Best The X Variable Podcast Podcasts (2024)

It has been 60 years since one of the pillars of medical ethics – the Declaration of Helsinki – was published. For the most part, it is seen as a leading light for researchers doing clinical trials with human participants. But some think one of the principles is misleading – the one that states "the physician must offer care in the patient's best i…

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There might not be anything wrong with your creaky joints 8:33

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30m ago8:33

8:33

If your knees creak when you exercise, you might be concerned about what's going on in the joint. But researchers have found there's nothing inherently wrong with exercising your noisy knees – especially when there's no pain involved. Guest/s Jamon Couch, physiotherapist and researcher at La Trobe University References Noisy knees - knee crepitus p…

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Does smoking weed make you dumber? 10:18

31m ago10:18

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What do we know about the long-term effects of cannabis use on the brain? A review has found chronic cannabis use during adolescence and young adulthood is associated with worse academic performance. However, is cannabis the cause of worse grades, absenteeism and unemployment, or a bystander to a larger problem? Guest/s Associate Professor Li Wang,…

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Is vaccine timing the key to avoiding long COVID? 10:52

32m ago10:52

10:52

Another study has supported the assumption that vaccination protects people from long COVID. But when does that protection wane? Australia has seen a second consecutive drop in life expectancy rates, probably due to the pandemic. And as predicted, there has been a spike in whooping cough cases. Do we need to reconsider our vaccination schedule? Ref…

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Preparing for Worst-Case Scenarios: Choosing the Right Insurance Policy to Protect Your Income 37:04

2h ago37:04

37:04

It's open enrollment season, and a great time to explore coverage options to protect your income, such as life insurance and disability insurance. Hosts Sean Pyles and Liz Weston discuss the importance of insurance coverage, highlighting statistics around how many people are underinsured or lack adequate coverage. To dive deeper into different type…

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Navigating Life Insurance Choices: Investing, Variable Policies, and Financial Growth 25:30

23h ago25:30

25:30

Explore life insurance as an investment tool, understand variable and infinite banking, and consider complex insurance choices. What’s the right life insurance policy for you? What is “infinite banking” and how hard is it to set up? Hosts Sean Pyles and Sara Rathner discuss the intricacies of life insurance as both a protective measure and a financ…

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Trump’s Economic Playbook: Get Clarity on Inflation, Taxes, and More 15:56

3d ago15:56

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Learn how Donald Trump's economic plans could influence inflation, taxes, and your finances as he prepares to enter a second term in office. How will Donald Trump's economic policies affect inflation and prices? What impact could Trump's tax plans have on Americans’ finances? In a special edition of Money News, hosts Tess Vigeland and Anna Helhoski…

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Health policy under Trump and RFK Jr. 8:03

6d ago8:03

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Donald Trump's election win could mean big changes for health policy in the United States. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. says he's been promised a major health role in the administration. He has vowed to address fluoride in the drinking water, and the safety of vaccines. Do his claims have any merit?By Australian Broadcasting Corporation

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What if you no longer needed a GP referral? 3:28

6d ago3:28

3:28

A major review has looked at the barriers health professionals face working to their full scope of practice. It includes a recommendation that allied health professionals like physiotherapists or psychologists be able to refer patients to a specialist themselves, without needing to send patients back to the GP. There have been mixed reactions to th…

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High blood pressure in adolescence could be a warning sign 6:19

6d ago6:19

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Early intervention is important when it comes to high blood pressure, which can lead to heart attack, stroke and other diseases. A person’s blood pressure in adolescence might predict whether they will go on to struggle with hypertension in adulthood. A new study suggests screening for high blood pressure at younger ages could be a useful preventio…

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Do we finally know the best treatment for asthma? 8:23

6d ago8:23

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Asthma is a common chronic condition that can be life-threatening when left untreated. So what is the best treatment? A combination of an inhaled corticosteroid and formoterol is recommended in the latest global guidelines. A review of the evidence backs this up – finding a proactive combo is more effective at reducing symptoms than a single quick-…

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We don't know why outcomes from a common heart procedure have gotten worse 10:29

6d ago10:29

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Transcatheter aortic valve replacement is a common procedure in Australia. The surgeon inserts a catheter through a blood vessel in your leg to implant the artificial valve into your heart. Because it's minimally invasive, it has become a useful alternative to open heart surgery. However researchers in the US have discovered that since 2018, outcom…

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Mailbag: Breech births 2:13

6d ago2:13

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A look at some of the Health Report correspondence this week. You can email us at healthreport@abc.net.auBy Australian Broadcasting Corporation

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Open Enrollment: Choosing a Healthcare Plan (HMO, PPO, FSA, HSA, HDHP and More) 32:59

7d ago32:59

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Expert Nerds talk through the complexities of open enrollment, starting with ways to assess healthcare plans and costs. This episode takes a deep dive into specific terminology and scenarios relevant to choosing health insurance coverage. Hosts Sean Pyles and Liz Weston start with an overview of open enrollment period timelines for November and Dec…

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Life Insurance as an Investment? We Fact-Check the TikTok Trend 12:57

8d ago12:57

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Learn why life insurance isn't a substitute for a 401(k) and how to spot reliable financial advice on social media. Is life insurance a better investment than a 401(k) for retirement? How can I tell if financial advice from TikTok influencers is reliable? Hosts Tess Vigeland and Anna Helhoski dive deep into the latest viral finance advice circulati…

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Retirement Rollover Ready? Rules, Risks, and Rewards of 401k and IRA Transfers 31:24

10d ago31:24

31:24

Learn the pros, cons, and methods of rolling over retirement accounts to simplify your finances so you can avoid costly mistakes. How can you budget smarter for the holidays? Does it make sense to combine retirement accounts from previous jobs into one? What are the benefits and drawbacks of different rollover options? Hosts Elizabeth Ayoola and Sa…

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Inquiry into how Australia handled the COVID-19 pandemic 11:01

13d ago11:01

11:01

The latest health news, including an inquiry into the government's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, and what can be done better during pandemics. And what's behind the dip in Australia's childhood vaccination rates? References COVID-19 Response Inquiry Report ‘Worse-placed than in 2020’: Where Australia’s pandemic response went wrong, Sydney Morn…

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Ancient gene influencing immunity in First Nations people 9:25

13d ago9:25

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A gene variant has been discovered that could explain susceptibility to disease among First Nations people in Oceania. The variation affects the natural killer cells, which play a vital role in the first line of immune defence. It's a discovery that could have implications for the treatment of diseases like tuberculosis and cancer. Guest Professor …

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Bioengineering skin for deep burns 8:56

13d ago8:56

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Could skin grown in a lab be used to treat severe burns? Spray on skin, another Australian invention, has been hugely successful in treating first and second degree burns. However third degree burns are still difficult to treat, and require skin to be taken from elsewhere on the body and grafted onto the wound. Melbourne's Skin Bioengineering Labor…

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How physiotherapy can help women have better sex 6:59

13d ago6:59

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Painful sex is common — some research suggests it might affect up to 35 per cent of sexually active women. But just because it's common doesn't mean it's normal, or something that can't be resolved. There are interventions that work, including pelvic floor physiotherapy. But are there enough specialists to meet demand? Guests Alex Barwick, ABC Alic…

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Why Women Outperform When Investing — And How You Can, Too 30:22

14d ago30:22

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Learn how women can excel at investing, overcome financial challenges, and build wealth with practical strategies. What does it mean to invest like a girl? How can women start investing and overcome financial challenges? Hosts Sean Pyles and Kim Palmer discuss gender differences in investing and practical strategies for women to build wealth. Kim i…

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Gen Z, Millennials, Gen X, Boomers — Are You Spending Like Your Generational Peers? 14:43

15d ago14:43

14:43

Learn how your spending compares to others in your generation using insights from the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ annual Consumer Expenditure Survey. How does your spending compare to other people your age? Are you saving enough compared to others in your generation? Hosts Tess Vigeland and Anna Helhoski are joined by NerdWallet’s Senior Economist …

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How to Maximize Rewards on Big Credit Card Purchases 30:02

17d ago30:02

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Get tips for saving money on Halloween costumes and decorations, plus how to leverage credit cards when making big purchases. How can you use credit cards to maximize rewards when making big purchases? What are some ways to save money on Halloween costumes? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola discuss saving money on Halloween costumes and decorat…

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'Forever chemicals' in drinking water, and Egypt is malaria-free 8:28

20d ago8:28

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The latest health news, including new guidelines to limit "forever chemicals" per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances — or PFAS — in drinking water. And Egypt has been certified malaria-free. References Australian Drinking Water Guidelines - Public Consultation on Draft Guidance for Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) PFAS Australia: 'Forever ch…

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Type 2 diabetes is declining, but not equally 10:01

20d ago10:01

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The incidence of type 2 diabetes among Australian adults is declining. However this decline is not being seen across all ethnic backgrounds. From 2011 to 2019, the incidence increased among those born in Asia, North Africa, the Middle East and Pacific Islands. It has prompted calls to adjust prevention strategies to better serve people from cultura…

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The impact of juvenile arthritis 10:57

20d ago10:57

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Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is a group of inflammatory joint conditions that affect children and teens under the age of 16. An Australian study has documented the physical, mental, social and financial burden of these conditions on young people and their families. It has identified "unacceptable delays" in diagnosis, and an ongoing lack of …

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Why some people stick with running groups and others don't 8:06

20d ago8:06

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Have you been invited to join a running group lately? It's likely, in part because of the growing popularity of events like Parkrun. It's one thing to cave under peer pressure and drop into a single Sunday sesh, and another to become a regular attendant. Thanks to a three-year study of Parkrun data, we now know more about why some people stick with…

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Mailbag: Has Australia dropped the ball on Novavax? 7:36

20d ago7:36

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A look at some of the Health Report correspondence this week. You can email us at healthreport@abc.net.auBy Australian Broadcasting Corporation

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How the Next President Could Shift Health Care Costs and Student Loans 32:10

21d ago32:10

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Learn how the presidential candidates' policies on health care and student loans differ in how they could impact your finances. What impact could presidential policies have on health care and student loans? How might these policies affect your personal finances? Hosts Sean Pyles and Anna Helhoski discuss health care costs and student loan forgivene…

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Rolling the Dice: Can Sports Betting Really Pay Off Like the Stock Market? 13:15

22d ago13:15

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Learn the key differences between sports betting and investing, plus tips for managing the financial risks of gambling. How is sports betting different from investing in the stock market? What are the financial risks and benefits of sports betting versus stock market investing? Hosts Tess Vigeland and Anna Helhoski dive into the booming sports bett…

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Vest Without the Stress: Mastering Job Transitions and Vesting Schedules 30:36

24d ago30:36

30:36

Learn how to navigate job changes, maximize retirement benefits, and celebrate personal and financial accomplishments. How should you navigate job changes when it affects your retirement benefits? What options do military spouses have for saving for retirement? Hosts Sean Pyles and Sara Rathner discuss managing unvested retirement funds to help you…

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The viruses infecting us this Spring and incorrect blood pressure readings 7:35

27d ago7:35

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The latest health news, including the burst of viral illnesses we've seen recently in Australia — and which viruses are behind them. And was your last blood pressure reading accurate? A new study shows common but incorrect arm positions for these measurements can lead to overestimates. References NSW Respiratory Surveillance Report, October 2024 Ar…

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Self-harm is on the rise — how can we make meaningful change? 10:10

27d ago10:10

10:10

The rate of self-harm among young people is rising, but despite this the issue remains neglected. That's according to a major paper that has outlined what can be done by governments, services, the media and wider society to address the issue. It recommends addressing social and cultural contributors to self-harm, and centring the voices of people w…

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Australia's breech baby whisperer 13:48

27d ago13:48

13:48

Giving birth is something many women go through and yet so many come out of it feeling like it didn't go to plan. When the baby is in breech position — bottom first instead of head first — it can get even more complicated. This is why, before things get to this point, attempts are made to flip the baby. And when this is unsuccessful, many women go …

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Donating blood to treat haemochromatosis 8:26

27d ago8:26

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Blood letting might be an ancient practice, but in some cases it's still the ideal treatment. One instance is in haemochromatosis, an inherited condition where the body absorbs too much iron. Many patients still undertake blood letting at pathology centres where it can't be put to good use. But they could be donating their blood — providing an iron…

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Paycheck Politics: What Presidential Tax Plans May Mean for Your Wallet 26:20

29d ago26:20

26:20

Explore how the 2024 presidential candidates' tax plans could impact your finances and what to know before voting. What tax proposals are the 2024 presidential candidates making, and how might these policies affect your finances? What should you know before voting on tax issues? Hosts Sean Pyles and Anna Helhoski discuss the key differences in the …

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SSN SOS: How to Keep Your Social Security Number Safe from Data Breaches 11:50

1M ago11:50

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Learn how to protect your Social Security number and stay safe from identity theft, plus the latest news on inflation and health insurance rates. How can you protect your Social Security number from identity theft and data breaches? How can you freeze your credit? What should you do if your Social Security number is compromised? Hosts Sean Pyles an…

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How to Make The Fed’s Interest Rate Cut Work for You 24:48

1M ago24:48

24:48

Learn about the Chase Sapphire Preferred card’s limited time sign-up bonus and understand the impact of Federal Reserve interest rate changes. What is the economic impact of lowering interest rates? Does lowering interest rates increase people’s spending power? Host Sean Pyles leads discussions around the Chase Sapphire Preferred card and the Feder…

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MicroRNA researchers win big with Nobel Prize 9:16

1M ago9:16

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The latest health news, including microRNA researchers winning this year's Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine. What's the big deal with these tiny molecules? And Marburg virus has been detected in hospitals across Rwanda for the first time. The virus causes a haemorrhagic fever similar to Ebola. References Medicine Nobel awarded for gene-regulat…

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Using video games to treat ADHD and depression 11:02

1M ago11:02

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Wait times for ADHD treatment, or mental health support, can be long. So is there a pocket-sized solution? c Their efficacy is the subject of a new review, aiming to figure out just how helpful these interventions can be. Guest Joseph McGuire, Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioural Sciences at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine References …

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Treating the varied causes of functional seizures 10:54

1M ago10:54

10:54

In epilepsy, seizures are caused by an 'electrical storm' in the brain that can be seen during an EEG test. But there is another kind of seizure, which presents the same but cannot be seen on an EEG. Despite being so common, there are few treatments for functional seizures and functional neurological disorder (FND). Guest Jackie, participant in Re-…

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Preventing life-threatening illnesses through skin checks 6:39

1M ago6:39

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The rate of skin infections in Aboriginal children living in remote communities has halved over the course of a major five-year study. Untreated skin infections can cause rheumatic heart disease, sepsis and kidney disease – all of which disproportionately affect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians. A trial has found regular skin check…

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Mailbag: Caution around cancer statistics 5:14

1M ago5:14

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A look at some of the Health Report correspondence this week. You can email us at healthreport@abc.net.auBy Australian Broadcasting Corporation

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How Presidential Policies Affect Prices: Tariffs, Price Control, Immigration and More 28:56

1M ago28:56

28:56

Learn how presidential policies on tariffs, immigration, and prices can impact your everyday expenses like groceries and gas. What can a president actually do to lower prices and fight inflation? Can campaign promises really impact your wallet, or are they just political hot air? Hosts Sean Pyles and Anna Helhoski discuss presidential policies and …

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Understand the Gig Economy: Why Millions are Choosing Freelance and Side Hustles 18:03

1M ago18:03

18:03

Learn how the gig economy impacts workers' finances and get tips for managing taxes, savings, and benefits. How does the gig economy affect people financially? How can gig workers save for taxes and retirement without employer benefits? Hosts Tess Vigeland and Sara Rathner are joined by Rick VanderKnyff, NerdWallet’s senior news editor, to explore …

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Budget Like a Boss: A Financial Planner’s Tips for Achieving Your Money Goals 26:46

1M ago26:46

26:46

Learn what it truly means to work with a certified financial planner (CFP) and how personalized advice can help you set and achieve your financial goals. What should you know before working with a certified financial planner? What strategies can help you navigate societal pressures and make personal financial choices? Host Sean Pyles talks to Magda…

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Indoor air quality and leukaemia risk 10:28

1M ago10:28

10:28

The latest health news, including a US study linking indoor radon exposure to childhood leukaemia risk. Why Australian adults do (and don't) get vaccinated against the flu. And new rules come into effect banning the compounding of popular weight loss products. References Domestic radon exposure and childhood cancer risk by site and sex in 727 count…

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A genetic link between ADHD and dyslexia 9:39

1M ago9:39

9:39

Both attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and dyslexia share symptoms, so do they share genes? Researchers have looked at the genomes of thousands of people to pinpoint places where the conditions overlap. They found ADHD aligns more closely with dyslexia than autism, suggesting it might be better termed as a learning difficulty than a p…

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Can you trust your period-tracking app? 9:40

1M ago9:40

9:40

Millions of people are using period-tracking apps to record their menstrual cycle. In some cases, women are relying on these apps to prevent pregnancy, or to tell them when they’re most fertile when they are trying to have a baby. How accurate are they, and should you be trusting these companies with your health data? Guest Dr Emmalee Ford, biochem…

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