Tune in to learn about the promise and pitfalls of weight loss medications, with Dr. Fatima Cody Stanford, an obesity medicine physician. This episode focuses on a popular medication called semaglutide, which is sold as Ozempic or Wegovy. Dr. Stanford explains how this drug works and shares the good, the bad, and the ugly sides of what to expect. W…

Tune in to learn about the social factors that shape our health with Dr. Annalijn Conklin. Social determinants of health, like education, food security, job security, social connections, and gender, play a major role in our health and disease. Dr. Annalijn Conklin is a social epidemiologist who studies how diseases like obesity and heart disease, a…

Join two geneticists to learn about your genes and direct-to-consumer genetic testing. Dr. Alex Dainis and Dr. Chana Davis both have PhDs in human genetics and are passionate about spreading their love of science. In this episode, we describe how our DNA makes us who we are, and explain basic concepts including genes, variants, transcripts and phen…

Learn about your immune system with Dr. Liz Marnik, a scientist, professor, and passionate science communicator. In this episode, Dr. Marnik sheds light on how our immune systems work, and what we can do to keep them in tip top shape. We also talk about immune health myths and misinformation, and why we should be skeptical of "immune boosting" and …

Join me to learn about the carbs, sugar spikes, and blood glucose monitors with diabetes expert Dr. Nicola Guess. Dr. Guess discusses the pros and cons of closely tracking your blood sugar using CGMs (continuous glucose monitors). These devices have a long history of use in people with diabetes, and are gaining traction in healthy people for biohac…

Join me to learn about osteoporosis treatments with bone health expert Dr. Joy Wu. We discuss lifestyle and medications that can halt bone loss, or even help rebuild bone. Dr. Wu also sheds light on the biology of bone and some of the factors that inform the optimal treatment for each patient. Dr. Wu is a board-certified endocrinologist who special…

Join me to learn about building and maintaining strong bones, with endocrinologist Dr. Joy Wu. Osteoporosis causes devastating bone fractures in millions of people every year, and there is a lot we can do to prevent it. In this episode, we discuss the causes, consequences, and risk factors for osteoporosis and bone fractures. Dr. Wu sheds light on …

Join me for a conversation with emergency medicine physician, Dr. Shazma Mithani. We discuss preventative healthcare, tips for navigating the ER, and lessons from her high-pressure job that apply to daily life. Dr. Mithani also tackles medical myths and misinformation, including the potentially harmful belief that everything natural is good and saf…

Join me for a deeper understanding of breast cancer, with Dr. Stephanie Graff, a medical oncologist who specializes in breast cancer. Dr. Graff sheds light on what breast cancer is, why it's such a diverse disease, and the role of genetic and lifestyle risk factors. We also discuss the rise of "expert patients" and the challenges and opportunities …

This conversation with Dr. Kelly Casperson provides hope and direction for women struggling with low sexual desire - and their partners. Dr. Casperson is a urologist, coach and sex expert who is passionate about helping women to live their best love lives. She guides women towards an empowering mindset shift, and helps educate them about their bodi…

Join us for a candid conversation about your urinary tract or "human plumbing" with Dr Kelly Casperson, a board-certified urologist who is passionate about empowering people to take care of their bodies. Urinary tract issues are incredibly common, yet rarely discussed. Dr. Casperson sheds light on "normal" urinary tract function and what can go wro…

To kick off Season 3, host Dr. Chana Davis shares a bit about herself and her mission for the show. Dr. Davis gives a whirlwind tour of her journey from curious kid to geneticist to science communicator. She also sheds light on the passion for bringing you leading health experts to share practical information, helping you separate fact from fiction…

Join us for a conversation about misinformation and science denial, with Dr. Sara Gorman. This episode will help you contribute to one of the most important battles of our times: the fight between misinformation and evidence-based information. Dr. Gorman sheds light on where misinformation comes, why we are all vulnerable, how to protect ourselves,…

Join sleep expert Dr. Lauren Hale to learn about why is sleep important and how we can improve our sleep. Many of us are not getting enough sleep, and paying a steep price. Dr. Hale explains that poor sleep impacts us in many different ways, from mood and energy, to food choices, to mental and physical performance. She also shares concrete tips for…

Join Dr. Carla DiGirolamo to learn about all things stress - the good, the bad, and the ugly. How and why does stress impact your health and wellbeing? What can you do about it? Today's conversation focuses primarily on midlife health in women, as this is Dr. DiGirolamo's area of expertise. We discuss how stress shows up in her fertility patients a…

Join us to demystify menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) with Dr. Carla DiGirolamo, a reproductive endocrinologist and menopause specialist. In this episode, we discuss:- The potential benefits and risks of menopausal hormone therapy- How to navigate different hormones, formulations and doses of MHT- What the term bioidentical means and how it's often…

Join us for a conversation about the menopause transition with Dr. Carla DiGirolamo, a reproductive endocrinologist and menopause specialist. We dig into the gory details of what to expect and why changing sex hormones impact our minds and bodies in so many ways - from hot flashes, to body composition, vaginal changes, sex drive, depression, anxiet…

Dr. Abbie Smith-Ryan joins us to talk about fitness, body composition, and metabolism, with a focus on women's health. We discuss practical ways to apply the latest research to support your health and fitness. Abbie Smith-Ryan, PhD is a professor of exercise physiology and sports nutrition at UNC Chapel Hill. She directs the Applied Physiology Lab …

Join nutrition scientist Dr. Megan Lee and host Dr. Chana Davis for a conversation about the link between food and mental health, with a focus on depression. Megan is a Senior Teaching Fellow and researcher at Bond University in Australia. She has a Bachelor in Psychology and completed her PhD in Nutritional Psychiatry weeks after this conversation…

Dr. Brenda Davy joins us to talk about what we drink and why it matters - from hydration, to fluoridation, to weight management. Dr. Davy is a Professor in the Department of Human Nutrition, Foods and Exercise at Virginia Tech. She earned her PhD in Human Nutrition and MS in Exercise Physiology and is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN). Her …

Come with us to an Arabian niiiight astride the majestic Arabian oryx! Then we hop over to our Slavic friends to meet the best dog and family ever. Socials: faunsandfauna@gmail.com @faunsandfauna instagram.com/faunsandfauna Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/jonny-boyle/bright-life License code: LBDEAXGEXA0NBTXW…

Ash brings us to the office of the disciplinarians, not to be confused with planarians. Cody then takes us to ancient eastern Asia to feast upon the Jinmenju! Thanks for listening, folks! Videos Ash mentioned: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ptmlvtei8hw&list=WL&index=1&t=183s https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jhszFBtBPoI&list=WL&index=2&t=330s https:…

Ash takes us out to the tundra where we huddle with a bunch of bunnies! Then Cody whisks us away to Point Pleasant, WV on the back of a red-eyed, winged fella. Socials: faunsandfauna@gmail.com @faunsandfauna instagram.com/faunsandfauna Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/jonny-boyle/bright-life License code: LBDEAXGEXA0NBT…

Dr. Sarah Berry joins us to talk about the personalized nutrition, also known as precision nutrition. This episode sheds light on why two people can respond very differently to the same foods, and shares the emerging science that is helping us understand how to optimize our diets. We discuss three key factors that influence our response to food, an…

Dr. Deirdre Tobias joins us to talk about the relationship between diet, obesity, and health, with a focus on the role of processed foods. Dr. Tobias is an epidemiologist who specializes in nutrition, obesity, and methods. She is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Nutrition at the Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health and at Brigham and …

Ash takes us to new heights, soaring on the wings of eagles! Cody then wipes us out completely by stealing all of our eggs; oh no!! Socials: faunsandfauna@gmail.com @faunsandfauna instagram.com/faunsandfauna Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/jonny-boyle/bright-life License code: LBDEAXGEXA0NBTXW…

Dive down to the depths of the oceans of Japan with Ash as she teaches about the Japanese Spider Crab! Desert guide Cody then takes us to the Gobi Desert with his electrifying creature, the Mongolian Death Worm! The scariest pokemon of them all. Crab molting video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GmVlSEcRrEc Socials: faunsandfauna@gmail.com @faunsa…

Dr. Deirdre Tobias joins us to break down how nutrition research is done and how it's translated, or mis-translated, into health headlines. The goal of this episode is to help you navigate flip-flopping nutrition headlines using practical tips and a basic understanding of nutrition research. Buckle up for a candid look at different types of studies…

Ash takes us to the Arctic on the backs of reindeer! Would you try a reindeer delicacy given the opportunity? We would! Cody keeps the chilly winter theme going by introducing us to our lovely friend, Bumble! #justiceforbumble Socials: faunsandfauna@gmail.com @faunsandfauna instagram.com/faunsandfauna Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https:…

Dive into the world of allergies with Dr. Samira Jeimy, an allergist and clinical immunologist. In her day job, Dr. Jeimy helps families prevent and manage all sorts of allergies, from drugs and vaccines, to chronic hives, to common foods allergens like peanuts and milk. On the side, she posts science-based tidbits on social media to help the publi…

Explorer Ash drops us right into the Amazon river, which happens to be infested with green anacondas! Yikes! Farmer Cody, on the other hand, takes us to the very first Ancient Chick-Fil-A to introduce us to the mighty Ziz! Clarification about the boa/anaconda question: Anacondas are a type of boa! So not all boas are anacondas, but all anacondas ar…

Learn about the science of hormone health with Dr. Eve Bloomgarden, a board-certified endocrinologist and misinformation slayer. Dr. Bloomgarden has expertise in thyroid health, pituitary disorders, and metabolic bone disease and has been working as a physician and educator for nearly a decade at Northwestern University. She will soon be transition…

Ash brings a real stinker to today's episode! Skunks! Also, if you find a random horse in the middle of the woods that looks suspiciously like a scary seaweed demon, Cody's advice is to just cry! Good luck! Socials: faunsandfauna@gmail.com @faunsandfauna instagram.com/faunsandfauna Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/jonny…

Learn about the roles of nature and nurture in shaping our lives, with Dr. Nancy Segal, a leading expert in twin studies. Nancy Segal, PhD, is Professor of Psychology at California State University, Fullerton and Director of the Twin Studies Center. She has authored over 250 scientific articles and six books on twins and twin development. She is al…

Ash is flown in by our new favorite tiny boys: the vampire bat! Cody officially creeps us all the way out with the Windigo :O Socials: faunsandfauna@gmail.com @faunsandfauna instagram.com/faunsandfauna Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/jonny-boyle/bright-life License code: LBDEAXGEXA0NBTXW…

Learn about making meat from plants from Dr. Sue Klapholz, VP of Nutrition & Health at Impossible Foods. Impossible makes plant-based foods designed to replace animal meat, including the shockingly realistic Impossible Burger. Dr. Klapholz has had a diverse career as a doctor, scientist, teacher, editor and writer. In this conversation she shares t…

Ash brings us to the depths of the ocean to get creeped on by a goblin shark, while Cody brings us to a much more wholesome community of familiars! Would you want to be a cunning folk? What would your familiar be? Video of goblin shark: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P8TT90LWYaw Socials: faunsandfauna@gmail.com @faunsandfauna instagram.com/faunsan…

Dr. Janine McCready, an infectious disease physician, joins Dr. Chana Davis to talk about COVID-19 and kids. They discuss the impact of COVID-19 on kids and the rest of society, and share their thoughts on vaccinating their own young children. Dr. McCready treats patients at the Michael Garron Hospital (MGH) in Toronto and has been supporting schoo…

Ash takes us to the plains of North America to get headbutted by the plains bison! Cody then whisks us away to a dark alley in China to get attacked by a potentially demon possessed hopping vampire! So fun :D More information: https://indigenouspeoplesatlasofcanada.ca/article/bison-hunting/ http://www.native-languages.org/legends-buffalo.htm Social…

It's a crazy episode where Cody and Ash switch places with the ends of their creature tales! Ash ends her research on the mongoose with a legend and short story; Cody ends his portion on the jackalope with scientific investigations and discoveries! Snoop Dog video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e9AAGhdjzZs Socials: faunsandfauna@gmail.com @faunsa…

Dr. Anna Blakney, a research scientist who specializes in RNA medicines, takes a deep dive into mRNA vaccines. She explains what's in mRNA vaccines (including plant vs animal origins), how they are made, and what happens inside your body when you get jabbed. She also the long history of mRNA vaccines and how they have been tested. Dr. Blakney also …

This week we cover blind cave fish, also known as the Mexican Tetra, and the one, the only, BALROG :O Socials: faunsandfauna@gmail.com @faunsandfauna instagram.com/faunsandfauna Video of cave fish: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wD2ibiQLkTU Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/jonny-boyle/bright-life License code: LBDEAXGE…

Plagues of flies and gigantic elephant serpents? This episode's creatures will swarm around you and lead you to the cave of wonders! Mayfly hatching video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1r1wxLKhE2o Socials: faunsandfauna@gmail.com @faunsandfauna instagram.com/faunsandfauna Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/jonny-boyle/…

Join Dr. Chana Davis for gems from Season One, Ep 19-28. She shares expert insights on a wide range of topics spanning hormone replacement therapy, type 2 diabetes, weight stigma, intuitive eating, obesity, and fighting misinformation. Topics and guests: * 19) Hormone replacement therapy: Risks vs benefits (Dr. Avrum Bluming & Dr. Carol Tavris) * 2…

From the Arctic Circle to Japan, join us as we cover polar bears and Amefurikozo! As always, please email or DM us with any suggestions or comments! Socials: faunsandfauna@gmail.com @faunsandfauna instagram.com/faunsandfauna Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/jonny-boyle/bright-life License code: LBDEAXGEXA0NBTXW…

Join Dr. Chana Davis for the best gems from Season One, episodes 11-18. Get science-based advice from leading experts and insights into how science really works. Topics and guests: 11) GMOs and our food supply (Dr. Anastasia Bodnar, SciMoms & Biology Fortified) 12) COVID-19 and your immune system (Dr. Galit Alter, Harvard, MIT & MGH) 13) COVID-19 v…

The Andes mountain cat faces off against gnomes (garden statues included) Thank you all so much for your support! Here are the links I mentioned in the show, as well as links to our instagram, twitter, and email. Feel free to email or DM us with creature suggestions for future episodes! Explore with ya soon, Ash https://donate.wildnet.org/?fund=And…

Join Dr. Chana Davis for the best gems from Season One, Episodes 1-10. You'll get practical advice on healthy choices, insights into how science really works, and personal stories from the scientific front lines. These conversations were recorded from March 2020 to Aug 2020 - a unique time to witness science in action. Topics and guests: 1) COVID-1…

Join us as we cover the our first two creatures! Feel free to email or DM us with feedback or creature suggestions! Email: faunsandfauna@gmail.com Instagram: faunsandfauna Thanks for listening! Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/jonny-boyle/bright-life License code: AZ4XSNK6IOHSO0SL…

Dr. Fatima Cody Stanford, a leading obesity expert, discusses weight bias and weight stigma. As an obesity physician, Dr. Stanford treats people with obesity daily, and sees the challenges they face due to weight bias and weight stigma. This conversation exposes the origins of these biases, why they are so harmful, and how we all have roles to play…