PLAY PODCASTS
Saving Lives In Slow Motion

Saving Lives In Slow Motion

Dr Ayan Panja puts health into context. A lifestyle medicine expert, author and family physician with over 25 years of experience, his unique blend of candour, perspective and knowledge make for a mind-expanding essential weekly bite-sized listen.

Dr Ayan Panja

221 episodesEN

Show overview

Saving Lives In Slow Motion has been publishing since 2021, and across the 5 years since has built a catalogue of 221 episodes. That works out to roughly 60 hours of audio in total. Releases follow a weekly cadence.

Episodes typically run ten to twenty minutes — most land between 15 min and 18 min — and the run-time is fairly consistent across the catalogue. None of the episodes are flagged explicit by the publisher. It is catalogued as a EN-language Health & Fitness show.

The show is actively publishing — the most recent episode landed earlier today, with 20 episodes already out so far this year. The busiest year was 2025, with 52 episodes published. Published by Dr Ayan Panja.

Episodes
221
Running
2021–2026 · 5y
Median length
16 min
Cadence
Weekly

From the publisher

Dr Ayan Panja puts health into context. A lifestyle medicine expert, author and family physician with over 25 years of experience, his unique blend of candour, perspective and knowledge make for a mind-expanding essential weekly bite-sized listen. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Latest Episodes

View all 221 episodes

Peptides: what’s all the fuss about?

May 14, 202613 min

Walking - our most underrated health intervention?

May 7, 202615 min

Things I get asked most as a doctor in 2026

Apr 30, 202615 min

Lung Health - an essential 101

Apr 23, 202617 min

5 Simple Tests To Try at Home This Week - what your body can tell you

Apr 16, 202615 min

Miscarriage - pregnancy loss and its impact

Apr 9, 202615 min

S1 Ep 215Rare Diseases - when medicine meets the uncommon

I thought in this episode I would acknowledge people living with rare diseases as they can be hard to diagnose and live with.Links:Batten Disease: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/6018-batten-diseaseLorenzo's Oil: https://www.healthline.com/health/neurological-health/lorenzos-oil-does-it-workMoya Moya Syndrome: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/moyamoya-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20355586CRISPR gene technology: https://www.broadinstitute.org/what-broad/areas-focus/project-spotlight/questions-and-answers-about-crisprHuntington’s Disease therapy: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cevz13xkxproSave your life in slow motion and those of others by subscribing now and sharing. Thank you for listening and for your support. It means a lot to me. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apr 2, 202614 min

S1 Ep 214Personalised Medicine - using the codes within us to stay well and beat disease

It’s the future of medicine but how does it work, what are its origins and how can we benefit from it? In this episode I look at the way medicine can be tailored to our health.The work of Leroy Hood and P4 Medicine paper: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4204402/The Human Genome Project: https://wellcome.org/insights/articles/human-genome-project-new-era-scientific-progressNHS personalised medicine page: https://www.england.nhs.uk/healthcare-science/personalisedmedicine/ApoB as a biomarker: https://www.nature.com/articles/s42003-024-05887-2Gut-skin links (systems biology): https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/microbiology/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2018.01459/fullLeukaemia mutations: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6142505/AI for healthcare: https://www.imperial.ac.uk/stories/healthcare-ai/Methylation (MTHFR gene): https://www.healthline.com/health/mthfr-geneApoE genes and Alzheimer’s risk: https://www.alzheimersresearchuk.org/news/apoe4-and-apoe3-gene-variants-linked-to-at-least-7-in-10-alzheimers-cases-study-suggests/Statins and their effect on inflammation: https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/circresaha.116.308537My book THE HEALTH FIX: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Health-Fix-Dr-Ayan-Panja/dp/1914239326/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0Save your life in slow motion and those of others by subscribing now and sharing. Thank you for listening and for your support. It means a lot to me. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 26, 202616 min

S1 Ep 213Arrogance In Medicine - healthcare’s fine line and its costs

Most people will have come across arrogance in the workplace but medicine is not an arena that it should have a place, or should it?In this episode I look at the impact on patients, the public and the workforce.Links: Diagnostic errors and overconfidence: https://www.amjmed.com/article/S0002-9343(08)00040-5/pdfCuriosity as a cure for arrogance: https://bjgplife.com/clinical-curiosity-an-antidote-to-medical-arrogance/Women and sexual assault in surgery: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-66775015Missed heart attacks: https://www.bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/heart-matters-magazine/news/heart-attacks-in-womenMedical errors: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10896093/Models for feedback: https://www.ausmed.co.uk/learn/articles/giving-feedbackData on NHS complaints: https://digital.nhs.uk/data-and-information/publications/statistical/data-on-written-complaints-in-the-nhsSave your life in slow motion and those of others by subscribing now and sharing. Thank you for listening and for your support. It means a lot to me. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 19, 202616 min

S1 Ep 212Nostalgia - a hidden element of wellbeing?

Nostalgia is not strictly medical although it was coined a term of a condition of melancholy but in more recent years studies show that it may be a more important part of wellbeing than we thought.Links:Nostalgia as a disease: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2352250X22002573Clay Routledge: https://www.clayroutledge.com/Nostalgia and wellbeing: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36669249/Man’s Search For Meaning: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/4069.Man_s_Search_for_MeaningThe past makes the present meaningful: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21787094/Music and nostalgia: https://www.southampton.ac.uk/~crsi/Sedikides,My own nostalgia tips: music, photos, places, journalling and rituals.Save your life in slow motion and those of others by subscribing now and sharing. Thank you for listening and for your support. It means a lot to me. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 12, 202615 min

S1 Ep 211Is your job making you ill?

Work is such a large part of most of our lives. Most of us spend more time at work than at home if you don’t count sleep at night. And many of us work from home. But how do we know if our work might be affecting our health and what can we do about it? In this episode I look at some examples and give you a check list of what you can do.Links:Aviation and health: https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/aviation/prevention/aircrew-cancer.htmlCoal miners and lung disease: https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/bulletin/2023/mining-lung-disease.htmlCTE from head injuries in rugby: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-league/articles/cg5d9546zzeoJobs and personalities: https://www.ed.ac.uk/news/2024/personality-traits-that-typify-job-roles-revealedJob satisfaction: https://www.forbes.com/sites/barnabylashbrooke/2023/07/13/job-satisfaction-is-key-to-workplace-productivity-but-how-do-you-get-it/Shift work: https://www.uclahealth.org/news/article/5-long-term-health-effects-shift-workSetting boundaries at work: https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/boundaries-at-workSave your life in slow motion and those of others by subscribing now and sharing. Thank you for listening and for your support. It means a lot to me. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 5, 202617 min

S1 Ep 210Health & Wellness vs Medicine - where’s the line?

Increasingly we see different presentations to a doctors surgery and our access to knowledge and understanding of health and medicine means there are many ports of call for information and seeking help. In this episode I look at the gap between health and medicine and what we can about it.Links: Medicine powered by plants: https://www.nhm.ac.uk/discover/essential-medicines-powered-by-plants.htmlThe evolution of ‘medicine'- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11245246/Holism in medicine: https://www.webmd.com/balance/what-is-holistic-medicineSelf care: https://www.selfcareforum.org/about-us/what-do-we-mean-by-self-care-and-why-is-good-for-people/Save your life in slow motion and those of others by subscribing now and sharing. Thank you for listening and for your support. It means a lot to me. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 27, 202616 min

S1 Ep 209Caffeine - friend or foe?

Most of us drink caffeine and it is in many foods too such as chocolate.What are its impact on health? In this episode I look at the pros and cons of this ubiquitous every day legal drug.Links:Genetics of caffeine metabolism: https://www.sleepmattersperth.com.au/how-genetics-influence-caffeines-impact-on-sleep/Cognitive and physical performance: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4462044/Caffeine and Parkinson’s Disease: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7773776/Coffee and dementia risk: https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-026-00409-yCoffee and Liver Disease: https://www.news-medical.net/news/20250921/Coffee-protects-the-liver-by-blocking-inflammation-and-scarring-review-finds.aspxCaffeine as pain relief: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cgr44j201rzoSave your life in slow motion and those of others by subscribing now and sharing. Thank you for listening and for your support. It means a lot to me. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 19, 202613 min

S1 Ep 208Wearables - helpful or harmful?

We live in a data driven world and increasingly this applies to health. In this episode I look at some examples of how they can help or hinder.Body composition scales: https://www.healthline.com/health/body-fat-scale-accuracyHRV: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/21773-heart-rate-variability-hrvContinuous glucose monitoring: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/news/2024/jun/use-glucose-monitors-people-not-living-diabetes-needs-more-regulationBlood glucose spikes: https://www.bbc.co.uk/food/articles/avoid_blood_sugar_spikesSleep trackers: https://www.euronews.com/health/2026/01/27/sleep-tracking-using-smart-watches-and-rings-has-limits-do-they-really-workAtrial fibrillation: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/atrial-fibrillation/EMF: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2772671124000901THE HEALTH FIX: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Health-Fix-Dr-Ayan-Panja/dp/1914239326/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0Save your life in slow motion and those of others by subscribing now and sharing. Thank you for listening and for your support. It means a lot to me. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 12, 202613 min

S1 Ep 207Alcohol - a quiet saboteur?

This episode is about alcohol, an ever popular topic when it comes to health and harm. In this episode I look at its history and some of the ways in which it affects us and our health as well as why we drink alcohol in the first place.Links:Oldest brewery: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-45534133Distillation: https://www.britannica.com/video/how-is-liquor-made/-340178UK alcohol limits: https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/alcohol-advice/calculating-alcohol-units/Hangovers: https://www.mcgill.ca/oss/article/health/curing-hangoverAlcohol and mental health: https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/explore-mental-health/a-z-topics/alcohol-and-mental-healthSleep: https://www.sleepfoundation.org/nutrition/alcohol-and-sleepRed wine and gut microbes: https://www.kcl.ac.uk/news/red-wine-benefits-linked-to-better-gut-health-study-findsRelaxing without drinking alcohol: https://www.drinkaware.co.uk/news/how-to-relax-at-home-without-drinkingAlcohol free drinks: https://www.theguardian.com/thefilter/2025/feb/04/best-low-alcohol-non-alcoholic-drinksAlcoholic liver disease: https://britishlivertrust.org.uk/information-and-support/liver-conditions/alcohol-related-liver-disease/#causesAlcohol and cancer risk: https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/causes-of-cancer/alcohol-and-cancer/how-does-alcohol-cause-cancerAlcohol consumption data: https://ourworldindata.org/alcohol-consumptionSave your life in slow motion and those of others by subscribing now and sharing. Thank you for listening and for your support. It means a lot to me. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 5, 202616 min

S1 Ep 206"Could it be something else doctor?" - Pyrroles, PFOs and EDS

In this episode look at some rarer diagnoses, how they come to light and how they can be hard to live with and diagnose.Links: Pyrrole Disorder (not recognised in conventional medicine): https://www.healthline.com/health/pyrrole-disorderAcademic analysis of pyrroles (deep dive): https://academic.oup.com/labmed/article/55/3/334/7271490Patent foramen ovale: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/patent-foramen-ovale/symptoms-causes/syc-20353487Migraines and PFO: https://www.migrainedisorders.org/diving-into-the-connection-between-migraine-and-patent-foramen-ovale/Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17813-ehlers-danlos-syndromeSave your life in slow motion and those of others by subscribing now and sharing. Thank you for listening and for your support. It means a lot to me. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 29, 202615 min

S1 Ep 205Rest - why it’s essential to health (and not laziness)

Rest is often seen as a guilty pleasure but in this episode I cover the reasons behind why rest is essential to our lives and examples that work.Links: Deep rest: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11003855/Rest Quiz: https://www.restquiz.com/quiz/rest-quiz-test/The Art of Rest: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Art-Rest-Find-Respite-Modern/dp/1786892804Attention Restoration Theory: https://positivepsychology.com/attention-restoration-theory/Nature breaks: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4039544/Rest during demanding tasks: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6585675Save your life in slow motion and those of others by subscribing now and sharing. Thank you for listening and for your support. It means a lot to me. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 22, 202615 min

S1 Ep 204Second Opinions: why people seek them, the risks and the benefits

Second opinions are an increasingly common request in healthcare and in this episode I look at reasons why people seek them and their pros and cons Links:Martha’s rule: https://www.england.nhs.uk/patient-safety/marthas-rule/Hyponatraemia (low sodium): https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hyponatremia/symptoms-causes/syc-20373711Advice on second opinions: https://www.patients-association.org.uk/getting-a-second-opinionTumour Treating Fields: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/managing-cancer/treatment-types/tumor-treating-fields.htmlLithium and MND doesn’t work?: https://www.kcl.ac.uk/archive/news/ioppn/records/2013/march/lithium-shows-no-benefit-to-mnd-patientsLithium and MND works?: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/centre-for-neuromuscular-diseases/research/experimental-clinical-trials/mnd/motor-neurone-disease-closed-trials/licals-therapeuticSave your life in slow motion and those of others by subscribing now and sharing. Thank you for listening and for your support. It means a lot to me. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 15, 202615 min

S1 Ep 203Invisible Habits that can sabotage our health - some reflections

In this episode I look at things that can hamper our health journey by looking at our own life in an easy and compassionate way.Links:The Health Fix on Kindle offer January 2026: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Health-Fix-Dr-Ayan-Panja-ebook/dp/B0B2VTFFVS/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0Sleep and its importance: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6281147/Phone and screen usage: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11236742/Decluttering: https://drayanpanja.substack.com/p/decluttering-your-home-how-it-could-1fd\\Exercise: https://www.sciencefocus.com/wellbeing/exercise-snacksImpulsivity: https://www.healthline.com/health/mental-health/impulsive-behavior#Impulsive-behavior-meaningOverwhelm: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m002pf4wSave your life in slow motion and those of others by subscribing now and sharing. Thank you for listening and for your support. It means a lot to me. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 9, 202615 min

S1 Ep 2022026 - the year of discernment and choices

It’s a new year and that can feel overwhelming.In this episode I look at what the year is likely to bring in terms of health and medical trends, our own personal goals and how to generate ideas for them if you are feeling a bit stuck.Links: The Health Fix: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Health-Fix-Dr-Ayan-Panja-ebook/dp/B0B2VTFFVSMed tech in 2026: https://www.forbes.com/sites/bernardmarr/2025/10/27/the-8-biggest-healthcare-technology-trends-to-watch-in-2026/Misinformation - how to spot it: https://news.cancerresearchuk.org/2024/02/16/sorting-fact-from-fiction-a-guide-to-spotting-health-misinformation/Save your life in slow motion and those of others by subscribing now and sharing. Thank you for listening and for your support. It means a lot to me. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 1, 202614 min
Dr Ayan Panja