanderthal biocultural cold adaptations----------------------------------------------------------------------Want to watch this on video? Subscribe on YouTubeInstagram  @degreesofhealth Tik Tok @degrees_of_healthDisclaimer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 we don’t yet know, and what we need to be aware of in the time frame between now and finding out. We discuss what happens and why, the benefits and risks of both unintentional and intentional immersion, common mistakes about cold water, what he calls ‘the thermostatic human’, and ultimately, his faith in the resilience of human beings. Anglers, coastal walkers, yacht sailors, dinghy sailors, kayakers, open water or wild swimmers - pretty much anyone who operates or interacts by, under, or on the sea - there is an ocean of critical information to learn in this episode. It is applied science at the top of its game.Find Mike:University of Portsmouth website----------------------------------------------------------------------Mentioned in this podcast:Non-freezing cold injuryCold shock responseMammalian dive reflexAutonomic conflictLewis PughStudies mentioned in this podcast:Humans: A homeothermic animal that needs perturbationCold water immersion: kill or cure?Cold water therapies - minimising risksMoving in extreme environments: open water swimming in cold and warm waterOpen water swimming as a treatment for major depressive disorderDrifting into unconsciousness: Jason Zirganos and the mystery of undetected hypothermiaHuman Brown Adipose Tissue—A Decade Later----------------------------------------------------------------------Want to watch this on video? Subscribe on YouTubeInstagram  @degreesofhealth Tik Tok @degrees_of_healthDisclaimer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dean 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 is the story of The Wild Cure - on the critical power of finding a passionate purpose and how cold water swimming and nature led him to heal his cancer and traumatic grief. With Dean we discuss his radical remission, the power of visualisation, how we can let go of overwhelming emotions of the day via a process of ‘zero-ing out’, and the symbiotic relationship we need to return to with nature.Find Dean:InstagramWebsiteThe Wild Cure Book----------------------------------------------------------------------Mentioned in this podcast:Cancer, leukaemia, lymphoma, viral meningitis, pneumonia, depression, anxiety, traumatic grief, rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's diseaseBlue Mind - Wallace J NicholsMan's Search for Meaning - Victor FranklGrounding and Earthing - Clint OberWim Hof----------------------------------------------------------------------Want to watch this on video? Subscribe on YouTubeInstagram  @degreesofhealth Tik Tok @degrees_of_health Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. We speak about oxymels, brown fat, forced mindfulness, being comfortably uncomfortable, hydrothermal wellness, and so much more. Dr Marc has a unique way of delivering information in an informative yet digestible way, sprinkled with evidence-based activities we can do at home that don’t require any cost, training or equipment.Find Dr Marc Cohen:https://www.drmarc.co/----------------------------------------------------------------------Mentioned in this podcast:-Dr Joy Hussain-Hydrothermal wellness-Tulsi (Holy Basil)-The Wim Hof Method-Ayurvedic medicine-Hormesis-Manuka honey----------------------------------------------------------------------Want to watch this on video? Subscribe on YouTubeInstagram  @degreesofhealth Tik Tok @degrees_of_health Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Marc 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 foundation - a suicide prevention charity. This conversation was a reminder that we all fight battles and have struggles. All the more reason to always be kind. Find Edinburgh Blue Balls on InstagramFind the Joshua Nolan Foundation hereApologies for the occasional interference - we’ll work on that!----------------------------------------------------------------------Mentioned in this podcast:-Budgy Smugglers-Beard groups-Mental health groups----------------------------------------------------------------------Want to watch this on video? Subscribe on YouTubeInstagram  @degreesofhealth Tik Tok @degrees_of_health Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This 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 load with increased humidity, thermoregulation and perimenopause, and more. What we love most is Joy’s rare, but necessary, approach to her research. Her aim is to look at all the things that could be happening and then working backwards to see what we know instead of focusing on just one pathway. Our living experience is multifaceted and as the science should be to represent it.Find Joy here:Website - https://healthwithjoy.com.au/----------------------------------------------------------------------Mentioned in this podcast:-Jari Laukkenen-Comfort Crisis-Dr Earric Lee-Sauna Fitness-Dr Wanda Pilch-Mindy Peltz----------------------------------------------------------------------Want to watch this on video? Subscribe on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDpVgBgbtgoNBz3sRQauH5wInstagram  @degreesofhealth Tik Tok @degrees_of_health Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This 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 of sauna practice all around the world.If you are looking to understand what sauna is, where it comes from, and why you should be interested in it, give this episode a listen. Our conversation with Emma details how she went from sauna novice to sauna addict, the definition and importance of Sisu, the Finnish and British approaches to nudity, making the cold our friend (and winters less boring), and possibly the nudge you need to give cold and hot a go.Find Emma here:Website - https://emmaokelly.com/Instagram: @emmaokelly10Book - Sauna: The Power of Deep Heat. Available on Amazon and at WHSmith----------------------------------------------------------------------Mentioned in this podcast:-Parliament Hill Lido-Hampstead Heath Ponds-Hackney Wick Community Sauna Baths-The Comfort Crisis - Michael Easter----------------------------------------------------------------------Want to watch this on video? Subscribe on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDpVgBgbtgoNBz3sRQauH5wInstagram  @degreesofhealth Tik Tok @degrees_of_health Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dr. 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 male and female hormonal responses (including Testosterone Replacement Therapy and hormonal optimisation), psychological resilience, oxytocin and pair-bonding, and the relationship between vitamin D, cold exposure and the immune system. He generously shares the changes we can expect to see - physiologically, cognitively, and emotionally in response to the cold.Find Thomas here:Substack - https://seagertp.substack.com/Twitter & Instagram:  @seagertp Email: thomas.seager@asu.edu----------------------------------------------------------------------Mentioned in this podcast:Andrew Huberman - Huberman Lab PodcastJoe Rogan - The Joe Rogan ExperienceMorozko Forge Ice Bath CompanyGorilla Mindset - Mike Cernovich----------------------------------------------------------------------Want to watch this on video? Subscribe on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDpVgBgbtgoNBz3sRQauH5wInstagram  @degreesofhealth Tik Tok @degrees_of_health Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.