Feel Better, Live More with Dr Rangan Chatterjee

Show notes https://drchatterjee.com/542

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

BITESIZE | The Simple Daily Habits That Can Boost Your Brain Health & Improve Your Focus with Brain Coach Jim Kwik #541

28 mars 2025 | 18 min

Why Your Dreams Matter, How To Discover Your Purpose & The Question That Many Of Us Ignore At Our Peril with Dr James Hollis #540

26 mars 2025 | 85 min

Did you know that we spend six entire years of our lives dreaming? According to this week's guest, these dreams carry vital messages from our deepest selves that most of us never hear.

James Hollis, PhD was originally a Professor of Literature and Philosophy at various universities until mid-life when he retrained as a Psycho-Analyst at the Jung Institute in Zurich. He currently lives and teaches in Washington, D.C. and is the author of twenty books, including his latest: Living with Borrowed Dust: Reflections on Life, Love and Other Grievances.

In this conversation, James explains the important difference between purpose and meaning, and shares how his own midlife depression at the age of 35 was a pivotal moment that caused him to confront the harsh reality that despite "doing all the right things," he wasn't living true to himself.

We explore the purpose of dreams and what vital messages are contained within them, why so many of us end up living our lives by other people's rules - trying to please family, fit cultural

norms, or climb career ladders - and James explains that, whilst this approach might help us get by at first, it often leads to burnout, depression, and, ill health.

James also introduces us to his thought provoking “second half of life” concept - not a chronological age but a psychological shift, when we start questioning who it is that we really

are.

At nearly 85 years old and still seeing clients three days a week, James is full of clarity, perspective and wisdom. And I’m sure this conversation will leave you feeling inspired and motivated to live a more authentic life.

Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/feelbetterlivemore. For other podcast platforms go to https://fblm.supercast.com.

Thanks to our sponsors:

Show notes https://drchatterjee.com/540

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

How To Let Go, Move On And Leave Your Past In Your Past with Julia Samuel (re-release) #539

23 mars 2025 | 97 min

Why does family matter so much to us? As today’s guest, renowned psychotherapist Julia Samuel explains, every client she’s seen in 30 years of practice, mentions their family members. Like it or not, we all carry our upbringing into our adult lives. Our family is wired in us genetically and it shows in our responses to life, our beliefs, and the ‘fault lines’ that trigger us in daily life. Could finding out more about our families be the key to knowing more about ourselves?

Julia’s new book, Every Family Has A Story: How We Inherit Love and Loss is a powerful exploration of what we inherit, what we can change, and how inter-family relationships inform all

aspects of our lives. Often unknowingly, we are a product of how our older relatives have coped with their experiences. It even shows up in our genes! Julia and I explore this subject of trans-generational trauma – or how our present-day struggles probably didn’t start with us (but learning and forgiveness can).

In order to protect our children and grandchildren, Julia says, we need to process our feelings so we don’t pass them on. This might mean uncovering the secrets and untold stories from generations above you. And if that sounds daunting to put into practice, she has some wonderful advice for facilitating difficult conversations. We also discuss generational conflicts over parenting techniques, setting boundaries, and how to be compassionate and respectful with family members while also recognising and protecting your own needs.

Whatever your family situation – whether you’re close, estranged or somewhere in between – there’s something we can all take from Julia’s powerful, original approach.

Caution: contains mild swearing.

Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/feelbetterlivemore. For other podcast platforms go to https://fblm.supercast.com.

Thanks to our sponsor:

Show notes https://drchatterjee.com/539

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

BITESIZE | Do This Every Morning to Boost Your Energy, Improve Your Sleep and Optimise Your Health | Dr Kristen Holmes #538

21 mars 2025 | 21 min

The Power of Mindset: How Your Thoughts Transform Your Physical Health & Why Embracing Uncertainty Is The Key To Wellbeing with Dr Ellen Langer #537

19 mars 2025 | 142 min

This week's guest has spent over 50 years conducting ground-breaking research showing that your thoughts have a profound impact on your body.

Dr Ellen J. Langer is Professor of Psychology at Harvard University, and widely known as the 'mother of mindfulness’. She is the recipient of three Distinguished Scientists awards and the author of twelve books, including her very latest, The Mindful Body: Thinking Our Way to Chronic Health.

In our conversation, we discuss how our mindsets directly affect our physical health, why much of what we attribute to ageing may actually be a consequence of our beliefs and the real meaning of mindfulness.

We also explore whether as a society, we need to rethink the concept of work-life balance, with Ellen suggesting that we should instead focus on "work-life integration," where we find interest and joy in whatever we're doing.

She also shares a powerful technique that has helped many patients with long term conditions like MS, Parkinson's and chronic pain and she outlines a refreshing approach to decision making: instead of trying to make the "right" decision, we should choose and then "make the decision right".

This is a powerful conversation that reminds all of us that we have a lot more control over our wellbeing than we might initially think.

Ellen is a wonderful human, full of knowledge, expertise and passion - and the ideas she shares have the power to transform your health, longevity and happiness.

Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/feelbetterlivemore. For other podcast platforms go to https://fblm.supercast.com.

Thanks to our sponsors:

https://www.thriva.co

Show notes https://drchatterjee.com/537

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

How To Stop Feeling Overwhelmed with Oliver Burkeman (re-release) #536

16 mars 2025 | 106 min

The average person has 4,000 weeks on earth. It doesn’t sound like much does it? You’re probably doing mental arithmetic right now trying to work out how many weeks you might have left. But if that sounds like a pessimistic start to this podcast, fear not. My guest today is Oliver Burkeman, journalist and author, whose latest book is Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management For Mortals. And in this conversation, he shares a positive philosophy that can help us all overcome the overwhelm, make better choices, and build a meaningful relationship with time.

We begin by talking about our concept of time and how we falsely believe it’s something we can control. We think of time as infinite and don’t realise how distraction – that modern-day temptation – is robbing it from us. Or maybe we do know time is finite, says Oliver, but we just feel overwhelmed by all the things we have to do or want to do. How will we fit them all in?

The truth, he points out, is that we won’t. Many of the productivity hacks that we learn are a delusion. Time management doesn’t mean becoming more productive, it means deciding what to neglect. And once we realise we can never fit everything in, we get the freedom to prioritise.

Thinking about our limited lifespan may sound bleak, but Oliver is convinced that imposing limits of knowledge like this can help us live a more fulfilled and less stressed life. We’re more likely to use time mindfully, or be more creative, when we know it’s finite.

I absolutely loved talking with Oliver and I think his words will give you plenty to reflect on. In a world of demands, distractions and endless to-do lists, this conversation might be the most useful time-management tool of all.

This conversation is full of mind-blowing facts and insights but it’s also really empowering and contains simple, practical tips that all of us can use to improve our lives. I hope you enjoy listening.

Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/feelbetterlivemore. For other podcast platforms go to https://fblm.supercast.com.

Thanks to our sponsor:

Show notes https://drchatterjee.com/536

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

BITESIZE | 3 Surprising Health Habits We All Need To Know To Get Well and Stay Well | Dr Gemma Newman #535

14 mars 2025 | 23 min

Rethinking Protein: Simple Changes To Help You Burn Fat, Increase Energy, Get Stronger & Live Longer with Dr Rupy Aujla #534

12 mars 2025 | 120 min

Often misunderstood as simply being about muscles and bodybuilding, protein is, in fact, the fundamental building block of life – forming everything from our DNA and skin to our enzymes and hormones. And today's returning guest believes that many of us are simply not eating enough.

Dr Rupy Aujla is a London-based doctor, nutritionist and founder of The Doctor's Kitchen, who is on a mission to make healthy cooking accessible and enjoyable for all. He has authored multiple best-selling cookbooks, including his very latest: Healthy High Protein: Supercharge Your Energy, Feel Stronger and Live Longer.

In this conversation, Rupy challenges the traditional protein recommendations and why he believes that many of us should be focussing on increasing our consumption. He shares how muscle wasting affects around 40% of us as we get older and he explains that this muscle wastage is not just about losing strength – but also affects our metabolism, energy levels and overall wellbeing.

We also delve into the protein content of our breakfasts, the differences between animal and plant proteins, the potential downsides of protein powders, how protein needs change as we get older, and why increasing our protein intake can often reduce our snacking and ultra-processed food consumption.

Whether you're dealing with mid-morning energy crashes, looking to support healthy ageing, or simply wanting to feel better, Rupy's practical wisdom transforms protein-focused eating into something manageable and enjoyable for all. I hope you enjoy listening!

Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/feelbetterlivemore. For other podcast platforms go to https://fblm.supercast.com.

Thanks to our sponsors:

Show notes https://drchatterjee.com/534

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

How Exercise Changes Your Brain & Why Anxiety Is Your Superpower with Dr Wendy Suzuki (re-release) #533

9 mars 2025 | 90 min

Every morning, my guest on this week’s episode starts her day with 30-minutes of exercise. She knows – from personal experience backed by scientific research – that this makes her more focused, happy, motivated, and even creative. She knows it’ll help her grow new brain cells and neural pathways, long into old age. And she wants you to reap all these benefits too.

Dr Wendy Suzuki is a neuroscientist and a Professor of Neural Science and Psychology at New York University’s Center for Neural Science. Her 2016 book Healthy Brain, Happy Life is a thought-provoking, life-changing look at the plasticity of the brain – and the research-based ways we can change it for the better.

In our conversation, Wendy shares her realisation that the ‘bubble bath of feelgood chemicals’ released during movement were having powerful unexpected effects in her brain. And she explains how even just a small amount of exercise creates profound changes in the brain that go much further than simply boosting mood.

We talk about the effect exercise had on the hippocampus, the part of the brain critical for long-term memory and imagination, as well as the pre-frontal cortex, responsible for our working, moment-to-moment memory. It’s all inspiring proof that our brains are plastic and can change at any age, and that we can take action to make them healthier, younger and stronger.

We also discuss anxiety. Wendy’s latest book, provocatively titled Anxiety Is Your Superpower is all about reframing this ‘misunderstood emotion’ as a signal designed to protect us. Anxiety and fear levels have certainly risen over the past few years but if we can understand anxiety as part of the fight or flight stress response, says Wendy, we can begin to see it as an evolutionary tool for productivity. The key, she says, is turning a panicked list of ‘what ifs’ into a practical list of ‘to dos’.

Wendy explains the detrimental effects of alcohol on the brain health, the wonders of meditation and how listening to your favourite piece of music is one of the easiest ways to nourish your brain.

This is a practical and inspiring episode that I’m certain will have you taking action immediately.

Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/feelbetterlivemore. For other podcast platforms go to https://fblm.supercast.com.

Thanks to our sponsors:

Show notes https://drchatterjee.com/533

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

BITESIZE | How To Exercise With Less Effort And Get Fitter | Professor Stephen Seiler #532

7 mars 2025 | 22 min

The 3 Key Ingredients For A Thriving Relationship, Practical Strategies To Manage Conflict & How To Build Deeper Relationships with Yung Pueblo #531

5 mars 2025 | 115 min

How much of your relationship tension comes from expectations that were never communicated? And what if changing the way you handle conflict could completely transform them?

While we often dedicate countless hours to our careers, many of us never devote time to the basics of emotional awareness. Yet my guest today believes that learning to love better might be the most important, transformative journey we can undertake.

Diego Perez, widely known by his pen name, Yung Pueblo, is followed by millions of people all around the world who are keen to learn from his wisdom. He’s the author of multiple best-selling books, including his very latest How to Love Better: The Path to Deeper Connection Through Growth, Kindness and Compassion.

In this powerful conversation, you'll hear about:

Diego's remarkable journey from addiction to transformation - including how meditation became the cornerstone of his recovery and personal growth
The three essential qualities that meditation can cultivate - discover how self-awareness, non-reactivity, and compassion can transform your relationships
The art of conscious communication - learn practical strategies for moving from conflict to understanding in your relationships
The concept of "selfless listening" - discover how to truly hear your partner without preparing your response
The three key ingredients for thriving relationships - explore how kindness, growth, and compassion create deeper connections
Practical conflict resolution strategies - learn how to handle disagreements constructively and use them as opportunities for growth

Whether you're in a relationship or not, Diego's insights offer valuable wisdom for anyone looking to develop deeper connections and better understand themselves.

It’s a conversation about love, growth, and the courage to face ourselves honestly. Understanding that true change starts within and that our relationships can be our greatest teachers on the path to becoming better humans.

Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/feelbetterlivemore. For other podcast platforms go to https://fblm.supercast.com.

Thanks to our sponsors:

https://www.thriva.co

Show notes https://drchatterjee.com/531

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

7 Early Signs of Burnout and 10 Simple & Practical Tools To Help with Dr Rangan Chatterjee (re-release) #530

2 mars 2025 | 72 min

Burnout is a type of chronic, unmanaged stress that has significant consequences for our physical and mental health. It’s characterised by feeling exhausted all the time, with no energy for everyday tasks, and little enjoyment in everyday activities. A survey by YouGov for the charity Mental Health UK in 2020 found one in five people felt unable to manage pressure and stress levels at work. Other Research found that burnout among UK workers almost doubled from 2021 to 2022 and that a staggering 88 percent of the UK workforce have experienced burnout since 2020.

It’s staggering statistics like these that led me to record this bonus episode. It’s a different format from usual: rather than a conversation with a guest, this is my take on what burnout is, why we often don't recognise it until it is too late – and why I believe it’s so important that each and every one of us is aware of it.

Many of us think we can keep pushing day after day, week after week, month after month without any consequences. But we can’t. What I have seen time and time again is that this constant pushing always come back to bite, it is just a case of when. Many of us are on the road to burnout without even realising it. In the past, we might have thought of burnout as a phenomenon that only affected high-flying CEOs. But it’s fair to say the world of work has completely transformed over the past few years. Pressures on everyone are through the roof, no matter what your paygrade or level of responsibility. Add to that the rise in home working, the cost-of-living crisis and the fact that boundaries between work and home have become increasingly blurred means that it is something that more and more of us are experiencing.

In this podcast, I outline 7 signs that may indicate you are on the road to burnout: things to look out for in your mood, your behaviour, your habits and your health. I then walk you through 10 practical tools you can think about introducing into your life that will quickly start to help. I truly hope you find this episode helpful and, of course, if you know someone in your life who could benefit from listening, please do share this episode with them.

PLEASE NOTE: the signs I mention in this episode are very common and are not exclusive to burnout. If you have the odd sign and it is short lived - please do not worry - we all will experience some of these signs from time to time. Just be mindful if these signs are becoming longstanding. Also, please note that some of these signs can also be found in a variety of other conditions, for example, depression. If you have any concerns, please seek advice from a qualified healthcare professional ***

***DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard in this podcast.

Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/feelbetterlivemore. For other podcast platforms go to https://fblm.supercast.com.

Thanks to our sponsors:

Show notes https://drchatterjee.com/530

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

BITESIZE | The Simple Daily Habit to Reduce Stress, Anxiety and Overwhelm | Patrick McKeown #529

28 februari 2025 | 18 min

CAUTION: Breath hold exercises are only suitable if you are in good health. If you have any concerns, consult your medical doctor before practicing any breathing exercises. You should never practice breath holds if you are in or near water, if you are pregnant, have high blood pressure or any other medical condition.

If you find yourself struggling regularly with stress, today’s guest has a tool that you can use that will really help. It’s free, it’s easy, and the results can be instantaneous.

Feel Better Live More Bitesize is my weekly podcast for your mind, body, and heart. Each week I’ll be featuring inspirational stories and practical tips from some of my former guests.

Today’s clip is from episode 99 of the podcast with leading international expert on breathing, Patrick McKeown.

Patrick believes breathing correctly is the secret to better health and wellbeing and he has trained thousands of clients, including elite military special forces and Olympic athletes.

In this clip, he explains why our emotions and our breathing are interlinked and he shares some practical tools to help reduce stress and anxiety.

You can even get started right away with some of his techniques as you listen.

Thanks to our sponsor https://www.drinkag1.com/livemore

Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/feelbetterlivemore

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Patrick’s book: The Oxygen Advantage: Simple, Scientifically Proven Breathing Techniques to Help You Become Healthier, Slimmer, Faster, and Fitter

Show notes and the full podcast are available at drchatterjee.com/99

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

What Your Sleep Is Trying To Tell You: How To Fix Your Sleep Problems, Reset Your Brain & The Difference Between Fatigue and Tiredness with Guy Leschziner #528

26 februari 2025 | 106 min

Did you know that up to 40% of adults in Western countries struggle to get enough sleep?

While some societies have historically never even had a word for insomnia, our modern world has created an epidemic of sleep problems, which affect not only our creativity, empathy, appetite and mood but countless other aspects of who we are, too.

This week's guest is Professor Guy Leschziner, a neurologist at Guy's and St Thomas' Hospitals in London and a professor of neurology and sleep medicine at King's College London. He is also the author of several books, including The Secret World Of Sleep: Tales of Nightmares and Neuroscience and his latest, Seven Deadly Sins: The Biology of Being Human.

In this fascinating conversation, we discuss:

The crucial distinction between chronic sleep deprivation and clinical insomnia - understanding which affects you is key to finding the right solution
The importance of sleep quality - not just quantity - and why some people can sleep for hours, yet still feel unrested
An incredible treatment called CBT-I (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia) which has an 80% success rate for insomnia
The real impact of common lifestyle factors on sleep - like caffeine, screen time, and blue light
The pros and cons of sleep trackers
Practical strategies for shift workers - discover how to adapt your sleep schedule if your work includes irregular hours
The fascinating connection between societal sleep deprivation and our collective wellbeing

With over two decades of experience running sleep disorder clinics, Guy brings clarity to the often confusing world of sleep, offering evidence-based insights and practical solutions throughout our conversation.

As he points out, our sleep needs are highly individual, so I hope this episode guides you in finding the approach that works best for you.

Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/feelbetterlivemore

Thanks to our sponsors:

Show notes https://drchatterjee.com/528

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

The New Science of Awe & How It Improves Your Physical & Mental Wellbeing with Dr Dacher Keltner (re-release) #527

23 februari 2025 | 114 min

When was the last time you felt awe? Perhaps it’s an emotion you notice often, evoked by the trees, clouds, or people around you. Or maybe it’s something you associate with more dramatic, less frequent experiences.

Today’s guest, Dr Dacher Keltner, has written a sublime book on the subject of awe. It’s called Awe: The New Science of Everyday Wonder and How It Can Transform Your Life and in it he proposes that awe is an emotion that’s all around us, waiting to be discovered – and in doing so, we can transform our health and lives for the better.

Dacher is one of the world’s foremost emotion scientists and Professor of Psychology at the University of California. He’s also Director of the Greater Good Science Center, which studies the psychology, sociology, and neuroscience of happiness and wellbeing. He has spent decades studying the science of happiness and believes that across the world, we are collectively having a moment of reflection and looking for more meaning.

In this conversation, Dacher defines awe as our response to powerful things that are obscure, vast, and mysterious. They’re beyond our frame of reference, making us feel small and filling us with wonder. But you don’t have to go to the Grand Canyon or see the Northern Lights to find them. Having studied people’s understanding and experience of awe in 26 different countries, he’s found eight types which are common – and easily available – to us all.

They include nature, music, moral beauty (noticing others’ kindness), birth and death, and one of my favourites, ‘collective effervescence’. This is that feeling of coming together with others, moving as one, and sharing the same consciousness – and you may have experienced it in a sports stadium, at a music concert, on a dancefloor, in worship, in a choir, or even at parkrun.

As to the benefits of awe, from calming inflammation to activating the vagus nerve; deactivating our brain’s stress centre, to reducing pain perception, these awe experiences are buffers for many modern health conditions that we can’t afford to miss.

We spoke in depth about how birth and death are strong triggers for awe, sharing our own painful yet precious experiences of watching close relatives die. We also considered how awe reduces the ego and makes you humble. And how having a regular practice of contemplation, like meditation or breathwork, can open us up to easily noticing and benefitting from everyday awe.

I truly believe that Dacher’s work can help all of us find greater meaning and greater health. He’s done a fantastic job of finding the science to support his words, but I think we also know intuitively that what he’s saying makes perfect sense. This was a wonderful and deeply profound conversation that contains science, storytelling, raw emotion and so much more. I hope you enjoy listening.

Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/feelbetterlivemore

For other podcast platforms go to https://fblm.supercast.com.

Thanks to our sponsors:

Show notes https://drchatterjee.com/527

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

BITESIZE | The Truth About Sugar and Ultra-Processed Foods with Neuroscientist Dr Tommy Wood #526

21 februari 2025 | 16 min

How To Feel More In Control Of Life: A Revolutionary Approach to Stress, Relationships & Inner Peace with Mel Robbins #525

19 februari 2025 | 128 min

Studies show we spend up to 70% of our mental energy focusing on things we can't control, which affects our relationships, stress levels and health. But what if there were two simple words that could help us all break free?

Today's returning guest is Mel Robbins. Mel is a former lawyer and someone who has now become a sought-after expert in life improvement, mindset, and behaviour change. The occasion for her second appearance on my podcast is the launch of her latest book, #1 New York Times best-seller The Let Them Theory: A Life-Changing Tool That Millions of People Can’t Stop Talking About.

In this episode, you'll learn about:

The 'Let Them Theory' mindset tool - understand the two simple but profound parts: "Let them" for accepting what you can't control, and "Let me" for focusing on what you can
The 5 questions that Mel thinks we should be asking ourselves
The truth about failure - discover why the fear of failing isn't about failure itself, but about others' opinions
Breaking free from people-pleasing - learn why we struggle to ask for what we need and how to start prioritising ourselves
Emotional maturity - understand why adults often behave like "8-year-olds in big bodies" when emotional, and how to develop greater emotional intelligence
The health-stress connection - explore how being triggered by others' actions leads to unhealthy coping mechanisms, and how to break free from this cycle
Relationship wisdom - discover why criticism and disappointment are normal, and how accepting people as they are improves relationships

Over the past few years, Mel has amassed an incredible 25 million followers online because of her unique ability to connect with others. She is passionate, articulate and very relatable - and this conversation is full of practical tools to help you transform your relationships, lower your stress, increase your energy and feel more in control of life.

Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/feelbetterlivemore

For other podcast platforms go to https://fblm.supercast.com.

Thanks to our sponsors:

Show notes https://drchatterjee.com/525

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

Dr Andrew Huberman: The One Daily Practice Everyone Should Do, Training Your Brain and Reducing Anxiety (re-release) #524

16 februari 2025 | 117 min

CAUTION: Contains themes of an adult nature.

If I told you there was a simple, free habit you could take up to optimise your health in just five to 10 minutes a day, would you be up for trying it? If the answer’s yes, then you’re going to love today’s guest, a brilliant science communicator who reveals what the habit is – and shares ground-breaking insights from his research.

Dr. Andrew Huberman is a professor of neuroscience at Stanford University School of Medicine in the US and he has made numerous contributions to the fields of brain development, brain function and neuroplasticity. His lab’s most recent work focuses on the influence of vision and breathing on human performance and brain states such as fear and courage. His work has been published in top scientific journals including Nature, Science, and Cell and has been featured in global media outlets such as TIME magazine, BBC, and Scientific American.

We begin this conversation discussing why exposure to morning light is key to optimum human functioning. Our visual system is about more than just seeing. The light that enters our eyes, even in blind people, gives knowledge to the nervous system. Getting the right light, at the right time, sets the clock in all of your body’s cells, which in turn will affect many different functions in the body. It stimulates the cortisol you need for energy and focus. And it has positive effects on everything from sleep, energy and immunity to appetite, mood and so much more.

We also discuss what exactly is going on in the brain when we feel fearful and how something as simple as getting outside and looking at the horizon can completely change our physiology and powerfully inhibit anxiety.

Finally, we talk about the role that technology is having on our attention and Andrew shares a variety of simple exercises that we can all do to train our brains to improve our focus, health and performance.

Andrew is a special human being and someone who I have been wanting to speak to for a long, long time. I really enjoyed speaking to him - I hope you enjoy listening.

Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/feelbetterlivemore.

For other podcast platforms go to https://fblm.supercast.com.

Thanks to our sponsors:

Show notes https://drchatterjee.com/524

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

BITESIZE | 3 Simple Science-Backed Ways to Boost Your Happiness | Professor Laurie Santos #523

14 februari 2025 | 19 min

How To Protect & Enhance Your Brain Health: The Simple Daily Habits That Can Transform Your Mental Performance with Louisa Nicola #522

12 februari 2025 | 129 min

Do you think that it’s inevitable that the function of your brain will decline as you get older? Or, do you believe that there are simple things you can do each day to preserve, protect and enhance it?

Today’s guest is neurophysiologist and brain health researcher, Louisa Nicola. Louisa is founder of Neuro Athletics, where she works with high-performing individuals to optimise their cognitive function. Nine years ago, Louisa was training to go to the Olympics to represent Australia in the triathlon when she was hit by a car and suffered seemingly insurmountable injuries.

Desperate to accelerate her recovery, she integrated brain training into her approach to physical health and made a near-miraculous recovery. Since then, she has helped many elite performers perform better, think faster and live longer by leveraging neuroscience, exercise physiology, sleep science and nutrition.

In this conversation, we discuss:

How our brain works as an intricate network - with 87 billion neurons making approximately 5000 connections each
The latest research about Alzheimer's disease, including why it affects more women than men.
Why a combination of regular aerobic exercise, high-intensity training, and resistance sessions can help protect brain function
The importance of consistent, quality sleep to support your brain's natural cleaning processes
And, how supplements like creatine monohydrate and omega-3 fatty acids can support brain health, alongside the right nutrition.

One of the key themes in this conversation is that our daily habits compound over time to either protect or compromise the health of our brains - and, throughout, Louisa shares a variety of practical strategies we can all adopt - suitable for every age and fitness level.

Louisa’s message is both urgent and hopeful: while our modern lifestyles may be contributing to rising rates of cognitive decline, we have more control over our brain health than we might think.

Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/feelbetterlivemore

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Thanks to our sponsors:

Show notes https://drchatterjee.com/522

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

BITESIZE | How to Make New Habits Stick & Why You Can’t Break Old Habits | Charles Duhigg #521

7 februari 2025 | 20 min

How To Burn Fat, The 4 Food Rules That Will Transform Your Health & The Truth About Calories with Dr Rupy Aujla #520

5 februari 2025 | 135 min

Why has nutrition - something that should be so simple - become so complicated? With 70% of our diet now consisting of ultra-processed foods and conflicting advice everywhere we look, is it any wonder we're confused about what to eat?

Today's returning guest is my good friend, Dr Rupy Aujla, who is on a mission to make healthy cooking accessible and enjoyable for all. He’s a medical doctor, nutritionist and founder of The Doctor's Kitchen and author of five best-selling books.

If you haven't heard Rupy's story before, his life was changed after suffering a significant heart condition in 2009. After learning about nutritional medicine, he was able to reverse his condition using a food and lifestyle approach. Today, Rupy is constantly creating tasty recipes that help people optimise their health and he shares them - yes, in his cookbooks - but, also, in his wonderful Doctor’s Kitchen recipe app that helps over 10,000 people each week use evidence-based food and lifestyle medicine, to live healthier, happier lives.

In this fantastic conversation, you'll discover:

The science of burning fat and why calorie counting often fails in the real world
Four evidence-based principles for sustainable weight management that don't require strict tracking
Why ultra-processed foods lead to overconsumption and how to naturally reduce them in your diet
The power of single-ingredient foods and how they can transform your health - and why protein at breakfast is crucial for appetite regulation throughout the day
Why eating dinner a little bit earlier, can significantly impact our metabolism and weight
How the quality of our sleep directly affects our food choices and the connection between emotional eating and our relationship with food
Why different diets work for different people, how to find your personal approach and practical tips for implementing healthy changes while maintaining a busy lifestyle

This conversation strips away the complexity of nutrition, offering clear, actionable strategies that anyone can implement.

So, if you're feeling overwhelmed by conflicting nutrition advice, this conversation offers a practical roadmap forward, showing you how simple - and enjoyable - healthy eating can be.

Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/feelbetterlivemore

For other podcast platforms go to https://fblm.supercast.com.

Thanks to our sponsors:

Show notes https://drchatterjee.com/520

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

How To Heal Chronic Pain with Dr Howard Schubiner (re-release) #519

2 februari 2025 | 126 min

Headaches, migraine, back, neck or joint pain, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), fibromyalgia – they’re just some of the common causes of chronic pain, which is estimated to affect between a third to half of all UK adults, or just under 28 million of us.

If you or someone close to you is one of them, you don’t need me to tell you it can be physically and emotionally draining. You probably feel like you’ve tried everything – so today’s podcast has the potential to be a life-changing listen for you. My guest is Dr Howard Schubiner, Director of the Mind Body Medicine Center in Michigan and author of Unlearn Your Pain: A 28-day Process to Reprogram Your Brain.

Emerging neuroscience tells us our brains actually create what we experience in our bodies, through a process called predictive processing. Pain doesn’t come from the body part where it’s felt, it’s created by our brain, signalling that something needs attention. And as Howard explains, our emotions and stress activate the same pain centres in our brain as an injury. If you’ve ever had a broken heart and experienced chest pain? That’s what’s happening.

The same thing occurs with chronic pain. In the vast majority of cases, there is no structural problem – such as injury, infection or a tumour – although of course these must be ruled out. Instead, your brain has created a neural pathway which remembers the pain and keeps you trapped in a vicious cycle. You fear the pain, that causes you stress, and the stress makes the pain real.

And that is the absolute key here: it’s not ‘all in your head’, your pain is real. And there is something you can do about it. During this conversation, Howard reveals why the key is changing your narrative on pain. His revolutionary therapies – which you can easily access – have been proven to work not just with chronic pain but in other persistent conditions such as depression and anxiety, chronic fatigue and long Covid.

We discuss the role healthcare practitioners can play in these conditions, through listening and empathy. We also chat about the role of posture, cultural differences in pain experience and complementary therapies to his approach.

Chronic pain isn’t a subject we’ve covered in depth on this podcast before, so I’m very pleased I have the chance to bring this important conversation to you. Howard is one of the leading researchers in this field and his work represents a game-changing, paradigm shift in thinking about how we approach this epidemic. I hope what you’ll take from this episode is that the power of your brain is immense, and that knowledge is power. I hope you enjoy listening.

Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/feelbetterlivemore.

For other podcast platforms go to https://fblm.supercast.com.

Thanks to our sponsors:

Show notes https://drchatterjee.com/519

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

BITESIZE | What Your Dreams Are Trying to Tell You About Your Waking Life | Dr Rahul Jandial #518

31 januari 2025 | 23 min

How To Change Your Habits, Achieve Your Goals & Live A Contented Life with Sahil Bloom #517

29 januari 2025 | 124 min

In a world seemingly obsessed with financial success, what does it truly mean to be wealthy? And what if the path to a more meaningful life has less to do with what we earn and more to do with how we live?

Today's guest is Sahil Bloom, successful entrepreneur and online creator who shares insights on living a more intentional life with millions all over the world through his newsletter, ‘The Curiosity Chronicle’. In his brand-new book, The Five Types of Wealth: A Transformative Guide to Design Your Dream Life, he aims to help us build a happier, healthier, wealthier life by changing our habits and redefining our goals.

In today’s conversation, you'll discover:

The Five Types of Wealth framework - how Time, Social, Mental, Physical, and Financial wealth interact to create true prosperity in your life
The power of the "Life Razor" - a simple yet effective decision-making tool that helps you stay aligned with your values and make better life choices
How to build meaningful relationships - including the concept of ‘darkest hour friends’ and why authentic connections are crucial for wellbeing
The truth about external validation and Sahil's journey from chasing financial success to finding genuine fulfilment
The importance of daily appreciation - including why expressing gratitude to loved ones is crucial for maintaining strong relationships
Strategies for intentional living - so you can design your life around what truly matters
The real meaning of work-life harmony - helping you understand how different seasons of life require different approaches to balance

Throughout the conversation, Sahil emphasises that our answers often already lie within us - we just need to ask the right questions. His message is clear: we can all create lives of genuine wealth through intentional choices and meaningful connections and this conversation is full of practical wisdom to help you design your own life around what truly matters.

Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. This January, try FREE for 30 days on Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/feelbetterlivemore.

For other podcast platforms go to https://fblm.supercast.com.

Thanks to our sponsors:

Show notes https://drchatterjee.com/517

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

The Truth About Stress, Belly Fat, Alcohol and Journalling & How To Tune Into Your Body & Mind with Neuroscientist Tara Swart (re-release) #516

26 januari 2025 | 131 min

For today’s episode, I’m pleased to welcome back the wonderful Dr Tara Swart. Tara is a neuroscientist, a former medical doctor & psychiatrist, a lecturer at MIT, an executive coach and author of the bestselling book, The Source. She also hosts the podcast Reinvent Yourself with Dr Tara.

If you’ve listened to my previous episodes with Tara, you’ll remember her unique talent for using neuroscience and behavioural psychology to probe ideas, theories, and practices that many believe work, but we’re not sure why.

This insightful and often unusual episode takes a deep and meaningful look at stress - what exactly it is, what impact it has on health and how it predisposes us to storing fat. We also discuss the most effective ways to manage stress, the best ways to build resilience and the benefits of practices like journalling.

We really do cover a whole variety of different topics today including metacognition, the definition of spirituality, what exactly intuition and interoception are, and how we can use them to get to know our minds and bodies more intimately. We talk about rituals, the incredible power of creativity, beauty, and time spent in nature. And finally, we ask some big questions around the topic of death and consciousness, which Tara is increasingly drawn to studying.

If you’re someone who’s interested in alternative thinking and new ideas, but likes the reassurance of scientific backing, Tara’s warmth and wisdom will tick all your boxes. If you’re a sceptic - well, this conversation might just open your mind.

Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. This January, try FREE for 30 days on Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/feelbetterlivemore.

For other podcast platforms go to https://fblm.supercast.com.

Thanks to our sponsors:

Show notes https://drchatterjee.com/516

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

BITESIZE | 3 Life Lessons People Learn Too Late | Dr Gabor Maté #515

24 januari 2025 | 17 min

How To Build Lasting Strength: What Hunter-Gatherers Can Teach Us About Movement, Exercise & Healthy Ageing with Professor Daniel Lieberman #514

22 januari 2025 | 138 min

Why do we find it so hard to exercise despite knowing how good it is for us? Is sitting really the new smoking? And what can we learn about movement from studying populations who live more traditional lifestyles?

My guest today is the brilliant Daniel Lieberman, Professor of Biological Science and Chair of the Department of Human Evolutionary Biology at Harvard University. His research studies how and why the human body is the way that it is, focusing on the evolution of physical activities such as walking and running and their relevance to health and disease. He has published more than 200 peer-reviewed papers and three books, including his most recent, Exercised: Why Something We Never Evolved To Do is Healthy and Rewarding.

In this conversation, we cover so many fascinating topics and explore the powerful idea that humans have not actually evolved to exercise.

We compare the sitting habits of modern humans with more traditional societies and Daniel shares why it may not be how long we sit for that is causing us problems, but more the way in which we choose to sit. We also talk about the profound importance of maintaining strength and activity as we age, the relationship between movement and cancer, the truth about barefoot running and minimalist shoes and the concept of 'mismatch diseases' - this idea that our modern environment is in direct conflict with our evolutionary design, and the impact this is having on our wellbeing.

Throughout the conversation, Daniel challenges many common beliefs that exist around health, and offers us evidence-based, practical strategies for building a healthier relationship with physical activity.

Whether you're interested in the science of movement, looking to build sustainable exercise habits into your life, or simply curious about how our ancestors lived, this is a truly wonderful conversation with one of the world’s most highly respected experts. I hope you enjoy listening.

Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. This January, try FREE for 30 days on Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/feelbetterlivemore.

For other podcast platforms go to https://fblm.supercast.com.

Thanks to our sponsors:

Show notes https://drchatterjee.com/514

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

Why This Cardiologist Recommends Fasting with Dr Pradip Jamnadas (re-release) #513

19 januari 2025 | 119 min

TRIGGER WARNING: This podcast discusses fasting and its advice may not be suitable for anyone with an eating disorder. If you have an existing health condition or are taking medication, always consult your healthcare practitioner before going for prolonged periods without eating.

You probably wouldn’t expect a cardiologist to tell you that not eating is the key to better heart health. But today’s guest is a passionate believer in finding new solutions to old diseases – and in finding those solutions within ourselves.

Dr Pradip Jamnadas is a Florida-based consultant cardiologist and a clinical assistant professor with more than 30 years’ experience and a keen interest in preventative health. He has performed thousands of interventional procedures during his career and his educational videos on fasting and heart health have been viewed by hundreds of thousands on his YouTube channel.

From weight loss to reversing diabetes, lowering blood pressure and cholesterol to increasing longevity, Dr Jamnadas outlines the evidence-based, dramatic changes that fasting can bring. He talks us through the restorative processes that take place in the body when we take longer breaks from food and details the discoveries he made about fasting and its effect on insulin, metabolic health, obesity and heart health – along with the astounding difference it’s made to his patients’ lives. But it's not just physical benefits. Dr Jamnadas explains the ripple effect that changing your beliefs and habits around food can have on your mental well-being and the rest of your life.

Dr Jamnadas also shares the very gradual and specific protocol he takes patients through, to build up their fasting in a way that’s sustainable. We discuss whether fasting is more beneficial for men than women, we touch on food addiction and talk about eating disorders.

This is a fascinating episode and I think you will really enjoy it.

Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. This January, try FREE for 30 days on Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/feelbetterlivemore.

For other podcast platforms go to https://fblm.supercast.com.

Thanks to our sponsors:

Show notes https://drchatterjee.com/513

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

BITESIZE | Do This Every Morning to Reduce Overwhelm, Boost Your Happiness and Fix Your Focus | Robin Sharma #512

17 januari 2025 | 21 min

What Your Mouth Is Trying To Tell You: The Hidden Connection Between Oral Health & Chronic Disease with Dr Victoria Sampson #511

15 januari 2025 | 108 min

When you think about improving your health, do you ever think about the health of your mouth? If you heard last week’s episode with Dr Emily Leeming, you will know just how important your gut microbiome is, for many aspects of your health, but did you know that your mouth also has its own microbiome, and the health of it is just as important?

Today’s guest is Dr Victoria Sampson, a functional dentist and researcher based in central London, whose work has been recognised all over the world, resulting in her becoming a scientific advisor and clinical lead to several international dental companies, as well as a topical team member of the European Space Agency and NASA. She has published numerous scientific papers, was the first dentist in the world to link gum disease with worse COVID complications. She also recently launched her own oral microbiome test, Oralis 1, which assesses the saliva for bacteria, inflammatory markers, and genetic mutations.

In this fascinating conversation, Victoria reveals why we must stop treating the mouth as separate from the rest of the body and explains how the oral microbiome - home to 700 different species of bacteria - influences everything from our blood sugar control to the health of our hearts.

She also shares compelling research showing how treating gum disease can improve our blood sugar levels, why men with poor oral health are nearly three times more likely to experience erectile dysfunction, the relationship between the oral microbiome and autoimmune disease, the surprising link between oral health and fertility and so much more.

Throughout the conversation, Victoria shares practical tips that we can all use immediately to improve our short-term and our long-term health.

Whether you're dealing with persistent dental problems despite good hygiene, managing a chronic health condition, or simply want to optimise your wellbeing, this conversation offers a powerful reminder that the path to better health might just start in your mouth. I hope you enjoy listening.

Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. This January, try FREE for 30 days on Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/feelbetterlivemore.

For other podcast platforms go to https://fblm.supercast.com.

Thanks to our sponsors:

Show notes https://drchatterjee.com/511

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

The Surprising Secret to Happiness (It’s Easier Than You Think!) with Mo Gawdat (Re-release) #510

12 januari 2025 | 132 min

Happiness is a choice.

It’s a bold statement, but it’s one I wholeheartedly support. Whether you agree with this statement, or whether the idea sits a little uncomfortably with you, I think you are going to get a lot out of this uplifting conversation. My guest is Mo Gawdat and he has been at both ends of the spectrum on which we might consider happiness lies. And he’s unlocked the key to true contentment, no matter what obstacles you may come across in life.

You might know Mo as the former Chief Business Officer of Google X – a role with status and riches that many might aspire to. You may also know him as the respected ‘happiness expert’, speaker and bestselling author of self-help books like Solve For Happy and his latest book, That Little Voice In Your Head.

We begin our conversation by talking about the concept of success and fulfilment and why his money only gave him joy when he gave it away. We also chat about how the sudden and tragic death of his son at the age of 21 set him on a path to make a billion people happier.

This is a wide-ranging, personal and heartfelt conversation. Listening to Mo’s account is incredibly emotional, yet he’s so full of love, truth and gratitude. I’m so grateful to him for sharing so honestly and authentically but I get the idea that Mo knows no other way. This man embodies the idea that happiness is a set of skills and beliefs that we can all practice. And you can choose to practice them, no matter what life puts in your way. When you listen to him speak, it’s hard not to agree.

Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. This January, try FREE for 30 days on Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/feelbetterlivemore.

For other podcast platforms go to https://fblm.supercast.com.

Thanks to our sponsor:

Show notes https://drchatterjee.com/510

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

BITESIZE | The Crucial Importance of Strength Training, How To Make Healthy Habits Stick & Living a Strong & Healthy Life | Dr Gabrielle Lyon #509

10 januari 2025 | 23 min

The Latest Science of Gut Health: What To Eat, When To Eat & Why You Don’t Need 30 Plant Foods Per Week with Dr Emily Leeming #508

8 januari 2025 | 103 min

Twenty years ago, very few scientists even knew about something called the gut microbiome. Now, with over 70,000 research papers published on the subject, this complex ecosystem, home to trillions of microorganisms, is recognised as a key factor in our physical and mental wellbeing.

Today's guest is Dr Emily Leeming, microbiome scientist and researcher at King’s College London, registered dietitian, former chef, and author of Genius Gut: The Life-Changing Science of Eating for your Second Brain.

In this conversation, Emily explains how our understanding of gut health has evolved dramatically over the past two decades, to the point where we now know it plays a crucial role in everything from our immune system, our ability to respond to stress, our skin and even our mental wellbeing.

But, how can we assess the state of our own gut health? Emily shares how observing your own bowel movements can often tell you more about your gut health than costly microbiome tests and why some bloating after meals may actually be a sign of a healthy gut.

We also discuss how our gut health has been negatively impacted by our modern lifestyles - stress, sleep quality, our modern diets as well as the timing of our meals. And, Emily shares why time-restricted eating and earlier dinner times can be really beneficial.

Finally, Emily also gives some really practical advice about what we can eat to improve the state of our gut health, and explains why breakfast offers us a golden opportunity to support our gut health and why she is not a fan of recommending that everyone eat 30 different plant foods each week.

Emily is someone who is highly knowledgeable and passionate about helping us all improve the health of our guts. Her message is clear: nurturing our gut microbiome is not about following rigid rules - it's about understanding this remarkable ecosystem and working with it, not against it. I hope you enjoy listening.

Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. This January, try FREE for 30 days on Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/feelbetterlivemore.

For other podcast platforms go to https://fblm.supercast.com.

Thanks to our sponsors:

Show notes https://drchatterjee.com/508

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

BITESIZE | How to Burn Fat, Heal Your Metabolism and Live Longer | Dr William Li #507

3 januari 2025 | 24 min

How To Make Changes That Actually Last: 5 Habits To Make 2025 Your Best Year Yet with Dr Rangan Chatterjee #506

1 januari 2025 | 85 min

Why is it that 80% of New Year’s Resolutions fail? In my opinion, it is because many of us are taking the wrong approach. But, if you take the correct approach it is absolutely possible to make meaningful changes in your life that actually last.

This is a special New Year SOLO episode to celebrate the time of year and the release of my brand new book Make Change That Lasts: 9 Simple Ways To Break Free From The Habits That Hold You Back, which is now finally out and available to buy all over the world. https://drchatterjee.com/make change

In this episode, I explore five important habits and ideas that you can introduce into your life immediately, which will help you make 2025 your best year yet, including:

• Why listening to your body is the most important skill to work on in 2025

• How to best navigate a world where we are being bombarded with more and more information, which is leaving many people confused

• The 3 most important rules of habit formation

• The importance of understanding the precise role any behaviour is playing in your life before you try and change it

• The 5 components of leading a successful and vibrant life

• The importance of being able to say no and how to cultivate this skill

This episode is full of practical insights that will help you start off 2025 in the best possible way. And, by the time you have finished listening, my hope is that you will feel empowered and motivated to make positive changes in your life that will actually last. I hope you enjoy listening.

To get your very own copy of my new book Make Change That Lasts, click here. https://drchatterjee.com/make change

Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. This January try FREE for 30 days on Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/feelbetterlivemore.

For other podcast platforms go to https://fblm.supercast.com.

Show notes https://drchatterjee.com/506

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

How To Reinvent Your Life In 2025: 5 Powerful Habits That Really Work with Dr Rangan Chatterjee #505

26 december 2024 | 68 min

This is a very special BONUS solo episode to celebrate the release of the audiobook version of my new book Make Change That Lasts: 9 Simple Ways To Break Free From The Habits That Hold You Back which is available to download now on:

Amazon https://amzn.to/4eIcI0j

Audible https://amzn.to/4eIcI0j

Apple Books https://apple.co/4b9B9Bx

Spotify https://spoti.fi/3BAaUsh.

This episode contains five of the most important (yet under-appreciated!) mindset shifts you can make right now, which will immediately improve the quality of your life: heath, happiness and relationships.

In this episode, I explore:

· The important of taking less offence and how exactly you can develop this skill and the profound impact this will have on your behaviours.

· Why complaining less will transform your life and my game-changing exercise for doing so.

· The one question you should be asking yourself each morning and how it will change your relationship with busyness.

· Why reframing your relationship with your past is essential in order to live a meaningful life in the present, and how your perspective on regrets can give you a lot of helpful information

· The importance of doing something uncomfortable each day and the physical and psychological benefits of doing so

I also explain the invisible nature of ‘emotional stress’ and how it is often the root cause behind our problematic behaviours.

This episode is full of practical wisdom that will help you deal with stress much more effectively, build your resilience, improve your mental wellbeing and transform your physical health. It will also help you with self-compassion, enhance your sense of calm and help you feel more in control of yourself and the world around you.

I’m pretty sure it will leave you feeling motivated and ready to make positive changes in your life - I hope you enjoy listening.

Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/feelbetterlivemore. For other podcast platforms go to https://fblm.supercast.com.

Thanks to our sponsors:

Show notes https://drchatterjee.com/505

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

What Near Death Experiences Can Teach Us About Living a Life of Meaning and Purpose: An Incredible Life Story with Anita Moorjani #504

18 december 2024 | 121 min

What happens when we face death - and return to tell the tale? Today’s guest takes us on an extraordinary journey from advanced cancer to complete recovery, challenging our understanding of both healing and human consciousness.

Anita Moorjani is the New York Times best-selling author of Dying to Be Me: My Journey From Cancer, To Near Death, To True Healing and travels the world speaking to sold-out audiences who want to learn about her journey and experiences of embracing change, the power of healing, and the quest to live a full and unlimited life.

Anita’s story is an extraordinary one. After a 4-year battle with cancer, she fell into a coma and was given days to live. As her doctors gathered to revive her, she had a near-death experience (NDE) where she believes she crossed over to the other side and when she regained consciousness, her cancer began to heal. To the amazement of her doctors, she was free of countless tumours and cancer indicators within weeks.

In this powerful conversation, Anita explains how living fearlessly, cultivating self-love, and embracing joy became her pathway to healing. We discuss how people-pleasing, lack of self-worth, and suppressing our authentic selves can negatively impact our wellbeing. And, we also explore her wonderful concept of "energy equity" - a practical framework for understanding how our daily choices either nurture our energy or deplete it.

As a medical doctor, I found our discussion about the limitations of current medical knowledge particularly fascinating. We explore how cases like Anita's invite us to expand our understanding of healing and human potential.

This conversation goes beyond an extraordinary medical case. It offers practical wisdom for anyone seeking to live more authentically and create positive change in their lives. You may be sceptical - something Anita and I talk about - but I urge you to listen with an open mind. This episode challenges our assumptions about healing while offering hope for a more fulfilled life.

Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/feelbetterlivemore.

For other podcast platforms go to https://fblm.supercast.com.

Thanks to our sponsors:

https://www.essilor.com

Show notes https://drchatterjee.com/504

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

BITESIZE | How to Design Your Perfect Life | Dr Tara Swart #503

13 december 2024 | 16 min

How To Heal Your Body, Improve Balance & Move Better At Any Age (The New Science of Foot Health) with Jim Dooner #502

11 december 2024 | 120 min

Did you know that the health of your feet impacts your entire body? Or that the shoes you wear daily could be contributing to more widespread pain—from your ankles to your back and beyond?

Today's guest on my Feel Better Live More podcast is Jim Dooner, the Head Physiotherapist for The Foot Collective, a global community of health and movement practitioners on a mission to make a much-needed shift in the culture around feet and footwear.

Through their online training resources, in-person workshops, and a range of physical training tools, they aim to empower people on the journey of restoring natural foot function and balance and to make this process as fun and engaging as possible.

In this incredible conversation, Jim explains the fascinating 'mismatch' between how our feet evolved and how we treat them in our modern environment. He introduces the concept of 'movement nutrition' - the idea that our feet, like our bodies, require proper nourishment through movement and sensory input, and explains why many of us are severely 'malnourished' in this regard.

We explore the 'Five Fs' of footwear - a framework for understanding how our shoes should support rather than hinder natural foot function. Jim shares powerful insights about why conditions like plantar fasciitis, bunions, and chronic pain often stem from poor foot function and how these issues can be addressed through natural movement and proper footwear choices.

Jim and I also discuss balance training and play-based movement. He explains how these simple yet profound practices can benefit everyone, from children to older adults, and why they're crucial for healthy ageing. We also delve into the cultural aspects of foot health, examining how fashion and societal norms have shaped our relationship with our feet, often at the expense of our wellbeing.

Throughout our conversation, Jim offers practical advice for anyone looking to improve their foot health, whether dealing with chronic pain or simply wanting to move better. According to Jim, it's never too late to improve foot function, and small changes can significantly improve overall health.

So, if you've ever questioned why we accept foot pain as normal or wondered whether your shoes might be affecting more than just your feet, this conversation offers a profound shift in perspective. Jim’s message is clear - the path to better health could start right beneath your feet.

Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/feelbetterlivemore.

For other podcast platforms go to https://fblm.supercast.com.

Thanks to our sponsors:

Show notes https://drchatterjee.com/502

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

BITESIZE | How to Become Happier Today | Master Shi Heng Yi #501

6 december 2024 | 19 min

The Most Powerful Conversation I Have Ever Had: The Secret To Dealing with Any Stressor In Life with Dr Edith Eger #500

4 december 2024 | 107 min

Caution: contains themes of an adult nature.

This week marks the 500th episode of this podcast! And what a journey it’s been! There have been so many conversations that have had a profound impact upon my life and to celebrate, I thought it would be fitting to share the conversation that has impacted me the most:

My conversation with the incredible Dr Edith Eger back on episode 144 fundamentally changed who I am and how I see the world. I was lucky enough to meet Edith, now aged 97, a few weeks ago at an event in San Diego and sit down and have a chat with her. We were able to record our brief conversation, which you can hear at the end of this episode.

For those of you who haven’t already heard our initial conversation, Edith is a holocaust survivor who became a psychologist and an expert in the treatment of post-traumatic stress. She is also the author of 3 amazing books, The Choice: Even in Hell Hope Can Flower, The Gift: 12 Lessons to Save Your Life, and most recently, she has released The Ballerina of Auschwitz – a retelling of her story for younger adults from a different perspective.

As a Jew living in Eastern Europe under Nazi occupation, Edith was taken to Auschwitz concentration camp with her parents and sister, at the age of 16. In this conversation, she explains how she found her inner resources, how she came to view her guards as the real prisoners, turn hate into pity and, incredibly, she even describes her horrific experience as ‘an opportunity’. Edith not only survived Auschwitz, she freed herself from the trauma of her past by using her mind and the healing powers of forgiveness.

For those of you who have already heard this conversation, I would urge you to listen again because each time you listen, you will hear something different – as Heraclitus, the Greek philosopher said, ‘no man ever steps in the same river twice’. This really is a timeless conversation that keeps on giving.

Edith’s story is incredible. It is powerful, confronting and, at times, challenging. Above all though, it is deeply inspiring and I cannot think of a better way to celebrate 500 episodes of my podcast – I hope you agree.

Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/feelbetterlivemore.

For other podcast platforms go to https://fblm.supercast.com.

Thanks to our sponsors:

Show notes https://drchatterjee.com/500

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

BITESIZE | 3 Simple Habits to Reduce Stress and Optimise Your Mental Health | Dr Julie Smith #499

29 november 2024 | 17 min

How To Break Free From Negative Thoughts, Change Your Daily Habits & Unlock Your Full Potential with Dr Bruce Lipton #498

27 november 2024 | 133 min

Did you know that around 95% of your behaviours come from your subconscious mind? For most of us, this means living much of our lives on autopilot. But what if I told you that reprogramming this 'hidden' part of your mind is not only possible, it also has the potential to completely transform your life?

This week, I'm thrilled to welcome Dr Bruce Lipton back to my podcast. Dr Lipton began his career as a cell biologist graduating from the University of Virgina, before joining the Department of Anatomy at the University of Wisconsin’s School of Medicine in 1973. Today, he describes his work as bridging science and spirituality and in his bestselling book The Biology of Belief, he sets out the idea that our thoughts affect all the cells in our body.

Many of you really enjoyed my first conversation with Dr Lipton all the way back on Episode 308 of the show, and in this brand-new episode, we continue our deep dive into the fascinating world of the subconscious mind and its profound influence on our daily lives.

During our conversation, we explore four common beliefs that hold many of us back, including the idea that external circumstances control our lives and that our happiness is reliant on the actions of others. We discuss the importance of taking full responsibility for our lives and the value of extending compassion towards ourselves. We also delve into the benefits of living with positive energy, the significance of routines and intentional living and the power of consciousness in shaping our reality, including our perception of ageing.

Dr Lipton is warm, compassionate and honest - and this episode is full of practical wisdom, that I’m certain will empower you to make positive changes, by understanding the incredible power of your mind.

Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/feelbetterlivemore.

For other podcast platforms go to https://fblm.supercast.com.

Thanks to our sponsors:

Show notes https://drchatterjee.com/498

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

How To Build Better Habits, Break Free From Expert Overload & Create Lasting Change with Dr Rangan Chatterjee#497

24 november 2024 | 67 min

We're living in an era where we're bombarded with information and expert opinions from every direction. As a result, many of us have become overly reliant on external expertise, constantly searching for the 'right' answer about how to eat, move, and live. What I've noticed in my two decades as a medical doctor is that this can actually prevent us from tuning into our own inner expertise and create lasting change.

In this special BONUS podcast episode, I share some powerful insights from a live event that took place in London earlier this year about why knowledge alone isn't enough to create lasting change in our lives and how we can become our own experts.

The truth is, most of us already know what we should be doing to improve our health - we know too much sugar isn't good for us, we know movement is important, and we know we should probably spend less time on our phones. But knowledge isn't enough. What's missing is self-awareness and insight into why we make the choices we do.

In this episode, you'll discover:

My simple 3M framework for daily routines, helping you create lasting change even if you only have 5 minutes to spare
How to develop your own intuition.
Why starting your day mindfully prevents 'micro-stress doses' from accumulating, leading to better mood and healthier choices throughout your day
A powerful journaling practice that builds self-awareness, helping you understand your choices and create sustainable change
How to maintain transformative routines in a busy household, setting an example that inspires those around you

One of the key messages I want you to take away from this episode is that you can change who you are at any time - you're not destined to be the person you were yesterday. Through practices like journaling, you can develop a deeper understanding of yourself, as well as the insight needed to make lasting changes.

And for those who feel they don't have time for elaborate routines - and I know many of us feel this way - I explain why even small actions, done consistently, can be transformative. You don't need perfect conditions to start, and in fact, maintaining these practices even in a busy household can set a powerful example for those around you.

I truly hope you find this episode helpful and that it gives you practical tools you can implement immediately. If you know someone who could benefit from listening, please share it with them, too.

Pre-Order Make Change That Lasts for access to my exclusive video masterclass and 10 question worksheet https://drchatterjee.com/makechange

Find out about the Three Question Journal at https://drchatterjee.com/journal

Show notes https://drchatterjee.com/497

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

BITESIZE | The 4 Pillars of Movement for a Long and Healthy Life | Dr Peter Attia #496

22 november 2024 | 19 min

The Truth About Modern Anxiety, A Surprising Way To Find Joy and Meaning & How To Transform Your Relationships with Alain de Botton #495

20 november 2024 | 113 min

Have you ever wondered why, despite all our modern comforts, so many of us still struggle with unhappiness and anxiety? What if a more fulfilling life isn't about constant positivity but rather a form of ‘cheerful pessimism’?

Today's guest is Alain de Botton. Alain is the founder of The School of Life, a hugely popular education and wellness organisation that provides guidance on how to achieve happiness and fulfilment. He is also an internationally renowned philosopher and the author of multiple books including his very latest: A Therapeutic Journey: Lessons From The School of Life.

In this conversation, we delve deep into the complexities of modern life and the importance of love, empathy and tolerance in addressing societal problems. Alain introduces the concept of ‘attuned care’ in childhood and explains why a lack of it can show up in our adult behaviours and relationships.

Alain also explains a concept that he calls ‘cheerful pessimism’ which challenges what he describes as the modern obsession with happiness and introduces the idea that a more melancholic outlook to life, might actually lead to greater fulfilment.

We also discuss the value of inner reflection, the truth about modern anxiety and the importance of effective communication. Throughout this conversation, Alain shares practical tools that we can immediately apply into our lives – such as specific journaling exercises, ‘the 2 chair’ technique he has borrowed from Gestalt therapy and simple strategies to help us become better listeners and more effective communicators.

This conversation is an invitation to reassess what truly matters in life. Alain’s message of hope and understanding about the shared human experience of suffering and complexity is both comforting and inspiring and his thoughtful and practical strategies offer a roadmap for anyone seeking a more authentic and meaningful life.

Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/feelbetterlivemore.

For other podcast platforms go to https://fblm.supercast.com.

Thanks to our sponsors:

https://www.essilor.com

Show notes https://drchatterjee.com/495

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

BITESIZE | 8 Hidden Habits To Live Your Healthiest & Happiest Life | Robin Sharma #494

15 november 2024 | 19 min

How to Overcome Fear, Trust Your Instincts & Live a Life of Purpose with World Champion Hedvig Wessel #493

13 november 2024 | 120 min

Today's guest is Hedvig Wessel, a professional skier and the 2024 Freeride World Tour champion. Now, if you’re not sure what freeride skiing is, it involves navigating the most challenging mountain terrain, and due to its dangerous nature, it’s a sport for only the most highly skilled skiers. One wrong move could be fatal.

What is incredible about Hedvig - and one of the reasons I was keen to invite her onto the show - is her general outlook on life: the approach she takes to following her passion and living her truth.

In our conversation, we cover so many different topics that - although discussed in the context of being a World Champion skier - I believe, have huge relevance for each and every one of us. We talk about conquering negative thoughts, how to manage anxiety, the importance of exploring our own personal limits, and how we can best overcome fear, and turn our struggles into growth.

Hedvig shares her inspiring journey to becoming world champion, and we discuss how pursuing our own passions can lead to a more meaningful and purposeful life. We explore the rituals Hedwig uses to prepare for competition, the importance of trusting our instincts in critical moments and how spending time in nature has shaped her perspective on life and death.

We also discuss why Hedwig chooses to work with an Ayurvedic health coach, why she has decided to stop competing despite being the reigning world champion, and she shares a powerful visualisation exercise that she uses to make difficult decisions.

This conversation is a masterclass in purposeful living, following your passion, and the power of self-reflection. Hedvig's insights on pushing limits, overcoming fear, and living with intention will inspire you to approach your own challenges with renewed courage and clarity.

Peak Performance introduced me to Hedvig and they have kindly offered listeners of the show a 20% discount via their online store. Just go to peakperformance.com and use the code LIVEMORE.

Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/feelbetterlivemore.

For other podcast platforms go to https://fblm.supercast.com.

Thanks to our sponsors:

Show notes https://drchatterjee.com/493

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

BITESIZE | Reduce Stress, Improve Your Sleep & Transform Your Life: 3 Questions To Ask Yourself Each Evening | Dr Rangan Chatterjee #492

8 november 2024 | 16 min

Journalling regularly can help improve sleep, lead to better decision making and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. It has also been shown to decrease emotional stress, make it easier to turn new behaviours into long term habits, improve the quality of our relationships and, ultimately, help us lead more mindful and intentional lives.

Feel Better Live More Bitesize is my weekly podcast for your mind, body, and heart. Each week I’ll be featuring inspirational stories and practical tips from some of my former guests.

Today’s clip is from episode 413 of the podcast which was a solo episode where I outlined the transformative power of journalling. In the full episode I shared how you can get started really easily by asking yourself 3 powerful questions in the morning and 3 in the evening.

I’ve recommended a journalling practice to thousands of my patients over the years, but I’ve also seen the positive impact it has had on my own life as well.

In this clip, I walk you through 3 questions that you can ask yourself each evening. They are deceptively simple and answering them will take less than 5 minutes, but doing so can prove transformative.

Thanks to our sponsor https://www.drinkag1.com/livemore

Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/feelbetterlivemore. For other podcast platforms go to https://fblm.supercast.com.

If you want to take a look at ‘The 3 Question Journal’ go to https://drchatterjee.com/journal

Show notes and the full podcast are available at drchatterjee.com/413

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

How to Heal Your Body and Mind Through Movement, The Surprising Benefits of Walking Backwards & How Optimising Your Breath Can Transform Your Relationships with Lawrence van Lingen #491

6 november 2024 | 139 min

What if I told you that normalising your breathing pattern and walking backwards every day could change your life? My guest this week explains just how this is possible.

There are very few people in the movement world who ‘grab’ me online and suck me into their world with the quality of their content, but one person who did this a few months ago was this week’s guest, Lawrence van Lingen.

Lawrence is a highly sought-after expert in biomechanics, bodywork, and human performance. Described by Triathlete Magazine as ‘the genius of running,’ Lawrence has over 25 years’ experience working with elite athletes and everyday people. He’s developed a unique approach that goes beyond traditional methods, blending a deep knowledge of movement, posture, and breath to optimize our performance and overall well-being.

Lawrence works with some of the world’s greatest athletes to enhance their performance and help them with so called ‘untreatable’ injuries and, his online running workshops have become the backbone of remarkable athletic comebacks and they’ve also helped many people around the world, move without pain and with greater enjoyment. In order to help more people, Lawrence has created a wonderful online community that includes live and recorded classes where people of all ages and abilities can learn to understand their bodies, move better, and ultimately feel and live better. You can see all details at www.lawrencevanlingen.com.

In this conversation, we discuss the intricate connection between breathing, movement, and our overall wellbeing. Lawrence explains how incorrect breathing not only affects our physical health but also impacts our stress levels, anxiety, mood, and even our relationships with others.

Lawrence also explains how 3 practices: normalising our breathing patterns, walking backwards and using a flow rope - can prove transformative for so many. These are simple yet powerful techniques that can revolutionise not only how you move, but also how you feel.

We explore the fascinating concept of how our bodies store emotions and trauma and how movement can be a powerful tool for release and healing. What I love about Lawrence's holistic approach is how he looks at the whole body as a system, acknowledging that to move well, we need to focus on what’s happening ‘upstream’ in our lives that could be impacting our physical health.

We also touch on some thought-provoking philosophical ideas. Lawrence challenges us to consider whether we're ‘happening to life, or life is happening to us,’ encouraging a more active and intentional approach to our movement and overall health. His ‘mastery, not medals’ mantra offers a refreshing perspective on achievement and personal growth. For those interested in the technical side of running, we also discuss the phenomenon of ‘super shoes’ and their potential benefits.

I myself have been doing one of Lawrence’s breathing routines that I first learned about on his YouTube channel and have experienced the incredible benefits. And, by the end of our conversation, you’ll have the tools to start making positive changes in your own life, too.

This episode is not just about running or physical health; it's a deep dive into how we can live more authentically and connect better with our bodies and minds.

Thanks to our sponsors:

https://www.essilor.com

Show notes https://drchatterjee.com/491

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

BITESIZE | Simple Daily Habits to Reduce Stress and Take Back Control of Your Focus | Jim Kwik #490

1 november 2024 | 18 min

The Science Of Personality: How To Transform Your Life, Find Inner Peace and Become a Better Parent with Dr Dan Siegel #489

30 oktober 2024 | 120 min

Are you living your life intentionally, or are you simply reacting to the world around you? Do you feel a sense of wholeness and contentment, or are you constantly striving for something more? In today's episode, I dive into these fundamental questions about the nature of human existence with Dr Dan Siegel.

Dan received his medical degree from Harvard University and completed his postgraduate medical education at UCLA with training in Paediatrics and Child, Adolescent and Adult Psychiatry. He has spent decades studying family interactions with an emphasis on how our attachment experiences influence our emotions, behaviour and autobiographical memory.

He is also an award-winning educator, who was previously Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at the School of Medicine in UCLA, and he’s the author of five New York Times bestsellers and over fifteen other books, including his very latest, Personality and Wholeness in Therapy.

In this conversation, Dan shares insights from his ground-breaking 20-year project on personality development. We discuss the difference between temperament and personality and explore how our innate tendencies interact with our life experiences to shape who we become.

Dan introduces his theory of ABC (Agency, Bonding, Certainty) as fundamental motivational networks influencing our personality and explains how understanding these can lead to greater self-awareness and personal growth.

We discuss the impact our childhood experiences have on our adult lives. Dan shares his ‘4 S's’ of parenting - a brilliant framework which helps us build emotionally resilient children. We also go through Dan’s ‘Wheel of Awareness’ practice - a powerful tool that helps us move - from a reactive state to a more intentional, receptive way of living.

Dan's message is one of hope and it reminds us that it's never too late to work on ourselves and find that sense of wholeness within. This conversation is not just about understanding ourselves better - it's about finding a path to true contentment and inner peace. I hope you enjoy listening.

Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/feelbetterlivemore.

For other podcast platforms go to https://fblm.supercast.com.

Thanks to our sponsors:

Show notes https://drchatterjee.com/489

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

BITESIZE | Do This Every Morning to Optimise Your Health, Boost Your Mood and Improve Your Sleep | Professor Russell Foster #488

24 oktober 2024 | 17 min

How To Master Your Brain’s 3 Gears, Improve Your Focus & Break Free from Stress with Dr Mithu Storoni #487

22 oktober 2024 | 138 min

Today’s workplaces are rapidly evolving, and today’s guest believes we’re still clinging to outdated notions of productivity. Despite the shift from physical to knowledge-based work, many workplaces still prioritise quantity over quality and this is leading to stress and burnout for many employees.

Dr Mithu Storoni is a University of Cambridge-trained physician, neuroscience researcher and ophthalmic surgeon who advises many multinational companies on mental performance and stress management. Her latest book, ‘Hyperefficient: Simple Methods to Optimise Your Brain and Transform the Way You Work’, lays out the tools we need to retune our brains to their best settings for complex thinking, creativity, concentration, and decision-making.

In our conversation, Mithu explains her novel idea that our brain has 3 different gears and that if we can learn how to use them, we can dramatically improve our productivity and our mental wellbeing. She also explains the critical importance of aligning our work patterns with our natural bodily rhythms, the science of taking regular breaks, the specific benefits that naps can offer and the role of exercise, particularly walking, in enhancing creativity and problem-solving.

We also discuss the impact of modern technology on our ability to focus and relax, and Mithu contrasts our modern lives, with the lives of long living communities around the world.

This episode is brimming with actionable advice on how to work more effectively, protect your brain health, and find a more harmonious balance between productivity and wellbeing. Whether you're battling burnout, struggling with focus, or simply looking to optimise the way you live, Mithu's approach offers a roadmap to a more fulfilling and sustainable approach to life.

Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/feelbetterlivemore.

For other podcast platforms go to https://fblm.supercast.com.

Thanks to our sponsors:

Show notes https://drchatterjee.com/487

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

BITESIZE | The #1 Secret to Living a Longer and Healthier Life | Professor Rose Anne Kenny #486

17 oktober 2024 | 17 min

How To Use Food To Heal Your Body, Boost Brain Health, Improve Circulation & Live Longer with Dr William Li #485

15 oktober 2024 | 104 min

How much power do your food choices really have over your health? You probably already know that your diet can hugely influence how well you feel, but did you know that the food you choose to eat can change the make-up of your entire body, all the way down to the health of your cells?

This week, Dr William Li returns to the podcast for the 4th time. He is an internationally renowned physician, food scientist and bestselling author of two books, including his latest ‘Eat to Beat Your Diet: Burn Fat, Heal Your Metabolism & Live Longer’. Dr Li’s ground-breaking work has led to the development of more than 30 new medical treatments and has impacted the care of more than 70 different diseases, including cancer, type II diabetes, blindness, heart disease and obesity. And, his TED Talk, ‘Can We Eat to Starve Cancer?’ has had more than 11 million views.

In this engaging and enlightening conversation, Dr Li shares his expertise with his trademark clarity and enthusiasm. His unique ability to break down complex scientific concepts into relatable analogies makes the information accessible to anyone.

We explore the intricate relationship between what we eat and how our bodies function. We discuss how certain foods can stimulate and protect our vital stem cells, which enhances our body's natural ability to regenerate and heal. We also discuss how some foods can improve everything from our blood vessel health to the function of our brains.

Dr Li also sheds light on some common myths surrounding metabolism, the importance of personalised nutrition and the very ‘modern’ issue of over-consuming calories. As always, Dr Li shares some of his top practical tips to help.

I thoroughly enjoyed talking to William again. He is passionate, incredibly knowledgeable and wants to empower each and every one of us to be active, engaged participants in our health. I hope you enjoy listening.

Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/feelbetterlivemore.

For other podcast platforms go to https://fblm.supercast.com.

Thanks to our sponsors:

Show notes https://drchatterjee.com/485

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

BITESIZE | 3 Simple Daily Habits to Reduce Stress & Avoid Burnout | Dr Rangan Chatterjee #484

10 oktober 2024 | 17 min

Burnout is a type of chronic, unmanaged stress that has significant consequences for our physical and mental health. It’s characterised by feeling exhausted all the time, with no energy for everyday tasks, and little enjoyment in everyday activities.

Feel Better Live More Bitesize is my weekly podcast for your mind, body, and heart. Each week I’ll be featuring inspirational stories and practical tips from some of my former guests.

Today’s clip is from episode 329 of the podcast which was a solo episode all about the rising issue of burnout. In that episode I outlined the 7 signs that may indicate you are on the road to burnout and shared 10 practical tools to help.

Research has found that a staggering 88 percent of the UK workforce has experienced burnout since 2020.

In this clip, I walk you through 3 of the tools you can think about introducing into your life that can quickly start to help.

PLEASE NOTE: the signs I mention in this episode are very common and are not exclusive to burnout. If you have the odd sign and it is short lived – please do not worry – we all will experience some of these signs from time to time. Just be mindful if these signs are becoming longstanding. Also, please note that some of these signs can also be found in a variety of other conditions, for example, depression. If you have any concerns, please seek advice from a qualified healthcare professional.

Thanks to our sponsor https://www.drinkag1.com/livemore

Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/feelbetterlivemore. For other podcast platforms go to https://fblm.supercast.com.

Show notes and the full podcast are available at https://drchatterjee.com/329

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

How To Heal Your Past, Improve Your Mental Wellbeing & Unlock Your Full Potential with Dr Bessel van der Kolk #483

8 oktober 2024 | 113 min

Today’s returning guest is Dr Bessel van der Kolk. Bessel is a professor of psychiatry at Boston University School of Medicine and President of the Trauma Research Foundation. He's also the author of the iconic book, 'The Body Keeps the Score’, which first came out over 10 years ago and has sold millions of copies all around the world. In fact, the book has been somewhat of an international sensation and is as popular today as it ever has been.

In this conversation, we discuss the meaning of trauma and how it’s different from stress. Bessel shares common signs of trauma and describes how traumatic experiences leave a physical imprint in our bodies, which can contribute to a variety of physical and mental health problems. Interestingly, despite his extensive work with patients who have gone through some quite horrific, traumatic events, Bessel is still very optimistic about the world and what he has seen has deepened his belief and faith in human resilience.

We talk about healing and the many methods and techniques that Bessel has found to be helpful. He explains why he thinks that body-oriented therapies such as yoga can play such a vital role and he also explains why he is so passionate about the new research on psychedelic-assisted therapy - for trauma, depression, OCD, and addiction. He explains how these treatments can essentially 'reboot' the brain, opening up new possibilities for healing.*

Throughout the conversation, we emphasise the crucial role of human interaction and supportive communities in dealing with trauma and fostering resilience. Bessel also offers some valuable advice for parents on raising resilient children.

This conversation really is one of hope and positivity. Yes, sometimes life presents us with some challenging times, but as BESSEL MAKES VERY CLEAR - we ALL have a remarkable capacity to move on, change and heal.

Throughout our conversation, Bessel's message is one of hope and the remarkable capacity of humans to change and heal. He provides practical suggestions for those beginning to address their own trauma, including approaches that are affordable and widely available.

This is a powerful and insightful discussion with one of the world's leading authorities on trauma. I hope you enjoy listening.

*PLEASE NOTE: the psychedelic compounds discussed are illegal in many countries around the world and, as Bessel says, these drugs should only be taken under the guidance of trained healthcare professionals.

Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/feelbetterlivemore.

For other podcast platforms go to https://fblm.supercast.com.

Thanks to our sponsors:

Show notes https://drchatterjee.com/483

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

BITESIZE | The Surprising Truth About Smartphones: How To Boost Your Happiness and Fix Your Focus | Dr Anders Hansen #482

3 oktober 2024 | 17 min

How To Run And Walk Without Pain & How To Tackle Stress Incontinence When Nothing Else Works with Helen Hall #481

1 oktober 2024 | 146 min

Today, I am delighted to welcome back my dear friend, Helen Hall, for her 3rd appearance on my podcast.

Helen is a movement therapist, running coach and pain expert with over 40 years of experience and, she is one of the best coaches in any modality, that I have ever come across. With a lifelong passion for analysing posture and movement - her clients include elite athletes - whether they be cyclists, runners or premier league footballers - but also ordinary amateurs - regular, everyday people who simply want to walk or run without pain.

Due to her incredible results, Helen is often booked up in her clinic for months, so, to help more people, she first shared her movement philosophy in her wonderful book ‘Even With Your Shoes On’. Since then, she has created a series of online courses for professionals but also for member of the public who simply want to move better and without pain. In fact, she has just launched her brand-new course: ‘A Troubleshooting Checklist For Walkers And Runners: The 6 Most Common Fundamental Movement Patterns That Seem To Need Help.’ This is her shortest and most practical course yet and listeners of my podcast, can claim 20% off until the end of October, using the discount code FBLM20. You can see all details about Helen, her book and her online courses at her website: www.helen-hall.co.uk

Helen’s first two appearances on my podcast have already transformed countless lives and in this third conversation, we continue where we left off. We touch on crucially important themes from the first two conversations - like the importance of our head position and our foot health - but we also explore many new topics, including why walking is a super-power that affects everything from our gut health to our lymphatic system, how cultural differences influence our approach to balance and posture, how exactly we can start to become experts in our own bodies and we also do a deep dive into stress incontinence for women - something that is extremely common and not spoken about enough. Helen shares her approach to tackling it, especially when conventional approaches have failed.

I have been working with Helen for over 5 years now and as a result, I am moving better today than I ever have before. She is someone with a high level of expertise and many decades of real world experience, but I think what I love the most about Helen, is just how passionate she is about helping everyone move more efficiently, without pain. I hope you enjoy listening.

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Show notes https://drchatterjee.com/481

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

BITESIZE | Why You Can’t Stop Eating Ultra-Processed Foods | Dr Chris Van Tulleken #480

26 september 2024 | 21 min

The New Science Of The Body Clock: How To Boost Your Immune System, Reclaim Your Energy & Improve Your Mental Health with Dr Kristen Holmes #479

24 september 2024 | 123 min

In our hyper-connected modern world, where we have access to artificial light and food around-the-clock, we've drifted far from our body’s natural rhythms. But what if reconnecting with these internal clocks could be the key to unlocking better health, more energy and even a longer life?

My guest this week is Kristen Holmes, who is Global Head of Human Performance and Principal Scientist at WHOOP, a Science Advisor to Levels Health and Arena Labs, and a member of the Tactical Leadership Board of Sports Innovation Lab.

In this conversation, we explore the world of circadian biology and how aligning our daily habits with our natural rhythms can transform our health. Kristen explains the far-reaching consequences of a disrupted circadian rhythm, from metabolic disorders and increased ageing to mental health challenges and lower immune function.

We discuss the critical importance of consistent sleep/wake times, even on weekends, and how this simple change can dramatically improve our psychological and physiological functioning. Kristen shares her personal experience of how aligning her circadian rhythms has boosted her productivity, focus, and overall health - she hasn't been ill for over eight years.

Throughout our conversation, we explore strategies for harmonising our circadian rhythms within the context of modern life. We cover the importance of morning light exposure, the ideal timing for meals, and how to manage factors like alcohol and caffeine consumption. Kristen also provides valuable advice for shift workers on maintaining healthy rhythms despite irregular schedules.

This conversation really is packed with actionable insights and I hope that it leaves you feeling empowered to take control of your daily rhythms and experience the transformative effects on your health that can help you tune into your body's natural rhythms and optimise your health.

Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/feelbetterlivemore.

For other podcast platforms go to https://fblm.supercast.com.

Thanks to our sponsors:

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Show notes https://drchatterjee.com/479

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

A New Model for Solving Anxiety with Dr Russell Kennedy (Re-release) #478

21 september 2024 | 158 min

This week I’ve decided to re-release an episode all about anxiety. My guest is Dr Russell Kennedy, he’s a medical doctor, neuroscientist and importantly someone who previously suffered with crippling anxiety for over 30 years.

I’m re-releasing this episode for two main reasons. Firstly I’m noticing that a lot of people are struggling with anxiety at the moment, especially in a world that often feels out of control. And secondly, on the back of that initial episode coming out, Penguin Random House in London was so impacted by the conversation that they contacted my guest and have been working with him to create a brand new revised edition of his book, which has just come out all over the world. It's called The Anxiety Prescription: Calm Your Mind, Soothe Your Nervous System and Learn To Thrive. I really wanted to support the release of this book because I think that Russell’s rather unique approach is proving transformative for so many people.

If you ever feel anxious, whether that’s a low-level worry, a sudden fear, or full-on panic, can you sense where it’s coming from in your body? Perhaps your chest feels tight, or your gut feels uneasy. Or, perhaps, you have no idea. Russell believes that understanding where this feeling lives inside your body is the key to treating anxiety – for good.

Russell insists anxiety isn’t a disorder of the mind. Our worries are merely a symptom – and one that keeps us in our heads and away from the real problem. He favours the term ‘alarm’ and says we need to find where the alarm is in our bodies. This alarm is a physiological pattern that’s been left by events in our past, usually in early childhood. It signals to our brain that we aren’t safe – and so our mind gets to work trying to think us out of danger.

Russell shares his own journey through anxiety. He talks about how growing up with a father who was schizophrenic and bipolar, left alarm signals, imprinted in his body. And, for over 30 years he searched for relief from his anxiety. But nothing worked.

In Russell’s view, most treatments for anxiety, including medication and CBT, fail in the long term. And, he thinks this is because they don’t address the root cause.

For Russell, healing starts by finding out where anxiety lives inside your body and during our conversation, Russell walks you through how exactly you can start doing that.

We also discuss the simple things that parents can do to help their kids grow up feeling ‘seen, heard, loved and protected’. And, we also discuss the value of activities like breathwork, meditation and yoga, and also some promising therapies such as Internal Family Systems and Somatic Experiencing.

Russell’s core message has the potential to be transformative - that it’s more effective to use the body to calm the mind, than the mind to calm the body. Given how prevalent anxiety is now across society, I think this is a profoundly important conversation. I hope you enjoy listening.

Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/feelbetterlivemore.

For other podcast platforms go to https://fblm.supercast.com.

Thanks to our sponsors:

Show notes https://drchatterjee.com/478

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

BITESIZE | 3 Simple Steps to Make New Habits Stick | Charles Duhigg #477

19 september 2024 | 21 min

A Monk's Guide To Finding Happiness, Cultivating Inner Peace & Slowing Down In A Fast-Paced World: Haemin Sunim #476

17 september 2024 | 113 min

What if the key to happiness and fulfilment was not changing our external circumstances but learning to appreciate and understand our inner world? This powerful idea is at the heart of this week's conversation with Buddhist monk and author Haemin Sunim.

Haemin is a Zen Buddhist teacher and the author of two Sunday Times bestselling books, including his very latest, the beautiful: ‘When Things Don’t Go Your Way: Zen Wisdom for Difficult Times.’

Haemin was born in South Korea, educated at Berkeley, Harvard, and Princeton, and received formal monastic training in Korea. When not travelling to share his teachings, he resides in Seoul, where he founded the Dharma Illumination Zen Center, offering meditation retreats and counselling programs.

We begin our conversation exploring the tension between personal aspirations and societal expectations, what Haemin calls the "me of me" versus the "me of others." This internal conflict, he believes, is at the root of much of our stress and unhappiness.

We also discuss the importance of slowing down and being present, and how, in our rush to achieve and reach our goals, we can often miss the beauty and richness of our current experiences. With that in mind, Haemin shares some practical tips for mindfulness, that can help us reconnect with ourselves and the world around us.

A key theme in this conversation is the interconnected nature of all things. Haemin explains how adopting this worldview can profoundly affect our happiness and sense of purpose. We also discuss the power of listening, the importance of solitude, and the crucially important notion that we always have a choice in how we interpret and respond to life's challenges. And, even when things don't go our way, there's always an opportunity for growth and unexpected joy.

This is a beautiful conversation, full of deep and practical insights that I’m sure will help you find greater peace, purpose and contentment.

Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/feelbetterlivemore.

For other podcast platforms go to https://fblm.supercast.com.

Thanks to our sponsors:

Show notes https://drchatterjee.com/476

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

BITESIZE | Why We Are All Addicts | Dr Gabor Maté #475

12 september 2024 | 20 min

How To Eat To Balance Hormones, Boost Energy & Burn Fat with Dr Mindy Pelz #474

10 september 2024 | 119 min

For many years, today’s guest, has been helping tens of thousands of women all around the world live healthier lives by helping them understand the key differences male and female bodies.

Dr Mindy Pelz is a renowned holistic health expert, a pioneer on the subject of women’s health and the author of several books, including the international bestseller ‘Fast Like a Girl’ and her brand new one, ‘Eat Like a Girl: 100+ Delicious Recipes to Balance Hormones, Boost Energy, and Burn Fat’.

This is Mindy’s third appearance on my podcast and our initial conversation back in 2022 was one of the most listened-to podcast episodes in the entire UK that year and I think that speaks to just how important her empowering message really is.

In this conversation, Mindy explains the importance of women understanding their unique hormonal cycles and offers profound insights on how they can live in harmony with their hormones, and find balance in our hectic modern world.

Mindy talks about how we can harness the power of food to support our body’s natural rhythms and how as a society, we can bring a more positive attitude to the challenges of peri-menopause and menopause. We also explore Mindy’s foundational five health principles.

Always passionate in her approach, Mindy embodies the importance of staying curious, adaptable and proactive and, in this episode, she highlights the importance of healthcare professionals truly listening to women's experiences but emphasises that it's ultimately us who are responsible for our own wellbeing.

While this episode primarily focuses on female health, the content within it is crucial listening for everyone. Yes, Mindy wants to provide women with powerful knowledge about their bodies but, for men, Mindy’s work provides a deeper understanding of the unique challenges that women face and helps them better support the women in their lives.

This really is a powerful conversation and Mindy’s empowering attitude reminds all of us that it's never too late to better understand our bodies and take action to improve the quality of our lives.

Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/feelbetterlivemore. For other podcast platforms go to https://fblm.supercast.com.

Thanks to our sponsors:

Save 30% off your first subscription order & receive a free six pack of Ketone-IQ with KETONE.com/LIVEMORE

Show notes https://drchatterjee.com/474

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

BITESIZE | Do This Every Morning to Reduce Stress and Anxiety | Dr Joe Dispenza #473

5 september 2024 | 19 min

How to Break Free from Chronic Pain and Reclaim Your Life with Professor Peter O'Sullivan #472

3 september 2024 | 141 min

Did you know that chronic pain affects 1 in 5 people globally and is the leading cause of disability? Whether it's persistent back pain, recurring neck issues, stubborn knee problems, or debilitating migraines, chronic pain can be both physically exhausting and emotionally draining. But, as this week’s fantastic guest will explain, there is so much more that we could be doing.

Professor Peter O'Sullivan is a Specialist Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist and a John Curtin Distinguished Professor at the School of Allied Health Sciences at Curtin University. He’s internationally recognised as a leading clinician, researcher and educator in musculoskeletal pain disorders. And, with his team, he’s developed an approach called cognitive functional therapy, which has been proven to work not just with chronic back pain but also with other persistent pain conditions. Together, they have published more than 345 scientific papers, written numerous book chapters, and Peter has been the keynote speaker at over 120 international conferences.

In this episode, Peter explains why changing the story around pain is one of the most important things we need to address, if we want to effectively tackle it. We delve into the 10 myths of lower back pain and challenge common beliefs about posture, core strength, and the necessity of scans. Peter also explains why many popular strategies for avoiding back pain might actually make things worse.

We discuss the vital role of healthcare professionals in chronic pain management, including the need for a multidimensional approach that combines physical therapy with psychological understanding. Building trust, listening to patient stories, and fostering hope is crucial in order to make people active participants in their own recovery journey.

Peter is knowledgeable, passionate and someone who deeply cares about helping people break free from chronic pain. I truly believe this episode has the potential to change lives. Whether you're dealing with chronic pain yourself or know someone who is, I encourage you to tune in and listen to this valuable information.

Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/feelbetterlivemore. For all podcast platforms go to https://fblm.supercast.com.

Thanks to our sponsors:

Show notes https://drchatterjee.com/472

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

8 Hidden Habits To Live Your Healthiest, Happiest and Most Fulfilled Life with Robin Sharma #471

16 juli 2024 | 104 min

Is it time to redefine what it means to live a rich life? In a world where we're constantly bombarded with images of material success, it's easy to fall into the trap of comparing ourselves to others and believing that more money means more happiness. But what if there's more to wealth than just money?

What if the richest people aren't those with the most money but those with the most meaningful lives?

This week, I'm thrilled to welcome Robin Sharma to my Feel Better Live More podcast. Robin is a globally respected humanitarian who has devoted over a quarter of a century to helping humans realise their native gifts. One of the top leadership and personal mastery experts in the world, he advises companies such as NASA, Nike, Microsoft, Starbucks, Yale University and the Young Presidents’ Organization.

He’s the author of several international bestsellers, including The 5AM Club and The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari. In his latest book, The Wealth Money Can’t Buy: The 8 Hidden Habits to Live Your Richest Life, Robin aims to change our perception to include not just financial success but seven other essential forms of wealth, too.

In our conversation, we explore Robin’s concept of the ‘eight forms of wealth’, including physical and mental wellness, rich family relationships, fulfilling work and strong community connections. We discuss why traditional self-help approaches often fall short, particularly in the realm of personal growth and happiness, and how society’s obsession with hustle culture and toxic positivity has exacerbated the problem of burnout and dissatisfaction.

Robin is perhaps best known for his thriving 5AM Club community and in this episode, he shares insights on the power of intentional morning routines, including his five-question morning maximiser, and the value of continuous learning. We delve into practical strategies for implementing these principles in various life situations, even for those of us who have busy schedules or family responsibilities.

We also touch on the importance of nature, disconnecting from technology, and finding moments to savour in our daily lives. We explore the value of service, small acts of kindness, and how we can all live our lives to the fullest.

Robin’s perspective on what it truly means to live a rich life is a powerful reminder for us all and his approach offers a much-needed alternative to the endless pursuit of material success, showing us how to create a life that's ‘wealthy’ in all the ways that matter most. I hope you enjoy listening.

Thanks to our sponsors:

Show notes https://drchatterjee.com/471

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

BITESIZE | How To Control Your Blood Sugar, Cut Cravings and Get Your Energy Back | Jessie Inchauspé #470

11 juli 2024 | 20 min

How To Optimise Your Brain Health, Improve Your Memory & Unlock Your Full Potential with Jim Kwik #469

9 juli 2024 | 141 min

After suffering a traumatic brain injury as a child, this week’s returning podcast guest was labelled "the boy with the broken brain" by teachers and peers, shaping his beliefs about his own capabilities and potential.

Fast-forward to today, and he’s transformed his challenges into strengths, becoming a world renowned brain coach who’s helped thousands of people around the world enhance their memory and improve their brain performance.

I’m delighted to welcome Jim Kwik back for our second conversation. If you don’t know Jim, he’s spent the last three decades teaching his learning techniques to students from universities such as Harvard and CalTech. He’s also helped executives and employees from companies such as Google, Virgin, Nike and institutions like the United Nations to get the most out of work and life.

Jim is also the author of the bestselling book Limitless: Upgrade Your Brain, Learn Anything Faster, And Unlock Your Exceptional Life and his first appearance on my podcast 12 months ago now, is one of the most downloaded episodes in this podcasts’ history.

In today's conversation, we cover many different topics relating to our brain and its limitless potential, including:

the importance of continuous learning,
how small changes can lead to big improvements in brain function,
the impact of our self-talk,
the role of our environment in shaping our productivity,
the importance of managing our energy and emotional states,
the power of choice in personal growth, and we discuss many practical techniques for better time management and focus.

One of the highlights of this episode is a real-time memory activity that Jim guides us all through, demonstrating the practical application of his techniques and showcasing how anyone can improve their memory and cognitive abilities if they have the right strategies.

Jim is such a wonderful and caring human being and a quite brilliant communicator, who has lots of practical knowledge that he is super passionate about sharing. And, I think his own journey from struggle to success, serves as a powerful reminder that each of us has a brain with incredible, limitless potential.

Sign up for Jim's FREE Brain Summit on 5-7th August here https://www.jimkwik.com/livemore.

Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/feelbetterlivemore. For other podcast platforms go to https://fblm.supercast.com.

Thanks to our sponsors:

Show notes https://drchatterjee.com/469

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

5 Powerful Ways to Transform Your Summer with Dr Rangan Chatterjee #468

6 juli 2024 | 29 min

BITESIZE | 3 Ways We Self-Sabotage and How to Stop | Dr Ramani Durvasula #467

4 juli 2024 | 17 min

Break Free from Burnout: How to Accomplish More by Doing Less with Cal Newport #466

2 juli 2024 | 109 min

In today's fast-paced world, the pursuit of productivity often leads to overwhelm. In fact, one report suggests that 88% of UK workers have experienced some degree of burnout over the past two years. But what if there’s a better way to work and live?

This week, I’m delighted to welcome Cal Newport back to my Feel Better Live More podcast. Cal is a professor of computer science at Georgetown University and a founding member of the Center for Digital Ethics. He’s a New York Times bestselling author whose books have reached millions of readers in over forty languages. His latest book, Slow Productivity: The Lost Art of Accomplishment Without Burnout, challenges our current notions of work and offers a revolutionary approach to productivity.

In our conversation, Cal and I explore the concept of "slow productivity" and how it contrasts with our culture of constant busyness. We discuss why traditional productivity methods are falling short, particularly in the realm of 'knowledge work' - a term Cal uses to describe intellectually demanding professions - and how modern digital tools have exacerbated the problem of burnout.

During the conversation, he shares the three core principles of slow productivity: doing fewer things, working at a natural pace, and obsessing over quality. We delve into practical strategies for implementing these principles in various work environments, even for those who feel they have little autonomy in their jobs.

We also touch on the importance of solitude and reflection in living an intentional life. Cal emphasises how smartphones and social media have impacted our ability to be present and socialise, particularly for younger generations, and he offers insights on setting boundaries with technology and creating healthier norms around its use, too.

Our conversation also extends to the value of lifestyle-centric planning versus goal-centric planning, challenging cultural norms around constant connectivity and redefining success beyond professional achievements.

This episode is packed with actionable advice that can help you reclaim your time, reduce stress, and find a more balanced approach to work and life.

Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/feelbetterlivemore. For other podcast platforms go to https://fblm.supercast.com.

Buy tickets for my stage tour https://drchatterjee.com/tour

Thanks to our sponsors:

Show notes https://drchatterjee.com/466

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

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BITESIZE | Creativity, Authenticity & How to Live A Meaningful Life | Rick Rubin #465

27 juni 2024 | 17 min

How To Use Food To Improve Your Mood, Overcome Anxiety and Protect Your Memory with Dr Georgia Ede #464

25 juni 2024 | 104 min

Over one billion people worldwide have some type of mental health diagnosis - a statistic that suggests the current approach to treating these conditions may not be enough. For those struggling, perhaps despite their medication, it can feel easy to lose hope of feeling well again.

In this conversation, I speak to someone who has been a psychiatrist for more than 25 years and who for many years, felt that her impact on patients was limited until she learned about the incredible healing power of food.

Dr Georgia Ede is a Harvard trained, board certified psychiatrist specialising in nutritional and metabolic psychiatry. Her 25 years of clinical experience includes 12 years at Smith College and Harvard University Health Services, where she was the first person to offer students nutrition-based approaches as an alternative to psychiatric medication.

She co-authored the first inpatient study of the ketogenic diet for treatment-resistant mental illness and is the author of the wonderful new book Change Your Diet, Change Your Mind: A Powerful Plan to Improve Mood, Overcome Anxiety and Protect Memory for a Lifetime of Optimal Mental Health.

Georgia explains that, almost unknowingly, many of us have been feeding our brains improperly for our entire lives. We explore what she considers to be the five foods that have the most potential to be problematic for our brain health and how quickly we can start to feel the benefits if we are able to cut back on them. This highlights a key point that both Georgia and I are extremely passionate about - that, for most of us, in the modern day food environment, what we cut out of our diet is more important than what we put in.

We talk about the relationship between blood glucose and brain glucose. Georgia outlines the whole foods that Georgia believes can be problematic, especially if we are having problems with our mood or have a mental health diagnosis. We also discuss why Georgia believes that the Mediterranean diet - whilst better than the Standard Western Diet is not optimal, and we cover Georgia’s clinical research about the potential benefits of ketogenic diets in treating mental health.

Georgia is a wonderful physician who cares deeply about her patients and is helping many of them gain relief and sometimes remission from long standing mental health problems. That being said, there is no question that some of her recommendations may at first glance appear to controversial.

Throughout the conversation, I have tried my best to provide clarity and make sure that you clearly understand why Georgia is recommending the changes that she is. But, as you are listening, please do remember, that there is no one dietary approach that is going to work for everyone, at every stage in their life.

Buy tickets for my stage tour https://drchatterjee.com/tour.

Thanks to our sponsors:

Show notes https://drchatterjee.com/464

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

BITESIZE | How to Stop Feeling Overwhelmed | Oliver Burkeman #463

20 juni 2024 | 15 min

The Hidden Health Crisis: How It Affects All Of Us And What We Can Do About It with US Surgeon General Dr Vivek Murthy #462

18 juni 2024 | 96 min

Have you ever felt lonely, even when surrounded by people? Do you struggle to forge meaningful connections in today's fast-paced, technology-driven world? If so, you're not alone. Loneliness is on the rise in many countries around the world and more people than ever before are feeling alone and isolated.

In today’s episode of my Feel Better Live More podcast, I'm joined for the second time by Vice Admiral Vivek H. Murthy - the 21st Surgeon General of the United States. He received his bachelor’s degree from Harvard, his medical degree from the Yale School of Medicine, and his Masters in Business Administration from the Yale School of Management. In his role, Dr Murthy helps to advance the health and wellbeing of all Americans and has worked to address several critical public health issues.

In our conversation, we discuss the growing epidemic of loneliness and its impact on our health. Vivek shares profound insights on the far-reaching consequences of loneliness, which extend beyond mental health to include physical health problems, including an increased risk of stroke, dementia, heart disease, and premature death.

We delve into the root causes of the loneliness epidemic, exploring how fundamental shifts in technology and culture have altered the way we connect with others. Vivek emphasises the importance of taking social risks, building communication skills, taking regular social media breaks, the life changing benefits of volunteering, and he talks about the idea that simply dedicating just 10-15 minutes per day, to work out our social muscle will very quickly start to deepen our connections with the world around us.

This thought-provoking conversation is for anyone looking to foster authentic connections in an increasingly disconnected world and deepen the relationships that matter most.

Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/feelbetterlivemore. For other podcast platforms go to https://fblm.supercast.com.

Buy tickets for my stage tour https://drchatterjee.com/tour

Thanks to our sponsors:

Show notes https://drchatterjee.com/462

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

BITESIZE | 3 Simple Habits to Manage Stress and Build Resilience | Dr Tara Swart #461

13 juni 2024 | 13 min

Finding Your Purpose at Any Age: Life Lessons from 103-Year-Old Dr Gladys McGarey #460

11 juni 2024 | 93 min

At the age of 103, not only is today’s guest the oldest I’ve ever welcomed onto my podcast, but she’s also the oldest returning guest, too!

Dr Gladys McGarey is the co-founder of the American Holistic Medical Association and the author of the fantastic book The Well-Lived Life: A 103-Year-Old Doctor's Six Secrets to Health and Happiness at Every Age. She began her medical practice at a time when women couldn’t even own their own bank accounts, and over the past sixty years, she’s pioneered a new way of thinking about disease and health that’s transformed the way we imagine health care and self-care around the world.

In this wonderful and uplifting conversation, and with her trademark humour and compassion, Gladys offers profound insights on living with purpose, navigating adversity and finding healing within ourselves.

We explore how to avoid living with regrets, the importance of parents truly listening to and supporting their children and finding your unique purpose that ‘feeds your soul’. We also look at how we can bring a more positive attitude to negative experiences and how Gladys lives by what she calls her "5 Ls" - life, love, laughter, labour and listening.

Still thriving at 103, she embodies staying curious, adaptable and active. During our conversation, she shares her views on ageing, believing in ‘ageing into health’ rather than ‘anti-ageing.’ She also stresses the importance of doctors listening to - and loving - their patients but that it’s ultimately us who are responsible for our own healing.

Gladys’s century of life experiences has something to offer everyone. Her wisdom will inspire you to reflect on your own purpose, face life's challenges with resilience and make the most of the years ahead.

It was an honour to speak to Gladys again and have such a deep and honest conversation with her. I hope you enjoy listening to her as much as I did. Her playfulness, humour, and can-do attitude remind us that it's never too late to learn, grow and make a positive impact on the world around us.

Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/feelbetterlivemore. For other podcast platforms go to https://fblm.supercast.com.

Thanks to our sponsors:

Show notes https://drchatterjee.com/460

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

BITESIZE | A Monk’s Guide To Happiness & How To Thrive in Hard Times | Gelong Thubten #459

6 juni 2024 | 19 min

Why You Dream: What Your Sleeping Brain Reveals About Your Waking Life with Brain Surgeon Dr Rahul Jandial #458

4 juni 2024 | 130 min

Have you ever woken up from a vivid dream and wondered about its meaning? Or perhaps questioned the purpose of dreaming altogether? It’s certainly a fascinating topic and one which I have never covered before on my podcast.

This week, I’m delighted to welcome back Dr Rahul Jandial, a dual-trained neurosurgeon and neurobiologist. He is an expert in brain health, a world-renowned brain surgeon who routinely undertakes complex cancer operations and he’s also the author of the brand-new book, ‘This is Why You Dream: What Your Sleeping Brain Reveals About Your Waking Life’.

During our conversation, Rahul explains his belief, that we sleep, in order to dream. When we are asleep, our brains are not resting but instead shift into a different state where areas linked to imagination and creativity become more active.

While dreams remain a largely unexplained phenomenon, Rahul shares his insights into common dream themes, the importance of dreams in childhood brain development, and the highly personal nature of dream interpretation. He also covers practical techniques for remembering dreams, the concept of lucid dreaming, the potential links between dreaming and future brain health, and also shares some profound insights about the brain at the time of death.

Throughout our conversation, Rahul emphasises that although dreams have captivated humans for centuries, they remain a mysterious and intensely personal aspect of our lives. However, if we approach our dreams with curiosity, they have the potential to gift us valuable insights about the contents of our minds and our emotions.

The topic of dreams clearly resonates with many of you - I received over 1,000 comments and questions about dreams when I announced this upcoming episode on my Instagram page. And, I’m happy to say that Rahul answers some of these questions throughout our discussion, offering his unique perspective as both a neuroscientist and a neurosurgeon.

So whether you're a vivid dreamer or someone who rarely remembers their dreams, this episode offers a captivating glimpse into our sleeping minds.

Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/feelbetterlivemore. For other podcast platforms go to https://fblm.supercast.com.

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Show notes https://drchatterjee.com/458

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

BITESIZE | The Secrets to Reversing Your Age and Living Longer | Dr Mark Hyman #457

30 maj 2024 | 17 min

How Smartphones Are Rewiring Our Brains, Why Social Media is Eradicating Childhood & The Truth About The Mental Health Epidemic with Jonathan Haidt #456

28 maj 2024 | 124 min

Today’s episode is about a topic that I am truly passionate about - the introduction of social media and smartphones into all aspects of our lives - and what impact this is having on us individually, collectively and, perhaps most urgently, what impact is this having on our children.

Jonathan Haidt is arguably one of the worlds’ most eminent psychologists. He is a Professor of Ethical Leadership at New York University’s Stern School of Business and the author of 4 best-selling books, including his latest The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness.

In this episode, Jonathan and I explore how the fundamental differences between online and real-world interactions are affecting young people's social, emotional and cognitive development. We discuss why girls face unique risks on social media, from damaged relationships and reputations to harassment, and how gaming and pornography are shaping boys' expectations of relationships.

Jonathan also shares some eye-opening data about the link between a decline in teen mental health and the widespread adoption of smartphones and social media. He emphasises the need for collective action to create healthier norms around technology use, both at home and in schools.

We dive into practical strategies for parents, including setting clear boundaries and prioritising hobbies and family time. Our conversation also touches on the challenges of navigating technology use in a world where the pace of change has been so fast.

Jonathan remains optimistic that we're nearing a tipping point and outlines four key norms we can all adopt with our children—even if they’re already dependent on their phones throughout the day. We also discuss in detail what we believe schools could be doing to help their students have less screen time and the importance of collaborating with other families to support healthier habits.

As a parent and a doctor, I'm deeply concerned about the mental health crisis facing our children and young people. But if, as a society, we can come together to raise awareness and take purposeful action, we can create a healthier future for the next generation.

I think this is one of the most important conversations that I have ever had on my podcast. Jonathan and I both believe that the rewiring of our children’s brains to be one of the most urgent societal harms that needs addressing. My hope is that you find this conversation eye opening, enlightening and thought provoking - and I very much hope it prompts you to take action.

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Show notes https://drchatterjee.com/456

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

BITESIZE | The Surprising Truth About Exercise and Keeping Your Brain Healthy | Dr Tommy Wood #455

23 maj 2024 | 16 min

How To Live Your Life Without Regret, The Importance of Speaking Your Truth & Why Silencing Yourself Impacts Your Health & Happiness with Africa Brooke #454

21 maj 2024 | 128 min

How often do you stop yourself from saying what you really think for fear of being rejected, punished, or not fitting in? Whether it's sharing our true thoughts at work, online, or with loved ones, self-censorship can prevent us from fully expressing ourselves and living authentically. It can also have profoundly negative consequences for our health and happiness.

This week’s guest is Africa Brooke, an internationally recognised consultant, accredited coach, public speaker and podcaster. She’s also the author of the wonderful new book, The Third Perspective: Brave Expression in the Age of Intolerance.

In our conversation, Africa explains the different ways in which we silence ourselves and the severe consequences, over time, when we don’t change course. She also explains the importance of creating a culture where everyone has room to mess up, stumble, learn and grow - privately and publicly - without the overwhelming pressure to be perfect.

Africa shares her journey with addiction and reveals how it taught her valuable lessons about the importance of self-honesty and authentic expression for personal wellbeing and growth. She emphasises that the path to overcoming self-censorship starts with self-awareness, taking responsibility for our values, and practising honest expression, even if it feels uncomfortable.

We also explore how we can better approach disagreements with others, the importance of avoiding absolutist thinking and how we can model healthy expression for our children, by showing up as our imperfect selves - by living and speaking our truth, we build trust and give them permission to do the same.

I think Africa is someone who is talking about a crucially important topic in the most beautiful, profound and compassionate way. My hope is that this conversation serves as a powerful reminder of the freedom and wholeness that comes with authentic self-expression and how embracing our true voice is a courageous and transformative act.

Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/feelbetterlivemore. For other podcast platforms go to https://fblm.supercast.com.

Thanks to our sponsors:

Show notes https://drchatterjee.com/454

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

BITESIZE | Do This Every Day to Reduce Stress, Boost Immunity & Increase Resilience | Dr Susanna Søberg #453

16 maj 2024 | 17 min

The Science of Rituals & How They Can Transform Our Health, Happiness and Relationships with Professor Michael Norton #452

14 maj 2024 | 108 min

Have you ever thought about the role that rituals play in our health and wellbeing? Whether it's a morning routine, a pre-game warmup, or a cultural tradition, rituals can provide us with structure, meaning, and connection.

Today’s guest is Professor Michael Norton, Professor of Business Administration at Harvard Business School and author of the brand new book, The Ritual Effect: The Transformative Power of Our Everyday Actions, which delves into the science and psychology behind, why turning everyday habits into rituals can improve our work, our relationships and our lives.

In this conversation, Michael and I explore the fascinating world of rituals and how they impact on our mental and physical health. We discuss the distinction between rituals and routines, why they can be really helpful in making our habits stick over the long term and how, by providing order and structure, they can help us manage overwhelm and stress.

We also explore how rituals foster community and connection, how elite athletes like Serena Williams use rituals to enhance performance and mental preparation, and how team rituals, like the New Zealand rugby team’s iconic Hakka, are a great example of how ritual behaviours boost togetherness and collective identity.

Michael and I also share some of our own personal rituals - including the preparation rituals I go through each week to prepare for this podcast. And, we also acknowledge that rituals can become problematic if taken to an extreme and the importance of maintaining a healthy relationship with them, using them as tools for self-improvement rather than allowing them to be in control of us.

Ultimately, this is a conversation that offers a compelling case for the power of rituals in enhancing our health and happiness. Whether you're an athlete striving for peak performance, or simply someone looking to live a more fulfilled life, I think you’ll find that understanding the "ritual effect" can be truly transformative.

Find out more about my NEW Journal here https://drchatterjee.com/journal

Thanks to our sponsors:

Show notes https://drchatterjee.com/452

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

BITESIZE | A 103-year-old Doctor’s #1 Secret to Health and Happiness | Dr Gladys McGarey #451

9 maj 2024 | 17 min

How To Eat To Boost Your Body’s Natural Defences & Avoid The Foods That Weaken Them with Dr William Li #450

7 maj 2024 | 89 min

Today’s guest passionately believes that the decisions we make every day about what we eat, have a huge influence on our overall health. Dr William Li is a medical doctor, internal medicine specialist, research scientist and the author of the 2 international bestsellers, Eat to Beat Disease and Eat To Beat Your Diet. He works in a field of research called Food as Medicine and having been involved with the development of many different drugs over the past few decades, he is passionate about using scientific rigour to analyse the specific benefits of food.

Dr Li has been a guest on my podcast on 2 previous occasions - Episodes 234 and 376 - and those episodes remain some of the most downloaded episodes in the history of my show. Today’s brand new episode was actually a conversation Dr Li and I recorded together around 2 years ago, but the content within it, is just as relevant today.

In this conversation, we covered a broad range of food related topics that people often find confusing, with the intention of providing more clarity. We start off talking about the foods we might want to consider cutting back on, due to their negative effects on our health. We talk about sugar, artificial sweeteners, ultra-processed foods, alcohol, and the problems with reusing oil when frying.

We also talk about the practical steps we can all take immediately, when it comes to choosing foods that will enhance both our short term and long-term health.

We cover so many different topics today, including:

how you can go about choosing a good quality olive oil,
the benefits of pairing certain foods together to increase nutrient absorption,
how we can increase the amount of vitamin D in mushrooms,
why organic foods are healthier,
how to best read food labels,
the link between the foods we consume and autoimmune disease,
whether supplements are beneficial, and so much more.

Dr Li is someone who wants joy to be at the heart of how we think about our food choices and our health. He is knowledgeable, passionate and a wonderful communicator. I always enjoy my conversations with him, I hope you enjoy listening.

Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/feelbetterlivemore. For other podcast platforms go to https://fblm.supercast.com.

Thanks to our sponsors:

Show notes https://drchatterjee.com/450

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

BITESIZE | The Simple Habit to Manage Daily Stress and Overwhelm | Tony Riddle #449

2 maj 2024 | 15 min

A Proven Prescription for Health and Happiness: Why Being Able To Forgive Improves Your Physical & Mental Wellbeing with Dr Fred Luskin #448

30 april 2024 | 106 min

What does the word forgiveness mean to you? If the very idea of letting go of a past hurt makes you feel indignant or upset, then listening to this podcast could be one of the best gifts you give yourself.

Today’s guest wants us all to understand why forgiveness matters for our mental and physical health. Dr Frederic Luskin is a clinical psychologist, researcher and speaker who has been teaching at Stanford University for the past 30 years. As Director of the Stanford University Forgiveness Projects, he has taught tens of thousands of people to live happier and more fulfilled lives through the practice of forgiveness, gratitude and meditation.

Although 20 years old, his book Forgive for Good: A Proven Prescription for Health and Happiness, is as relevant today as it ever was. Based on groundbreaking scientific research, it provides practical strategies for letting go of grudges and resentments. And offers startling insight into the healing powers and medical benefits of forgiveness, and its profound impact on our lives.

Fred explains how our past hurts are stored in our bodies. People who are able to forgive are physically more relaxed. Their blood pressure and central nervous system normalise, their perception of pain lowers, their risk of depression and anxiety goes down. Crucially, their relationships are more open and trusting, so they feel less alone.

This is such powerful knowledge to have. Most of us can probably think of an example where we’ve allowed something that’s happened in the past to sabotage our present. Not letting go of old hurts can be a way of trying to protect ourselves and control the future. But Fred points out this is a coping mechanism to stop us acknowledging when we are vulnerable. True resilience means sitting with that discomfort and learning that it will pass.

Of course this doesn’t mean we don’t have a right to be devastated if our partner has an affair or our boss treats us badly. It’s vital to feel the hurt and process your feelings, says Fred. But if you’re still living in the negative emotions months or years later, it’s time to move on.

If that sounds easier said than done, rest assured that Fred has plenty of inspiring examples and practical suggestions to help you forgive. He is adamant that forgiveness is a choice and a skill anyone can learn. And you start by giving yourself permission to enjoy your present and future, unbound by the past.

I really enjoyed my conversation with Fred and completely agree with him that forgiveness is an undervalued human skill. It may feel hard to access, but it is a brave choice and one that in any given situation will trigger a cascade of rewards. I hope this conversation prompts you to reconsider some of your past hurts and move forwards with self-compassion and freedom.

Dr Chatterjee's Journal https://drchatterjee.com/journal

Thanks to our sponsors:

Show notes https://drchatterjee.com/448

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

BITESIZE | How To Heal Chronic Pain | Dr Howard Schubiner #447

25 april 2024 | 21 min

Why Better Conversations Will Improve Your Health, Essential Skills To Enhance Your Relationships & Why Men Struggle To Open Up with Nihal Arthanayke #446

23 april 2024 | 121 min

Today we’re going meta, as they say. Because this is a conversation about…conversation. More than that, it’s a deep and meaningful exchange about why effective, authentic dialogue is so important to humankind – and yet seemingly in decline. And who better to exchange words with on this topic, than my fellow ‘professional conversationalist’, Nihal Arthanayake.

You may know Nihal as an acclaimed broadcaster and TV presenter. He presents a national daytime show on BBC Radio 5 Live, which has over 1.2 million regular listeners, and his unique style recently won him Interviewer of the Year at the BBC Radio and Music Awards. Nihal is a good friend, so I can testify to his ability to ‘give good chat’. But he’s also brilliant at having public conversations that are bold, thoughtful and honest. Guests from the world's biggest stars to leaders of inner-city gangs have lauded his ability to stimulate positive discussions without the need for confrontation.

In his wonderful book, Let’s Talk: How To Have Better Conversations, which has recently been released in paperback, Nihal explains that all the scientific evidence points towards us now sharing fewer conversations than we ever have done before. We may have hundreds of connections on social media, but fewer than ever in our daily lives. So, could learning the art of conversation be an antidote to loneliness?

In our conversation, we discuss the importance of empathy and active listening, with your heart and mind as well as your ears and eyes. Are you listening to understand, says Nihal, or simply to respond? We talk about vulnerability in conversation, why men in particular find that difficult, and why it feels so hard for male friends to exchange words like ‘I miss you’ or even ‘I love you’.

Nihal shares his personal experience and advice, such as how he’s approached conversations with friends who are going through tough times, or why he went to couples’ therapy with his wife on realising their interactions had become more transactional than conversational.

He also explains the evolution and psychology of dialogue, as well as the neuroscience of what’s happening in the brain during meaningful discourse. And he shares some powerful, high-profile case studies who’ve proved that it is possible to find common ground with anyone, even those who are your sworn enemies, by finding your common humanity.

I really think that the skills Nihal is encouraging us all to cultivate are essential if we are to live happy and contented lives, but also essential when it comes to our physical and mental wellbeing. This conversation was relaxed and light hearted but at the same time, powerful and provocative. As Nihal says, great conversation is the glue that binds us all together.

Find out more about my NEW Journal here https://drchatterjee.com/journal

Thanks to our sponsors:

Show notes https://drchatterjee.com/446

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

BITESIZE | The Simple Habit That Can Transform Your Life | Robert Greene #445

18 april 2024 | 15 min

The New Science Of Memory, How to Remember What Matters & Why We're Designed To Forget with Dr Charan Ranganath #444

16 april 2024 | 138 min

We often think about our memories as a record of the past – but what if they’re only a selective and evolving version of it? Today’s guest is a world-leading memory expert who has a surprising message: we’re not supposed to remember everything. In fact, our brains are designed to forget. And much of what you experience today will be lost by tomorrow.

Dr Charan Ranganath is Professor of Psychology and Neuroscience and Director of the Dynamic Memory Lab at the University of California at Davis. For more than 25 years, he has studied the mechanisms in the brain that allow us to remember past events, using brain imaging techniques, computational modelling and research on patients with memory disorders. The occasion for his appearance on my podcast is the publication of his wonderful new book, Why We Remember: The Science of Memory and How it Shapes Us, which challenges, educates and enlightens, on so much of what we thought to be true about memories.

In this fascinating conversation, he explains that the seemingly selective and unreliable nature of human memory doesn't reveal laziness, distraction or early dementia. Instead, it shows that our brains have not evolved to keep a comprehensive record of events. Rather than live in the past, the brain’s job is to extract the information it needs, to guide our futures.

We also discuss how memories create our sense of self. We learn that our memory is an unreliable narrator but that we can use this to our advantage. By changing our perspective on traumatic experiences, we can feel differently about them in the present – a theory on which many forms of therapy are based.

We also discuss our brain’s ability to change – its plasticity – and how we’re most likely to remember life’s emotional experiences as well as its new and surprising ones. Charan explains why music and smells are evocative cues, why it’s never too late to learn new skills, and why forgetting is a sign of an efficient brain - in fact, one of Charan’s key insights is that we shouldn’t strive to remember more, but to remember better.

This is a fascinating conversation, full of fresh ideas, wisdom and practical advice about a topic that deeply matters to all of us.

Find out more about my NEW Journal here https://drchatterjee.com/journal

Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/feelbetterlivemore. For other podcast platforms go to https://fblm.supercast.com.

Thanks to our sponsors:

Show notes https://drchatterjee.com/444

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

BITESIZE | Avoid These 3 Foods For Better Brain Health | Max Lugavere #443

11 april 2024 | 19 min

How to Silence Your Inner Critic (and Why You Should) with Dr Kristin Neff (Re-Release) #442

9 april 2024 | 89 min

CAUTION ADVISED: this podcast contains mild swear words and themes of an adult nature.

This week, I have decided to re-release a conversation that originally came out over three years ago, all the way back in March 2021. Since then, this podcast has attracted many new listeners who perhaps will not have heard this particular conversation. And to me, this is an episode that speaks to one of the most important topics when it comes to improving our health and happiness - compassion. But I'm not talking about compassion for others, I'm talking about compassion for ourselves, and how this is a crucial ingredient that is often overlooked when it comes to living a happier and healthier life. Even if you did hear the original episode, I still think it is worth re-listening as this is a topic that we could all do with a reminder on from time to time.

Dr Kristin Neff is a professor at the University of Texas in the department of psychology. She’s co-founder of the Center for Mindful Self-Compassion and the author of several best-selling books on the topic. In our conversation, Kristin explains what self-compassion is and why it matters. She explains the difference between self-compassion and self-esteem. Self-compassion is not about making excuses for yourself nor is it about self-pity, instead, it is very much an active, mindful state.

Now I know that the very notion of self-love can make a lot of people feel very uncomfortable. Kristin explains why this might be and shares many different ways we can give ourselves compassion. She recommends that people experiment and find a method that feels easy and pleasant for them.

We also talk about the ever-present problem of our brain’s ‘inner critic’ and how our parents influence the way we talk to ourselves. She also explains why self-compassion is most definitely not selfish, in fact, people who have it are kinder, more loving and less controlling of others.

Kristin also makes a key distinction between acts of self-care – such as taking a bath, having a massage – and self-compassion. She explains that self-compassion is actually a state of mind. It’s not something you have to do, it doesn’t take time or resources. It’s simply the opposite of being self-critical. It’s a way of thinking that has your own best interests at heart. But, this way of thinking doesn’t come naturally to us. As humans, we are hard-wired for self-criticism - it’s an evolutionary mechanism that makes us feel safe. But when navigating life, who do you want in your head: an enemy who belittles you or a friend who supports you?

At the end of our conversation, Kristin takes us through a beautiful practical exercise in finding self-compassion that I think you will really enjoy. This is such an important topic that doesn’t get spoken about enough in the conversation around health – I hope you enjoy listening.

Find out more about my NEW Journal here https://drchatterjee.com/journal

Thanks to our sponsors:

Show notes https://drchatterjee.com/442

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

BITESIZE | The #1 Lesson From The World’s Longest Scientific Study of Happiness | Robert Waldinger and Marc Schulz #441

4 april 2024 | 20 min

Dr Gabor Maté: The 5 Life Lessons People Learn Too Late, Why We Should Stop Trying To Live Longer & How Curiosity Leads To Compassion #440

2 april 2024 | 84 min

Since his first appearance on Feel Better Live More, way back in 2018, Dr Gabor Maté has become a valued friend, as well as a regular guest. I’m proud to say that he recently joined me in London as a guest speaker on the Prescribing Lifestyle Medicine course that I co-created with Dr Ayan Panja, to teach healthcare professionals the principles of lifestyle medicine.

We recorded this conversation - Gabor’s 4th appearance on my show - a couple of weeks ago in London the day before that event, and we both agreed that it is perhaps our favourite conversation to date.

For anyone not aware, Gabor is respected the world over as an expert on trauma, stress, addiction and childhood development. He is a physician, speaker and international bestselling author of some truly game-changing books such as When the Body Says No and The Myth of Normal - which has just come out in paperback.

As this is Gabor’s 4th appearance on my podcast, I was keen to explore some new ground and different topics. Gabor has worked as a family doctor as well as in palliative (end of life) care. Back on Episode 383 of this podcast, I had a wonderful conversation with Bronnie Ware, author of the book, The Five Regrets of the Dying and I thought it would be interesting to examine each of these 5 regrets, through the lens of Gabor’s thoughts and work.

We chat through all five of these regrets and Gabor provides some thought-provoking insights on each of them. He explains why we work so hard to the detriment of time with family and friends. We talk about how disease can be a teacher, why it’s vital children grow up able to express their emotions, and how we wish more doctors were aware of the connection between emotions and physical health.

We discuss happiness and if it’s possible to be happy or seek happiness when there is so much suffering in the world. This leads us on to talk about the nature of forgiveness, curiosity, compassion, and also regret. Gabor says that living life with ‘no regrets’ is about learning and understanding from your perceived mistakes, but not being unkind to who you were then. Instead we should recognise that we did the best we could do at the time.

Like all of my previous episodes with Gabor, this is a powerful conversation full of compassion, knowledge and wisdom. I hope you enjoy listening.

Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/feelbetterlivemore. For other podcast platforms go to https://fblm.supercast.com.

Thanks to our sponsors:

Show notes https://drchatterjee.com/440

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

BITESIZE | How Your Brain Creates Your Conscious Reality | Professor Anil Seth #439

29 mars 2024 | 21 min

The Surprising Truth About Alcohol with Andy Ramage #438

27 mars 2024 | 126 min

Over the past five years, it’s been incredible to see how the alcohol-free landscape has changed. Pubs, restaurants and supermarkets boast a range of appealing 0% options. We’re seeing a rise in AF communities, influencers, bars and events. There has been a marked cultural shift towards acceptance of not drinking – and that’s in no small part down to today’s guest.

Andy Ramage is one of the world’s leading alcohol-free performance coaches. Since his first appearance on this podcast, in 2019, countless listeners have got in touch to share how they’ve transformed their lives by giving up alcohol.

Andy co-founded the One Year No Beer movement and recently co-created the Dryy app and AF community. Collectively, these innovations have helped hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of what he calls ‘middle lane’ moderate drinkers transform their health and happiness.

He is also the author of two best-selling books - The 28 Day Alcohol Free Challenge and Let’s Do This, and is one of only a few coaches to hold a Masters degree in coaching psychology and positive psychology.

Many of us discover alcohol as a teenager. We start to believe we can’t socialise, dance or talk to strangers without it – and we carry these myths with us long into adulthood. We think others will find us boring if we don’t drink. Hangovers become a celebrated end to a ‘great night out’. And we play down negative effects such as risky behaviour, poor sleep, low mood or junk food cravings.

Andy is passionate about reversing all these beliefs and behaviours. He explains his ‘ambivalence seesaw’ – a framework you can use to work out your current relationship with alcohol and start to shift it. We discuss why moderation isn’t a good tactic, why Dry January often fails, and why slip-ups are part of the learning process. And he shares some valuable advice on coping with social pressure to drink, and cultivating a kinder self-talk.

I’ve not drunk alcohol myself for four or five years now and I can honestly say there’s not a moment when I miss it. But like Andy, I’m not here to judge anyone else, simply to encourage you to try out the benefits we’ve both felt.

Andy is motivated, passionate and full of positivity, and someone who describes a life without alcohol, as a gift to yourself. He has managed to transform his own health, happiness and relationships and wants to inspire you to do the same.

Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/feelbetterlivemore. For other podcast platforms go to https://fblm.supercast.com.

Thanks to our sponsors:

Show notes https://drchatterjee.com/438

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

BITESIZE | 3 Steps to Unlock Your Full Potential and Become Limitless | Jim Kwik #437

22 mars 2024 | 18 min

How to Make New Habits Stick, Why You Can’t Break Old Habits and The Secret to Great Communication with Charles Duhigg #436

20 mars 2024 | 143 min

My philosophy as a doctor has always been connect first, educate second. People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care. And this goes for all relationships, not just doctor-patient.

Good communication is something we’d all like to master. And today’s guest, Charles Duhigg, author of Supercommunicators: How to Unlock the Secret Language of Connection, is here to help us do it. A graduate of Harvard Business School and Yale College, Charles has won a prestigious Pulitzer Prize for his investigative reporting and he is also the author of international bestselling book, The Power of Habit, which has sold over 10 million copies to date.

We start off our conversation, talking about habits, and why it is that so many of us struggle to make our new desired behaviours stick. The brain wants rewards and it needs cues. The trouble is we tend to let both of those things go, once we think a behaviour is becoming routine. But Charles shares that that’s exactly when we need to double down and take steps to make our new behaviours feel more enjoyable. We also discuss the science of small wins, momentum and the importance of keystone habits.

We then move on to talking about the importance of good communication. Good communication is inherently rewarding. It’s how humans connect, form families,

villages, and share information. Charles believes all of us are capable of being supercommunicators and having more meaningful conversations. And during this episode, he explains some of the skills involved, such as mirroring others and asking deeper questions – those that probe feelings not facts.

Finally, we talk about how fear of saying the wrong thing can often stop us from being vulnerable and connecting, why supercommunicators ask 10 to 20 times more questions than the average person and how they often shine in group situations, not by being the ‘ideas person’, but by giving the right people a spotlight.

This was a truly wonderful conversation - full of practical insights to help you build better habits and become a better communicator in all aspects of your life.

Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/feelbetterlivemore. For other podcast platforms go to https://fblm.supercast.com.

Find out more about my NEW Journal here https://drchatterjee.com/journal

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Show notes https://drchatterjee.com/436

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

BITESIZE | Reduce Stress and Anxiety With These Powerful Breathing Practices | Dr Nicole Le Pera #435

15 mars 2024 | 15 min

Why Running Isn’t Bad For Your Knees, How To Exercise Without Pain & Move Faster (Without Even Trying!) with Helen Hall #434

13 mars 2024 | 165 min

Today I’m thrilled to welcome my dear friend, Helen Hall back to the podcast. Helen is a movement therapist, a running coach, a pain expert and one of the best coaches in any modality that I have ever come across. She has had a lifelong passion for analysing posture and movement, and her clients include elite athletes, whether they be runners, cyclists or premier league footballers, but also everyday folk who simply want to walk or run pain-free.

She combines objective clarity from the most advanced motion analysis technology in the world, with 46 years of visual experience and study in the field, to seek out the root causes of chronic pain and injury, that often seem resistant to standard treatment protocols.

In order to help more people than those able to visit her in person, she first shared her movement philosophy in her wonderful book ‘Even With Your Shoes On’. She has gone on to create a series of online videos to help more people move pain-free. Helen has also launched an online course called ‘PFM Pilot’ which is getting fantastic reviews - it is aimed at both professionals working in the field of movement, pain and injury, and also amateurs who are keen to learn more and help themselves.

Helen first came on my podcast on Episode 216 in November 2021 and many of you got in touch to say how helpful the tools shared in that episode were.

In this conversation, we continue where we left off:

We talk again about the vital importance of our head position – and how to become aware of how you’re holding your own head, if you’re struggling to know.
We bust the myth that running is bad for your knees.
We discuss walk-run strategies and how they can help all of us reduce injury, recover more quickly and run faster.
We discuss why ‘foot wiping’ - a very simple practice that I do on most days - could help you move with more ease.
We talk about the importance of spending time barefoot.
We discuss minimalist shoes and why we are both big fans.

Since I began working with Helen she’s become a cherished friend, whose wisdom and insights cover much more than walking and running. Her message for this brilliant episode is straightforward and optimistic: think about your head, think about your feet – and don’t assume that you can no longer move without pain. She is an inspiring lady, this is an inspiring conversation, I hope you enjoy listening.

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Show notes https://drchatterjee.com/434

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

BITESIZE | How the Modern Epidemic of Perfectionism is Impacting Our Health | Will Storr #433

8 mars 2024 | 18 min

The Real Cause of Belly Fat, How To Fix Your Metabolism & Why Your Liver Is More Important Than You Think with Professor Robert Lustig #432

6 mars 2024 | 123 min

Twenty percent of obese people are in metabolically great health. Meanwhile sixty percent of supposedly ‘healthy’ weight people are metabolically unwell and at risk of a host of chronic diseases. With this in mind, do we need to change our thinking about what ‘being fat’ really means?

Today, I’m thrilled to welcome back Dr Robert Lustig, a leading public health authority who for many years has been trying to expose the truth behind the food industry and the many myths within modern medicine. Rob is Professor Emeritus of Paediatrics, Division of Endocrinology at the University of California, San Francisco He is the author of multiple books including Metabolical: The Truth About Processed Food and How it Poisons People and the Planet.

Robert first came onto my podcast back on episode 251 when we took a deep dive into what happens inside our bodies when we consume excess sugar. In today’s conversation, we do touch again on the impact of sugar on human health but the main focus is on the three different sites in the body where we deposit fat: subcutaneous (which you can see and feel); visceral (stress-related fat around the middle), and liver fat. It’s only the first of these that you’re likely to notice on the scales – but it’s the latter two, says Rob, that really determine your health.

We talk about why it’s stress not food that largely drives dangerous visceral - the fat that surrounds our organs - and Rob’s view that chronic stress underpins metabolic, mental, global and planetary health.

We also discuss

how a minimally processed, wholefood diet can mitigate stress and weight gain
why he’s not a fan of fructose, nor the glycaemic index
why he thinks that continuous glucose monitors (CGM) can help the general population, not just those with diabetes
why the liver may well be the body’s most important organ when it comes to metabolic health, and some of the key tests we can do to assess our own liver health
And we also talk about alcohol, fruit, honey and many more topics that will help you make empowered decisions for you and your family’s health.

Rob’s work has changed many people’s lives around the world and his message deserves to be heard loud and clear. He is knowledgeable, passionate and someone who is not afraid to say what he thinks. I always enjoy talking to him, I hope you enjoy listening.

Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/feelbetterlivemore. For other podcast platforms go to https://fblm.supercast.com.

Thanks to our sponsors:

Show notes https://drchatterjee.com/432

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

BITESIZE | How To Achieve Your Most Ambitious Goals in 2024 | Eliud Kipchoge #431

1 mars 2024 | 16 min

How To Live A Happy and Contented Life, Why Wealth Is Nothing To Do With Money & Why Hacks Don’t Work with Morgan Housel #430

28 februari 2024 | 69 min

When John D Rockefeller was asked how much money was enough, he famously replied, “Just a little bit more.” This quote is often used to illustrate our hard-to-shake view that money will solve all life’s problems. But as today’s guest is keen to point out, it probably won’t. Because life’s true riches don’t have a £-sign in front of them.

Today’s guest is the multi award-winning financial writer and bestselling author Morgan Housel. Morgan is a partner at The Collaborative Fund and a former columnist at The Wall Street Journal.

In his first book, The Psychology of Money, Morgan explains how doing well with finance is less about what you know and more about how you behave. This is an idea that I believe applies equally to health. That book became a global sensation and to date has sold over 4 million copies. And his second book, Same as Ever:Timeless Lessons on Risk, Opportunity and Living a Good Life has just come out.

Morgan explains that in finance, as in health, we generally don’t want to put in the hard work over the long term. We want shortcuts, secret hacks, silver bullets. Yet, he says, basic truths and principles remain the same as ever.

We also talk about the relationship between money and happiness, the relationship between our finances and our health, the real meaning of wealth and the importance of having a sense of control.

We discuss the problems with black and white thinking, the dangers of social comparison, the difference between success and happiness, and why we need to be careful about who we look up to.

At its core, this is a conversation about what it really means to live a happy and contented life.

There’s a quote from Lao Tzu, that I really like: “He who knows he has enough is rich.” It’s such simple yet profound advice. And it chimes with Morgan’s ultimate message, that whatever your current financial situation, what’s going to make you happy is probably not what you think.

This is a thought provoking conversation that I’m pretty sure will have you thinking deeply about your life.

Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/feelbetterlivemore. For other podcast platforms go to https://fblm.supercast.com.

Find out more about my NEW Journal here https://drchatterjee.com/journal

Thanks to our sponsors:

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Show notes https://drchatterjee.com/430

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

BITESIZE | How Exercise Changes Your Brain and Reduces Your Risk of Depression | Dr Anders Hansen #429

23 februari 2024 | 12 min

How To Spot A Narcissist, The Impact of Toxic Relationships & Building Healthy Boundaries with Dr Ramani Durvasula #428

21 februari 2024 | 112 min

Whether it’s on the political stage, in the world of celebrity, or across social media, the word narcissist is used a lot these days. The same goes for terms like ‘gaslighting’. But do we really understand what they mean? Is their increased use a good thing, shining a light on toxic behaviours to beware of? Or do we risk diluting their impact – undermining what it really means to be stuck in a narcissistic relationship?

This episode takes a frank look at all these questions and more, with licensed clinical psychologist Dr Ramani Durvasula. She’s Professor of Psychology at California State University, a world-renowned expert on the impact of personality and personality disorders on health and behaviour and someone who is extremely passionate about the impact that narcissism can have on physical health, mental health and relationships. She has written several books, including the latest, It’s Not You: How to Identify and Heal from Narcissistic People.

We begin by exploring the true meaning of narcissism, its prevalence within society, the evolutionary explanation for narcissistic traits, the impact that narcissistic behaviours can have on our relationships and why it is that society seems to reward these traits, making them synonymous with success and fame.

Dr Ramani believes too many people are harmed by narcissists. As a survivor herself, she’s made it her life’s work to raise awareness of how they can wreak havoc in relationships, families, workplaces and more. By exposing the traits and refusing to celebrate them, she wants to empower and protect people’s health.

It’s Not You is the title of her book because Dr Ramani wants survivors of narcissism to know they’re not at fault. She believes you can get to a place of ‘radical acceptance’ where, even if you can’t leave, you can acknowledge a person’s behaviour is not OK and you’re not at fault. And during this conversation she outlines some of the ways you can get there, how you can protect yourself in future, and how to start healing if you have been hurt.

This conversation is slightly different in topic and tone from what you may be used to on this podcast. But I do think that this is an important topic that is probably not spoken about enough. For me, it really was an honour to have such a deep and honest conversation about this topic with someone as passionate and articulate as Dr Ramani. I hope you enjoy listening.

Find out more about my NEW Journal here https://drchatterjee.com/journal

Thanks to our sponsors:

Show notes https://drchatterjee.com/428

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

BITESIZE | The Benefits of Fasting for Health and Longevity | Dr Mindy Pelz #427

16 februari 2024 | 18 min

A Guide To Self-Mastery, How Restrictions Lead To Freedom & Discovering Happiness with Shaolin Master Shi Heng Yi #426

14 februari 2024 | 100 min

For today’s episode, I’m honoured to welcome Master Shi Heng Yi. He belongs to the 35th generation of Shaolin Masters and began practising Kung Fu at the age of four. In the 36 years since, he’s acquired a wealth of knowledge in Chinese martial arts and Zen Buddhism. He’s now headmaster of the Shaolin Temple Europe in Germany, responsible for the physical and mental development of all the students and disciples of the Buddhist Order in Otterberg.

Along with the free videos he posts regularly to YouTube, Shi Heng Yi has several online training courses via his website, to help teach the basics of the ancient practices he lives by. He wants to bring the wisdom of ‘self-mastery’ to the world in a practical, tangible way – and he does just that in this episode.

This is a wonderful, profound conversation that explores what self-mastery means. While mastering a skill can be taught by others, self-mastery is a personal matter. Our awareness is naturally drawn outwards in life, so we need to cultivate the ability to look inwards.

We discuss some of the ways we can start to do this, from practices of mindfulness and gratitude, to following a structured day. Shi Heng Yi explains what we can learn from the restrictions of temple life, how to identify our attachments and find happiness and freedom within us. Self-mastery, he says, means choosing the middle path of harmony, balance and stability.

We discuss the notion of ‘owning’ ideas and wisdom and discuss the fact that there is no truly original thought. Shi Heng Yi explains that he is not sharing his teachings with the world, only what he has learned and witnessed in life. Everything is infinite so already exists somewhere. Finally, Master Shi Heng Yi explains a beautiful concept – and caution – that our thoughts can shape our destiny.

It really was a privilege for me to have an in-depth discussion with such a knowledgeable, wise and compassionate man. I hope you enjoy listening.

Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/feelbetterlivemore. For other podcast platforms go to https://fblm.supercast.com.

Find out more about my NEW Journal here https://drchatterjee.com/journal

Thanks to our sponsors:

Show notes https://drchatterjee.com/426

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

BITESIZE | The 5 Regrets of the Dying: Life Lessons Everybody Learns Too Late | Bronnie Ware  #425

9 februari 2024 | 17 min

What do you think you might be saying on your deathbed? Will you be looking back at your life with a sense of joy and completeness, or, do you think that perhaps you might be consumed with regret?

As today’s guest shares, “It’s easy to assume that you will live with great health to a ripe old age, then die peacefully in your sleep wearing your favourite pyjamas but it doesn’t work out that way for most people…”

Feel Better Live More Bitesize is my weekly podcast for your mind, body, and heart. Each week I’ll be featuring inspirational stories and practical tips from some of my former guests.

Today’s clip is from episode 383 of the podcast with former palliative care nurse, internationally acclaimed speaker, and author of the book ‘The Top 5 Regrets of the Dying’, Bronnie Ware.

Appreciating we are going to die can be the first step to getting more out of our lives and, in this clip, Bronnie shares some of the life lessons that people often learn too late.

Thanks to our sponsor https://www.drinkag1.com/livemore

Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/feelbetterlivemore. For other podcast platforms go to https://fblm.supercast.com.

Find out more about my NEW Journal here https://drchatterjee.com/journal and click here https://drchatterjee.com/events to join me at an exclusive event on 29th February.

Show notes and the full podcast are available at drchatterjee.com/383

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DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

How Separate Beds Can Boost Your Relationship, The Truth About Sleep Supplements & Naps, Reducing Night Time Peeing & The New Science Of The Body Clock with Professor Russell Foster #424

7 februari 2024 | 131 min

Prepare to learn everything you wanted to know about sleep (but were too tired to ask). For today’s episode I’m welcoming back Professor Russell Foster, one of the world’s foremost experts on circadian rhythms and sleep. Russell is Professor of Circadian Neuroscience at the University of Oxford and author of the fantastic Life Time: The New Science Of The Body Clock And How It Can Revolutionise Your Sleep and Health.

The last time I spoke with Russell (on episode 292), we took a deep dive into circadian rhythms, chronotypes, and how best to live in sync with our body clocks. This conversation picks up where we left off and takes in some of the very latest evidence on using circadian science to optimise sleep.

Among many topics, we cover whether you should share a bed with your partner, whether sleep trackers are useful or not, and why routine is key. We discuss the vital importance of daytime light, minimising evening light, helping kids avoid screen time, and how our body temperature cycle affects sleep.

Russell shares the latest research on sleeping pills, magnesium and melatonin and the best ways to use them. We also cover the issue of waking to pee in the night, the importance of rest and relaxation, naps, sound frequency therapy, and weighted blankets.

It’s easy to think that good sleep is something you ‘get’ or miss out on. But Russell wants all of us to know that sleep is dynamic, flexible, and within our control.

This really is a wonderful conversation, jam-packed with practical insights that you can use immediately to improve how you sleep, wake and live.

Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/feelbetterlivemore. For other podcast platforms go to https://fblm.supercast.com.

Find out more about my NEW Journal here https://drchatterjee.com/journal and click here https://drchatterjee.com/events to join me at an exclusive event on 29th February.

Thanks to our sponsors:

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Show notes https://drchatterjee.com/424

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

BITESIZE | The Most Critical Factor for Overall Health and Longevity | Dr Peter Attia  #423

2 februari 2024 | 13 min

How To Work Out Less And Get Fitter, The Secrets of Sustainable Fitness, What We Can All Learn From The World’s Best Athletes & Understanding The Stress Load of Exercise with Professor Stephen Seiler #422

31 januari 2024 | 140 min

Whether your fitness goal is completing an Ironman race, jogging a 5K, or simply tackling the stairs without getting out of breath, today’s guest has some surprising news on how you can get there quicker, by putting in less – yes, less – effort.

World-renowned sports scientist Professor Stephen Seiler joins us all the way from Norway, where he’s a professor in Sports Science at the University of Agder. Stephen specialises in studying elite-level sports performance. He’s spent years taking a 360-degree look at how top cyclists, rowers, cross-country skiers, orienteers, and distance runners, perform at such a high level without getting sick or injured.

As well as 100 peer reviewed publications, he regularly shares his findings on his YouTube channel and his X (formerly known as Twitter) feed. And, as his research cascades down to people like you and me, it’s becoming increasingly clear that what’s tried and tested in the elite, is equally if not more meaningful for us.

During this conversation, you’ll learn the 80:20 rule that Stephen has observed to be the most effective for performance and health. He explains why hard workouts are a stressor on the body, putting us in fight-or-flight mode – so they’ll increase your risk of burnout if the rest of your life is stressful too.

There are various ways to measure intensity, including lab-based tests. But Stephen explains his simple traffic light method – green, yellow and red – and what it feels like to be in each zone. He also explains his model of frequency, duration and intensity as a way of scaling your fitness up or down, whatever your starting point.

There are all sorts of health, wellbeing, metabolic and performance benefits to be had from staying in the green zone more. It’s something I’m discovering for myself over the past few years and I’ve got to say that I’m feeling fantastic as a result. I absolutely love Stephen’s work and I really hope this fascinating conversation helps get the message out that you can achieve a lot more by doing a little less.

Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/feelbetterlivemore. For other podcast platforms go to https://fblm.supercast.com.

Find out more about my NEW Journal here https://drchatterjee.com/journal

Thanks to our sponsors:

Show notes https://drchatterjee.com/422

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

BITESIZE | Do This Every Day to Reduce Stress and Anxiety and Improve Focus | Dr Andrew Huberman #421

26 januari 2024 | 16 min

How To Get Well and Stay Well: 6 Healthy Habits We All Need To Know with Dr Gemma Newman #420

24 januari 2024 | 125 min

What is it that really makes us healthy? Is it regular trips to the doctor, a swift diagnosis, and medicine when we need it? Or do we need a more holistic approach? Today’s guest believes it is the latter.

Dr Gemma Newman has been a family doctor in the NHS for 20 years. She is regularly invited to speak and teach all over the world and is incredibly passionate about treating body, mind and spirit as one - and this forms the basis of her brand new book, Get Well Stay Well - The Six Healing Health Habits You Need To Know.

Like me, Gemma increasingly found that her conventional medical training wasn’t yielding positive results for many of her patients - so she decided to take a more open-minded approach, studying nutrition, psychotherapy and a range of other holistic methods and combined them with her conventional medical practice. And, very soon, she began to see radical transformations in the health of her patients.

It’s this holistic method that Gemma explains in our conversation today, using the acronym GLOVES - which points to six key areas of life we can address if we want to get well and stay well. They’re ways of thinking, being and doing that should be front and centre in our lifestyles, and, of course, we discuss them all during our conversation together.

Crucially, Gemma, believes the first step in any effective, lasting behaviour change is finding self-compassion, and her approach will help you trust your inner wisdom, feel more in control, and stop outsourcing your wellbeing to the doctor’s surgery. And in a world where ‘wellness’ often comes with a hefty price tag, her suggestions are all free.

Gemma writes and speaks from the heart and I think you will really enjoy this conversation.

Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/feelbetterlivemore. For other podcast platforms go to https://fblm.supercast.com.

Find out more about my NEW Journal here https://drchatterjee.com/journal

Thanks to our sponsors:

Show notes https://drchatterjee.com/420

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

BITESIZE | The New Science of Eating Well | Professor Tim Spector #419

19 januari 2024 | 18 min

The Crucial Importance of Strength Training, How To Make Healthy Habits Stick & Living a Strong & Healthy Life with Dr Gabrielle Lyon #418

17 januari 2024 | 95 min

My guest today believes that the single biggest problem with our health these days is not that we carry too much fat but that we don’t carry enough muscle. She believes that if we start to focus and prioritise our largest organ – our muscle – we can burn more fat, improve our body composition, decrease our risk of disease and increase our energy levels.

Dr Gabrielle Lyon has a doctorate in osteopathic medicine and is board-certified in family medicine. She earned her undergraduate degree in Human Nutrition from the University of Illinois and completed a research & clinical fellowship in Nutritional Science and Geriatrics at Washington University. She is the founder of the Institute for Muscle Centric-Medicine™ and the author of a brand new book, Forever Strong: A New, Science-backed Strategy for Aging Well.

Dr Lyon first appeared on my podcast about 18 months ago. In that conversation, she made the compelling case that the quality of our lives is directly related to the health of our muscles. She explained how having more muscle can improve our metabolism, reverse insulin resistance, reduce our risk of disease, protect our skeleton and improve our mobility and balance. She also explained the critical role of resistance training and the importance of consuming adequate protein.

In this conversation, we pick up where we left off. We cover:

The crucial importance of muscle mass for all of us
The relationship between the health of our muscles and the health of our brains
The role of mindset when it comes to implementing new health-promoting behaviours
How to make healthy habits stick
Her exact exercise recommendations for both the time-pressed individual and the time-rich individual
How to reframe stress to make it work for us
The impact of sleep loss on our ability to build muscle
Why Dr Lyon is not such a huge fan of goals!!

This is a truly empowering conversation, built on the idea that ageing well is a choice. It is jam-packed with practical, real-world insights. I hope you enjoy listening.

Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/feelbetterlivemore. For other podcast platforms go to https://fblm.supercast.com.

Find out more about my NEW Journal here https://drchatterjee.com/journal

Thanks to our sponsors:

Show notes https://drchatterjee.com/418

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

BITESIZE | Why Anxiety Is Your Superpower | Dr Wendy Suzuki #417

12 januari 2024 | 18 min

The Truth About Stress, Belly Fat, Alcohol and Journalling & How To Tune Into Your Body & Mind with Neuroscientist Tara Swart #416

10 januari 2024 | 132 min

For today’s brand new episode, I’m pleased to welcome back the wonderful Dr Tara Swart. Tara is a neuroscientist, a former medical doctor & psychiatrist, a lecturer at MIT, an executive coach and author of the bestselling book, The Source. She also hosts the podcast Reinvent Yourself with Dr Tara.

If you’ve listened to my two previous episodes with Tara, you’ll remember her unique talent for using neuroscience and behavioural psychology to probe ideas, theories, and practices that many believe work, but we’re not sure why.

This insightful and often unusual episode takes a deep and meaningful look at stress - what exactly it is, what impact it has on health and how it predisposes us to storing fat. We also discuss the most effective ways to manage stress, the best ways to build resilience and the benefits of practices like journalling.

We really do cover a whole variety of different topics today including metacognition, the definition of spirituality, what exactly intuition and interoception are, and how we can use them to get to know our minds and bodies more intimately. We talk about rituals, the incredible power of creativity, beauty, and time spent in nature. And finally, we ask some big questions around the topic of death and consciousness, which Tara is increasingly drawn to studying.

If you’re someone who’s interested in alternative thinking and new ideas, but likes the reassurance of scientific backing, Tara’s warmth and wisdom will tick all your boxes. If you’re a sceptic - well, this conversation might just open your mind.

Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/feelbetterlivemore. For other podcast platforms go to https://fblm.supercast.com.

Find out more about my NEW Journal here https://drchatterjee.com/journal

Thanks to our sponsors:

Show notes https://drchatterjee.com/416

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

BITESIZE | How to Eat to Beat Disease | Dr William Li #415

5 januari 2024 | 19 min

Why You Can’t Stop Eating Ultra-Processed Foods: Dr Chris Van Tulleken #414

3 januari 2024 | 149 min

Why do we all eat stuff that isn’t food and why can’t we stop? In this episode, Dr Chris van Tulleken, author of Ultra-Processed People explains all. As well as being one of the UK’s leading science broadcasters, Chris is a practising infectious diseases doctor in the NHS. He gained his medical degree at Oxford University and his PhD in molecular virology from University College London, where he is an associate professor. He works closely with the World Health Organization and UNICEF, and his research looks at how corporations affect human health.

In this episode, Chris explores what may be the biggest public health crisis of our time: ultra-processed food, or UPF, for short. Many people these days, certainly most regular listeners to this podcast, will be aware of UPFs. But there’s still a lot of confusion around what they really are. For Chris, it’s simple: if it’s wrapped in plastic and has at least one ingredient you wouldn’t find in a home kitchen, it’s a UPF. If it makes a health claim on the packet? Ironically, it’s even more likely!

A UPF is any food that’s processed industrially and created for big-business profit, rather than to provide nutrients. And here in the UK, UPF makes up 60 percent of the average diet. The trouble is, says Chris, UPFs have been shown to be the leading cause of early death in the world, ahead of tobacco. Even if you remain at what is considered a healthy weight, consuming UPFs still leaves you vulnerable to things like Type 2 Diabetes, heart disease, dementia, anxiety, depression, inflammatory bowel disease, cancer and eating disorders.

In this conversation, Chris provides a clear definition of the difference between processing and ultra-processing, and explains how our toxic food environment is designed to be addictive. We also discuss a whole range of different topics such as the need to see obesity as a condition and not an identity and the seemingly revolutionary idea that re-prioritising food shopping and cooking as a vital, enjoyable part of our day, could be a first step towards the societal change that’s urgently needed.

This podcast episode is not about shame or blame - it’s about education and empowerment. Chris is a brilliant communicator who insists the prevalence and appeal of UPFs is not our fault. I thoroughly enjoyed my conversation with him - I hope you enjoy listening.

Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/feelbetterlivemore. For other podcast platforms go to https://fblm.supercast.com.

Find out more about my NEW Journal here https://drchatterjee.com/journal

Thanks to our sponsors:

Show notes https://drchatterjee.com/414

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

How To Make This Your Best Year Yet: 3 Questions To Ask Yourself Each Day with Dr Rangan Chatterjee #413

31 december 2023 | 65 min

Today’s episode is a special episode that I have recorded all about the transformative power of journalling. Journalling is a practice that I’ve been recommending for many years. Doing it regularly can help improve sleep, lead to better decision making and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. It has also been shown to decrease emotional stress, make it easier to turn new behaviours into long term habits, improve the quality of our relationships and, ultimately, help us lead more mindful and intentional lives.

My hope is that this episode will help you understand the key benefits of journalling and some of the ways in which you can get started. The key - as with all new behaviours - is to experiment and find out what works best for you.

In order to celebrate the launch of my own journal ‘The 3 Question Journal’, I outline what I consider to be the three most impactful questions that you can ask yourself every morning and every evening. Answering these questions will take less than 5 minutes, but doing so can prove transformative. Journalling helps you step outside of your life, in order to reflect on your life. And so, whatever your current goals are, the path towards them becomes clearer.

Journalling is a practice that I myself do regularly and my hope is that this episode inspires you to start.

If you want to take a look at ‘The 3 Question Journal’ go to https://drchatterjee.com/journal

Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/feelbetterlivemore. For other podcast platforms go to https://fblm.supercast.com.

Show notes https://drchatterjee.com/413

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

13 Powerful Ideas To Make 2024 Your Best Year Yet #412

27 december 2023 | 146 min

This podcast will change your mind! Today’s episode is another brilliant compilation, this time on the theme of mindset – how changing your thinking can change your life. The team and I have selected some of the most practical, inspiring and can-do clips. Each one is filled with hope and potential, guaranteed to get you into a positive frame of mind. It’s a fantastic episode to help you begin 2024 as you mean to go on.

The idea behind this theme was to collect all the best tips, tricks and evidence-based techniques to help you reframe some of the ways you might see the world. Reframing means that when challenges arise, or difficult conversations or decisions present themselves, you can choose to approach them in a different way. With time you will genuinely feel differently about them – and find yourself embracing life with a new sense of freedom and fulfilment.

The clips you’ll hear include some powerful, life-changing ideas and insights on controlling your reaction to stressors, managing anxiety and overwhelm, learning to sit with your thoughts, and growing your resilience and self-compassion. As we see in a new year, with all its talk of resolutions and ‘new yous’, I think you’ll appreciate our experts’ realistic take on making healthy habits stick and overcoming limiting beliefs or unhelpful thought patterns. If you ever feel a bit lost in life, as if you’ve strayed from your intended path, this podcast will help. Together, my guests will help you to reconnect with your true, authentic self. And that’s something we could all do with in modern life.

You’ll hear from former guests including Jay Shetty, Oliver Burkeman, Rich Roll, Peter Crone, James Clear, Jim Kwik, Mel Robbins, Dr Kristen Neff, Dr Edith Eger, Pippa Grange and Julia Samuel – to name but a few – on how to harness the power of your mind and cultivate emotional and spiritual growth.

Remember that each of the clips in this podcast comes from a full-length episode. So if you like what you hear, check the show notes for links to listen to those speakers’ episodes in full. My team and I loved compiling this episode for you, it’s been a wonderful reminder of our purpose in life. And I hope that some of the wisdom you hear today will inspire you to find yours.

Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/feelbetterlivemore. For other podcast platforms go to https://fblm.supercast.com.

Find out more about my NEW Journal here https://drchatterjee.com/journal

Thanks to our sponsors:

Show notes https://drchatterjee.com/412

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

A Celebration of Podcasting with Friends: Fearne Cotton, Elizabeth Day, Jake Humphrey and Damian Hughes #411

15 december 2023 | 62 min

CAUTION: This episode contains swearing.

What’s the collective noun for a group of wellbeing podcasters? It’s got to be a community, hasn’t it! I usually release a Bitesize episode every Friday, but today I have something a little different to share with you. In today’s episode, I sit down with some of my friends - other podcasters in the UK who are also trying to use their platforms to help people live better and feel better.

You are going to be hearing from Fearne Cotton from Happy Place, Damiam Hughes and Jake Humphrey from High Performance, Elizabeth Day from How To Fail and, of course, myself. Hopefully you will recognise some of these voices - either from listening to them on their own shows - or because you have heard them when they have been former guests on this podcast, as Fearne was on Episode 230, Jake was on Episode 224 and Elizabeth was on Episode 283.

In this episode, we answer a series of questions that were put to us in closed envelopes. We cover topics such as why we began podcasting, what we hope our shows achieve, memorable guests, why we love the experience so much, what we are grateful for and so much more.

One of the things I truly love about the world of podcasting is its supportive community and I have certainly made some awesome connections and friendships through podcasting over the years. A huge thank you to the High Performance team for putting this episode together and, of course, a huge thank you to my podcasting peers: Fearne, Elizabeth, Damian and Jake for all making time in their schedule to make this happen.

We thoroughly enjoyed getting together and recording this episode - in some ways, it felt a bit like an office Christmas party.

Our current intention is to record one of these episodes every year - let’s see what actually happens!! But, in the meantime, I hope you enjoy this end of year festive special.

Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/feelbetterlivemore. For other podcast platforms go to https://fblm.supercast.com.

Thanks to our sponsors:

Show notes https://drchatterjee.com/411

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

The Life-Changing Power of Connecting With Others: Gabor Maté, Johann Hari, Dan Buettner & Friends #410

13 december 2023 | 131 min

Today’s episode is a life-affirming compilation on the theme of community and connection. I chose it because it’s a subject that comes up in one way or another in almost every podcast conversation I have. Researchers, thinkers, and experts alike are concluding that one of the most significant contributing factors to our mental, physical and emotional health is our interactions with other human beings.

Our ancestors evolved as a collective – ancient humans thrived in tribes. From keeping safe at night to hunting for and sharing food, coming together as a community was essential for our survival. And it’s easy to forget we’re not that different today. Sure, the world has transformed. Travel and technology mean families often live far apart, and younger generations are more likely to communicate through screens than face to face. We can survive without community, but can we really thrive?

Science has shown how loneliness affects more than mood, leaving a lasting imprint on our mental and physical health. Reaching out to others then, is one of the best things we can do to protect and improve our holistic health. And I don’t just mean asking for help. By giving to others, volunteering your time or lending an ear, your own wellbeing is boosted alongside the recipients’. Feeling part of a community is as much about making a contribution as being welcomed.

Of course, it can be easier said than done. Maybe you don’t have family nearby, you work alone, or you find it hard to make friends. This podcast is here to help. I guarantee that by the end you’ll feel compelled to embrace community, convinced of the reasons it matters, and inspired by all the simple, actionable ideas this wonderful selection of guests share.

You’ll hear voices including Dr Gabor Maté, Johann Hari, Dr Tommy Wood and Professors Laurie Santos, Robert Waldinger and Marc Schulz. Together we cover the reasons connection is key, the health benefits it affords, and how to find your community. We hear from Dr Pippa Grange, Dr Dacher Keltner, Kelly McGonigal, The Happy Pear, and many more on how to cultivate friendships and intimacy, and why it's kindness that counts.

My team and I really enjoyed compiling this episode for you and it’s served as a reminder to all of us, too, to prioritise the people in our lives a little bit more. Even if that’s something you already do, is there someone you could reach out to who might be struggling to do the same? Each clip in this podcast comes from a full-length episode, so if there are voices that particularly resonate with you, check the show notes for links to listen to their episodes in full. Together, these clips are a celebration of the power of community and friendships old and new – I hope this episode helps you to find yours.

Find out more about my NEW Journal here https://drchatterjee.com/journal

Thanks to our sponsors:

Show notes https://drchatterjee.com/410

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

BITESIZE | This Type of Sleep Can Improve Mental Health | Professor Matthew Walker #409

8 december 2023 | 16 min

How Changing Your Lifestyle Can Fix Your Mental Health & Why Depression and Anxiety Are Not Disorders with David Bidler #408

6 december 2023 | 129 min

“It’s not that exercise is an antidepressant, it’s that not exercising is a depressant.” So says this week’s guest – and he’s redefining youth mental health education for the 21st century in line with this powerful belief.

David Bidler is a social entrepreneur dedicated to reinventing education for the 21st century. In 2019, he founded Physiology First University a non-profit education centre, which teaches the latest science of the brain and body by offering classes - in neuroscience, exercise physiology, sauna and cold exposure, to all ages but with a particular focus on teenagers and adolescents.

David’s core belief is that if we could teach all the kids around the world the fundamental skills of breathing, nutrition, movement and rest, as a priority over the current education system, we could see a huge change to the rates of poor mental health.

He believes that we’re often doing young people a disservice by labelling them with mental health disorders, instead of looking at their lifestyles and giving them the tools to feel better. His facility teaches students about anxiety by helping them experience it in a controlled setting, so they know exactly what the fight-or-flight response feels like. They increase their own heart rate, through exercise and then lower it, through breathing techniques. And so, because they know what anxiety feels like, they can ‘reclaim’ agency over their anxiety, by realising it’s not a loss of control and by learning - through first-hand experience - how they can navigate their own nervous systems to effectively manage it.

David’s goal is to put Physiology First campuses all across the globe - he wants to create a healthy alternative to the current educational system - one that integrates an academic curriculum alongside a health one.

This is a fascinating conversation that will give you a fresh understanding of your own physiology. Ever since I came across David on Instagram, I have been inspired by his work and what he is trying to do. He is a passionate individual, trying his best to make the world a better place. I hope you enjoy listening.

Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/feelbetterlivemore. For other podcast platforms go to https://fblm.supercast.com.

Thanks to our sponsors:

Show notes https://drchatterjee.com/408

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#407 BITESIZE | 3 Practical Strategies to Reduce Anxiety | Dr Russell Kennedy

1 december 2023 | 17 min

How To Unleash Your Full Potential, Cultivate Character, Build Confidence & Use Hobbies To Beat Burnout with Professor Adam Grant #406

29 november 2023 | 113 min

We live in a world that celebrates and rewards talent. Whether it’s gifted students, outstanding athletes or born musicians, we applaud those who get there effortlessly, instead of those who travel furthest to reach the same place. In doing so, my guest today believes we also overlook our own potential to do great things.

Adam Grant is an organisational psychologist, University of Pennsylvania professor, podcaster, and the bestselling author of multiple books. His latest book, Hidden Potential: The Science of Achieving Greater Things, is a thought-provoking look at what it really takes to succeed, how to find joy in progress, and why the true measure of potential is not how high you reach, but how far you came to get there.

Adam believes that many of us rule ourselves out of learning more or trying harder because we lack self-belief and strength of character. But character, he says, is not innate – it’s a skill we can learn. If your personality is how you show up on a typical day, then character is how you show up on a hard one.

In our conversation, we discuss how every single one of us can unleash our own hidden potential. We discuss the importance of character skills such as generosity, why it’s good to be one of life’s givers, but how it can lead to burnout and threaten our potential.

We also cover perfectionism and discuss why this trait has been on the rise since the 1980s. From a fear of trying new things, to a refusal to work on your weaknesses, it’s clear that only accepting your best is a sure-fire way to limit growth.

Adam also explains why hobbies are so important for us, especially when it comes to beating burnout. We also talk about the importance of flow state and the best ways in which we can parent our children to enable them to achieve their own innate potential.

Adam’s philosophy is that confidence is a result of progress not the precursor to it. This conversation is jam packed with potential – especially if you use it as a springboard to take action.

Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/feelbetterlivemore. For other podcast platforms go to https://fblm.supercast.com.

Thanks to our sponsors:

Show notes https://drchatterjee.com/406

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

BITESIZE | How Experiencing 5 Minutes of Awe Can Improve Your Physical & Mental Wellbeing | Dr Dacher Keltner #405

24 november 2023 | 15 min

The Truth About Sugar, Alcohol, Caffeine, Protein & Exercise with Neuroscientist Dr Tommy Wood #404

22 november 2023 | 123 min

This extra special – and slightly different – episode of the podcast is for anyone who’s ever felt confused about best practice for good health. If you’ve wondered which diet is the best one for your health, or if you are confused about how much protein you should be consuming - or whether a little bit of alcohol has any health benefit at all - then I have just the guest for you.

Dr Tommy Wood is Assistant Professor of Paediatrics and Neuroscience at the University of Washington, US. He holds a degree in biochemistry from Cambridge, a medical degree from Oxford, achieved his PhD in physiology and neuroscience in Oslo, and has published papers and lectured across the globe. It’s fair to say that when it comes to health and longevity, Tommy knows what he’s talking about. And that’s exactly why I invited him back onto my podcast for the third time.

He, like myself, is passionate about empowering individuals to take control of their health by simplifying the wealth of information that exists and giving people practical, realistic recommendations. In today’s conversation, Tommy and I work through a list of common areas of confusion when it comes to our wellbeing. And together we try to put the received wisdom in context, summarise the evidence, and then give nuanced, practical advice.

We begin with alcohol, and Tommy explains that while there are no proven health benefits to drinking it, there are caveats. And that becomes a theme for this conversation. Nothing is all good, or all bad - context is always key.

Next, we cover caffeine and its effect on performance, cognitive function, gut health, stress and, again, sleep. Then we dive deep into the hot topic of sugar, ultra-processed foods, continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) and other trackers.

We go on to tackle protein, the minimum effective dose for exercise, the importance of building muscle, and the supplements we might want to consider taking. And for every subject we cover, Tommy exposes the common pitfalls in research methods and tells us what the science can show, but also what it can’t.

There are so many mixed messages out there when it comes to our health. Our hope is that this conversation offers a valuable lesson in critical thinking and context, and highlights the importance of taking a personalised approach to your health.

Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/feelbetterlivemore. For other podcast platforms go to https://fblm.supercast.com.

Thanks to our sponsors:

Show notes https://drchatterjee.com/404

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

BITESIZE | The Truth About Procrastination And How To Overcome It | Dr Ramani Durvasula #403

17 november 2023 | 13 min

How To Create Healthy Habits, Think Clearly & Effortlessly Achieve Your Goals with Shane Parrish #402

15 november 2023 | 122 min

How would you like to think with greater clarity, feel confident in your choices, and finally be capable of sticking to good habits? Today’s guest might just show you how.

Shane Parrish is the entrepreneur and wisdom seeker behind Farnham Street and The Knowledge Project podcast, where he focuses on mastering the best of what other people have figured out. He is also the author of the wonderful new book, Clear Thinking: Turning Ordinary Moments Into Extraordinary Results, in which he shares timeless insights and actionable tips, to help us all make better decisions in every aspect of our lives.

When we think about decision-making, we probably think of those big choices in life as the ones that matter: what subjects to study, which job to take, house to buy or partner to settle down with. But Shane asserts that it’s the smaller, everyday decisions that really shape our path. Choices like what to eat, how to respond to a tricky email or how to tackle a tricky conversation with your partner. And why these matter is because they become our customary, quick-fire responses – behaviours or habits, which we struggle to change because we don’t fully understand that we’re even doing them.

This doesn’t mean we have to take time to ruminate over every situation in life. Shane introduces the concept of personal rules as a powerful tool to override the ‘four defaults’ driving most human behaviour: emotions, ego, social pressure and plain inertia.

Overcoming them usually means relying on willpower. But rules – such as bedtimes, food choices, or technology limits – help us easily align decisions with our values and goals. Rules are just one of the super-useful hacks Shane shares. We discuss the difference between high-stakes decisions and quick-fire choices. He introduces the powerful notion of playing life on ‘easy mode’ to put us in the best position for success – like setting the difficulty level on a video game in your favour.

Shane also talks about the importance of separating problems from their solutions. And he advises appointing your own ‘board of directors’ – real, historical, famous or fictional people whose opinion you’d value. ‘Consulting’ them on dilemmas will give you new perspectives.

Shane’s ethos is all about finding the hidden opportunity in ordinary moments. In a world where our lives and minds feel increasingly cluttered, his advice can cut-through and help us find clarity.

Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/feelbetterlivemore. For other podcast platforms go to https://fblm.supercast.com.

Thanks to our sponsors:

https://hunterandgatherfoods.com/livemore

Show notes https://drchatterjee.com/402

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

BITESIZE | Do This Every Day to Boost Your Energy and Improve Your Sleep | Dr Roger Seheult #401

10 november 2023 | 14 min

The New Science of Living a Longer and Healthier Life with Professor Rose Anne Kenny #400

8 november 2023 | 136 min

Longevity is a hot topic these days. We’re obsessed with anti-ageing as if getting older should be avoided or even reversed at all costs! Of course, we can’t do that and I’m not sure we’d really want to. But today’s guest brings valuable insights about what we can do, to make sure we age healthily and happily.

Professor Rose Anne Kenny is a medical gerontologist, Regius Professor of Physic and Chair of Medical Gerontology at Trinity College Dublin. She’s the Founding Principal Investigator of Ireland’s largest population study of ageing (TILDA) and the author of the international bestseller Age Proof: The New Science of Living a Longer and Healthier Life.

In today’s conversation, Professor Kenny reveals that while 20 percent of ageing is genetic and can’t be changed, 80 percent is epigenetic – in other words, we have the power to influence how quickly or how slowly we age.

Her number one recommendation is to have good quality friendships and relationships throughout our lives. Then follow a healthy diet, plenty of exercise, and reduce stress. Nothing too surprising, perhaps. But what might surprise you is just how far reaching the effects of these relatively simple measures can be – and how much what you do in your 20s can impact your 80s.

We talk about how to avoid metabolic syndrome and why it’s important to know key biological markers throughout life. We discuss the benefits of community, family, volunteering and inter-generational friendships, and the undercurrent of ageism that prevails in society.

Loneliness increased threefold during the pandemic, according to the TILDA study, and it’s left some people feeling afraid to reconnect. Yet isolation is known to cause inflammation, suppress immunity and speed ageing.

Professor Kenny believes we should flip convenience on its head when it comes to exercise. Instead of taking the easy option which means moving less, we should look at the ‘harder’ options, such as taking the stairs or carrying heavy bags, as convenient ways to build activity and strength training into our lives. She also shares excellent advice on sex and intimacy, sleeping better, laughing more, and finding purpose all around you.

This is a wonderful and practical conversation that is going to give you a variety of simple ways to play the long game when it comes to ageing. And the empowering message is that it’s never too early or too late to start.

Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/feelbetterlivemore. For other podcast platforms go to https://fblm.supercast.com.

Thanks to our sponsors:

https://naturalmat.co.uk/livemore

Show notes https://drchatterjee.com/400

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

BITESIZE | How to Unlock the Power of Your Subconscious Mind | Dr Bruce Lipton #399

3 november 2023 | 18 min

How To Find Happiness, Tune Into Your Intuition & Make Friends With Your Thoughts with Light Watkins #398

1 november 2023 | 131 min

Could you live out of a single backpack? Not for a few weeks or months, but as a lifestyle choice? Well, five years ago, today’s guest gave up his luxury apartment, its contents, his cars and all his possessions – apart from those that fit into his trusty backpack.

Light Watkins has been practising daily meditation for 20 years and teaching it for 15. He’s a mindfulness expert and the bestselling author of four books. His latest book, Travel Light: Spiritual Minimalism to Live a More Fulfilled Life might sound like a guide to decluttering – and in some ways it is. But Light is not necessarily talking about us getting rid of our possessions, he’s trying to help us clear away our inner clutter - the mental baggage that weighs us down, so that we can better see the path to fulfilment and happiness.

Light believes that we should be following our hearts more, and our heads less. This involves knowing our values, tuning in to our curiosity and then taking small leaps of faith towards our purpose. He explains why a daily practice of stillness and contemplation is so important and shares practical advice that will help you make friends with your thoughts and turn your mind into your ally. He also explains how meditation works to dissolve stress and feed our intuition.

It really is a fantastic conversation that takes us to some really deep and meaningful places - we discuss whether time can ever really be wasted. Light talks us through his own minimalist fitness regime – and you’ll find out why he thinks meditation is like a Rubik’s Cube, as well as why he sometimes takes his showers fully clothed!

Above all, Light’s minimalist philosophy is about breaking free from the ‘achievements bring happiness’ approach to life and discovering that happiness really does come from within. I hope you enjoy listening.

Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/feelbetterlivemore. For other podcast platforms go to https://fblm.supercast.com.

Thanks to our sponsors:

https://hunterandgatherfoods.com/livemore

https://carolbike.com/livemore

Show notes https://drchatterjee.com/398

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

BITESIZE | The Critical Importance of Strength Training | Dr Gabrielle Lyon #397

26 oktober 2023 | 19 min

A Brand New Way to Understand and Treat Mental Health Problems with Dr Chris Palmer #396

24 oktober 2023 | 176 min

My guest today has spent his entire career, trying to understand mental illness. What’s really causing it – and how can we better manage it.

Dr Chris Palmer is Director of the Department of Postgraduate and Continuing Education at McLean Hospital, Massachusetts and an Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School.

In today’s episode, he shares some of the profound insights he's gained over almost 30 years as an academic psychiatrist. He combines years of clinical, neuroscience and metabolic studies into one unifying idea: that mental disorders are not caused by a chemical imbalance. Instead, they are metabolic disorders of the brain, caused by dysfunction in our mitochondria.

It’s a theory that connects physical, mental and emotional health, and it’s the topic of his excellent new book, Brain Energy. Chris doesn’t deny the roles trauma, psychological and social factors can play in poor mental health. But he explains the link between these factors and our metabolism, and how diet and lifestyle interventions can help. Excitingly, Chris explains that making changes to our diet and lifestyle actually offer far more hope for long-term remission than existing treatments, which generally aim to only reduce symptoms.

As Chris reveals, his own experience with trauma and mental illness is what drives him to try and help millions of people around the world who are still suffering. Chris is advocating for a transformation in the way we view and treat mental health. And, if that happens, it won’t just help ease an epidemic of depression, anxiety and other conditions – it also has the potential to address all of the chronic diseases that are underpinned by metabolic dysfunction.

Chris is knowledgeable, passionate and articulate. I thoroughly enjoyed my conversation with him and I hope you enjoy listening.

CAUTION: This podcast discusses ketogenic diets. Always consult a qualified healthcare practitioner before making any drastic changes to your diet.

Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/feelbetterlivemore. For other podcast platforms go to https://fblm.supercast.com.

Thanks to our sponsors:

Show notes https://drchatterjee.com/396

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

BITESIZE | 4 Steps to Find Your Purpose in Life | Jay Shetty #395

19 oktober 2023 | 12 min

A 102-year-old Doctor’s Secrets to Health and Happiness at Every Age with Dr Gladys McGarey #394

17 oktober 2023 | 87 min

Aged 102 (and a half!) years, today’s guest is the oldest person I’ve welcomed onto the show. Dr Gladys McGarey is co-founder of the American Holistic Medical Association and author of the fantastic new book, The Well-Lived Life: A 102-year-old Doctor’s Secrets to Health and Happiness at Every Age.

Many people consider Gladys to be the ‘mother of holistic medicine’. For years now, she has been trying to spread the message that health is not just physical – it involves mental, emotional and spiritual elements in equal measure.

Her message is that living a long and healthy life isn’t about the right diet, or taking vitamins and supplements. Instead, it requires a shift in perspective. A long life is all very well, but what are you living for?

For many people today, finding one’s purpose in life feels like an optional extra when we’re busy working, raising children or caring for parents. It can be hard to know who we really are or what we want out of life. But Gladys insists we should still strive to identify our reason for getting out of bed every morning. And we should realise that all of life’s experiences exist to teach us something.

Gladys is a wonderful storyteller, who uses examples and anecdotes from her own, purpose-driven life to explain the secrets that she shares in her book. She reveals how the devastation of her husband asking for a divorce, when she was 70, eventually became her strength. Rather than stay a victim of heartbreak, she made a choice to move forward and help others. And that’s a common theme that comes up in this conversation – the fact that we always have a choice.

This is a wonderful, life-affirming conversation about the very essence of life and health. It was a real privilege and honour to talk to Gladys - I hope you enjoy listening.

Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/feelbetterlivemore. For other podcast platforms go to https://fblm.supercast.com.

Thanks to our sponsors:

https://.calm.com/livemore

Show notes https://drchatterjee.com/394

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

BITESIZE | Is Everything You Know About Depression and Anxiety Wrong? | Johann Hari #393

12 oktober 2023 | 14 min

Menopause: How To Burn Fat, Sleep Better & Live In Harmony With Your Hormones with Dr Mindy Pelz #392

10 oktober 2023 | 141 min

CAUTION: This podcast discusses fasting, and its advice may not be suitable for anyone with an eating disorder. If you have an existing health condition or are taking medication, always consult your healthcare practitioner before going for prolonged periods without eating.

I first spoke to today’s guest on Episode 342 - and that episode has become one of the most downloaded episodes of the year - it has transformed the lives of many women - and men and I think this conversation will do the same.

Dr Mindy Pelz is a nutrition expert, a pioneer on the subject of women’s health & hormones, and the author of Fast Like A Girl and The Menopause Reset: Get Rid of Your Symptoms and Feel Like Your Younger Self Again.

Mindy’s aim is to empower women by explaining the biological changes that take place each month and throughout a woman’s life. She believes that, armed with that knowledge, they can improve their health, happiness and relationships. But this conversation is just as relevant for men.

We discuss whether weight gain is inevitable as we age. Is it our fate – and particularly a woman’s fate – to gain weight once she hits 40? It can be, she tells me, but only if women don’t know how to harness their hormones to prevent it. She explains how declining oestrogen levels can make women insulin resistant which may be one the reasons why the diet and lifestyle that worked for them in their 20s and 30s, no longer does once they hit 40.

At the same time, declining levels of progesterone, the calming hormone, can result in lower-quality sleep, more perceived stress and increased levels of the stress hormone cortisol - which, in and of itself, will contribute to an increase in belly fat. It makes so much sense when Mindy explains it, but unfortunately, this information is still not widely known.

We cover so many different topics, including:

How to adjust when and what you eat during different phases of your cycle.
The importance of gut health when thinking about hormonal health.
Why women often handle stress in a different way to men.
The impact that hormonal changes can have on brain function.
The practical steps we can take to improve our sleep.
The importance of lifestyle changes irrespective of whether a woman chooses to have HRT or not.
The best times in a woman’s cycle to resolve conflict and deal with relationship issues.

This episode is jam-packed with insightful information and practical take-homes. I hope you enjoy listening.

Thanks to our sponsors:

https://naturalmat.co.uk/livemore

Show notes https://drchatterjee.com/392

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

The Secret To Pain-Free Running (and Walking!) with Helen Hall (Re-release) #391

7 oktober 2023 | 122 min

Today’s episode is a re-release of a conversation I had just over 2 years ago, a few weeks after completing the London marathon for the very first time. I have decided to re-release it because I am seeing so much online about people being injured, struggling with their running, their walking or their sport. I believe that this conversation - and my wonderful guest - can help.

My guest is my dear friend, Helen Hall. Helen is a movement therapist, she's a running coach, a pain expert…in fact, to be frank, all of these labels feel a little bit limiting - in many ways, I would call her a detective for the human body.

Helen has had a lifelong passion for analysing posture and movement, and her clients include elite athletes as well as regular everyday folk who simply want to walk or run pain-free. She combines objective clarity from motion analysis technology, 46 years of visual experience, and study in the field, to seek out the root causes of chronic pain and injury that often seem resistant to standard treatment protocols.

Helen first shared her movement philosophy in her wonderful book Even With Your Shoes On. More recently, she has launched an online course called PFM Pilot. It is aimed at both professionals working in the field of movement, pain, and injury, and also for amateurs keen to learn more and help themselves.

We look at the core principles of Helen’s approach. Awareness is everything and she teaches clients to really notice what their body is doing. Where is your head sitting? How are you using your arms? It’s only when you’ve noticed that you can begin to change. And changing means becoming more efficient – learning the adjustments that help you to move with freedom. Movement, Helen points out, is a ‘job share’. We need to be able to recruit as much of our bodies as we can to do it well.

I can testify to this holistic approach. Working with Helen hasn’t just changed my running, it’s helped me to walk faster, breathe better and stand more comfortably. It’s made me aware of how past injuries and trauma can affect you for decades. I’ve even learned how the surgery I had for appendicitis as a child played a huge part in my experience running the London Marathon.

And, this conversation is my first real deep dive into my marathon experience. It wasn’t the race I’d planned, but it turned out to be the race I needed. Helen helps me unpack why I found it so emotional and explains why my physical struggles were a sign of progress not limitation. I hope this conversation conveys just how valuable I think Helen’s approach is. Whether running is for you or not, I know it’ll get you thinking about how you’re sitting or standing right now, and noticing how you use your body for the rest of the day.

Thanks to our sponsors:

Show notes https://drchatterjee.com/391

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

BITESIZE | How to Improve Your Brain Health as You Age | Dr Tommy Wood #390

5 oktober 2023 | 15 min

How To Live A Long & Healthy Life with Dr Peter Attia #389

3 oktober 2023 | 135 min

Imagine yourself in the last decade of your life. What would you like to be able to do? I’m talking about the simple stuff, such as walking up a flight of stairs without losing your breath or picking up your grandchild. How about being able to stand up unaided, after sitting comfortably on the floor? Or simply being able to get yourself on and off the toilet with ease?

It’s so easy to assume these everyday movements will still be easy when we’re old. But my guest this week wants us to get real to the fact they probably won’t – unless we take action now.

Dr Peter Attia is a medical doctor and founder of the Early Medical Practice, a private clinic in America, which helps patients lengthen their lifespan and improve their ‘healthspan’. He is the author of the New York Times bestseller: Outlive: The Science and Art of Longevity.

In our first conversation (Ep 356) Peter explained how years of research have shown him that physical activity is the number one predictor of longevity. In this new episode, we unpack what that means and what strategies you can use to live a long and healthy life.

Peter explains a concept that he calls the Centenarian Decathlon – a novel, but specific way of thinking about the various forms of movement we might require IF we want to be strong, fit, and active in our later years. He explains you need to be a good generalist with a high peak cardiorespiratory fitness, a wide aerobic base, functional strength, and good levels of stability, and why each of those metrics is important and how we can start improving them.

If you’re in your 30s, 40s, 50s, or 60s – then training today for your twilight years might seem too distant a goal to feel motivating. If you’re active now, it’s easy to think you’ll be fine by then. But, Peter says, you’re kidding yourself if you think that your day-to-day function will not decline, as you get older. And, so he wants to empower us and demonstrate what we need to do today, to ensure we will have the life we want later.

We also cover resistance training, Zone 2 training, grip strength, and foot strength, training for teenagers, training for women around menopause and so much more. This is an insightful episode, full of practical advice and wisdom. I hope you enjoy listening.

Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/feelbetterlivemore or via https://fblm.supercast.com.

Thanks to our sponsors:

Show notes https://drchatterjee.com/389

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

BITESIZE | How to Sleep Better, Boost Your Gut Health and Get More Energy | Professor Satchin Panda #388

28 september 2023 | 14 min

A Monk's Guide To Happiness, Fearless Living & Thriving in Hard Times with Gelong Thubten #387

26 september 2023 | 125 min

What if the most courageous, compassionate thing you could do in life, was to learn how to be with yourself? It’s a powerful, perhaps surprising idea put forward by this week’s guest, the Buddhist monk, meditation teacher and author Gelong Thubten.

Thubten became a monk back in 1993 after suffering from severe physical and mental burnout whilst following his dream of becoming an actor in New York City.

His new book, A Handbook for Hard Times: A Monk’s Guide to Fearless Living, draws on what he’s learned over the past 30 years. Its premise is that we can embrace life’s difficulties as opportunities for personal transformation, using hard times to cultivate resilience, kindness, and happiness.

We begin our conversation talking about distraction and addiction, two states that are very closely linked. When we distract ourselves by scrolling, overeating, or drinking for example, says Thubten, we’re pushing away emotional pain or discomfort – even if we may not realise it. But the discomfort is really in the pushing. If we can learn instead to sit with what’s making us uncomfortable, those emotions start to transform.

So, how exactly are we meant to do this? Thubten explains that one way is through the practice of meditation and learning how to process negative emotions in the moment, rather than only understanding them in retrospect.

The most common misconception is that meditation needs a clear mind. But thoughts are inevitable, and the goal is not to push them away. If we use meditation to sit with our thoughts, rather than escape them, the transformations really start to happen. We become less controlled by negative emotions and start to cultivate positive ones. Meditation can unlock our innate self-compassion and this, in turn, improves our relationship with ourselves and with others.

Thubten insists that you can’t fail at meditation, because it really just means ‘being you’. The more we meditate, the less we run away from hard times and fear, and the more we become our true, contented selves.

Thubten is an excellent communicator and I hope you enjoy this really special episode.

Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/feelbetterlivemore. For other podcast platforms go to https://fblm.supercast.com.

Show notes https://drchatterjee.com/387

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

BITESIZE | How to Make Mistakes Your Superpower | Daniel Pink #386

21 september 2023 | 17 min

What Everyone Needs To Know About Cancer with Professor Thomas Seyfried #385

19 september 2023 | 120 min

When I started medical school in 1995, we were taught that one in four people was likely to develop cancer in their lifetime. Today, that statistic has changed to one in two – a rapid rise that can’t be explained by genetics. But if our modern diet and lifestyles are the cause, we have more control than we might think.

That’s the message my guest, Professor Thomas Seyfried, has worked tirelessly to prove and communicate over his four decades as a cancer researcher. Professor Seyfried is a professor of biology, genetics and biochemistry at Boston College, Massachusetts, and author of more than 150 peer-reviewed publications, as well as the 2012 book Cancer As A Metabolic Disease.

Through his research, and in this conversation, he sets out to explain how it’s a malfunction in our mitochondria – the energy powerhouses in each of our cells – that’s at the root of every cancer he’s studied. Normal-functioning mitochondria, he explains, use oxygen to make energy. In cancer, this process is disrupted. Cancer cells cannot use oxygen, so they fall back on a primitive form of energy creation known as fermentation.

It follows then, explains Professor Seyfried, that if we can somehow stop this fermentation process, then cancer cells will die. Cancer uses glucose and glutamine to fuel fermentation. While we don’t want to block glutamine, as it has other uses in the body, we can drastically lower our glucose levels to stop driving cancer growth.

We discuss some of the ways in which we can start doing this – for example, using specific low-carb diets and nutritional ketosis. Professor Seyfried also talks us through his ground-breaking ‘metabolic therapy’ protocols for treating cancer – sometimes, alongside conventional treatments like chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

Professor Seyfried has spent decades researching and proving a metabolic cause for this devastating disease. This a compelling and optimistic conversation, packed with actions we can all take to reduce our risk not just of cancer, but all the chronic conditions driven by metabolic disruption.

CAUTION: This podcast discusses ketogenic diets and water-only fasting. Always consult a qualified healthcare practitioner before making any drastic changes to your diet or before going for prolonged periods without eating.

Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/feelbetterlivemore. For other podcast platforms go to https://fblm.supercast.com.

Show notes https://drchatterjee.com/385

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

BITESIZE | How to Unlock the Power of Your Mind | Dr Joe Dispenza #384

14 september 2023 | 16 min

Top 5 Regrets Of The Dying: Life Lessons Everybody Learns Too Late with Bronnie Ware #383

12 september 2023 | 106 min

What do you think you might be saying on your deathbed? Will you be looking back at your life with a sense of joy and completeness, or, do you think that you might be consumed with regret? As this week’s guest shares, “It’s easy to assume that you will live with great health to a ripe old age, then die peacefully in your sleep wearing your favourite pyjamas but it doesn’t work out that way for most people…”

Bronnie Ware is an internationally acclaimed speaker and author of the bestselling memoir, The Top Five Regrets of the Dying. Published more than 10 years ago, it’s been translated into 32 languages and continues to attract new audiences. The book is about her eight years as an end-of-life carer, the close relationships she formed, and lessons she learned from those dying people, which changed her life forever.

We discuss some of the various regrets of the dying and what they can teach us so that we can live better lives, right now. We talk about the concept of choice. Everything we do, or don’t do, has a price – be it time or money. Our culture incentivises what we can measure – salaries, possessions, status, social media ‘likes’ and comments. But Bronnie urges us to realise the sacredness and value of our time.

Is a choice worth making if it means you have to sacrifice time with your loved ones? Is it worth pushing extra hard for the promotion that may bring you more money but also more stress and more time away from home? These are decisions that I think we all need to wrestle with from time to time if we are truly going to be living a contented and intentional life.

We also talk about the real meaning of regret, what it means to be courageous, and how self-compassion can help us see our mistakes as a natural part of life and growth. Bronnie also defines the qualities and habits she observed in those patients who reached the end of life with no regrets – what can we learn from these people?

Death can be a topic that many people shy away from discussing but Bronnie is a wonderful soul who is able to talk about death in a relatable, powerful and authentic way. Appreciating we are going to die is the first step to getting more out of life.

This really was a thought-provoking and intimate conversation. I hope you enjoy listening.

Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/feelbetterlivemore. For other podcast platforms go to https://fblm.supercast.com.

Show notes https://drchatterjee.com/383

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

BITESIZE | Do This Every Day to Boost Your Brain Health | Dr Wendy Suzuki #382

7 september 2023 | 12 min

Why Your Brain Wants You To Be Anxious, Lazy & Fat (And What You Can Do About It) with Dr Anders Hansen #381

5 september 2023 | 105 min

I think it’s fair to say that human beings have got it pretty good. Compared to most of our evolutionary history we have never been richer, safer, or lived longer lives. Yet, despite that, more of us are struggling with our health than ever before. What’s going on? This is the question that my guest today has spent years trying to answer.

Dr Anders Hansen is a Swedish psychiatrist, a globally renowned speaker with his own TV series exploring the human brain and he is also the author of multiple bestselling books, including his latest two The Happiness Cure and The Attention Fix.

He believes we can start to understand the struggles of modern life by looking to the brain, where our emotions are created. The brain did not evolve for intelligence, creativity or even happiness. Its sole purpose is to help us survive and reproduce – to make it to tomorrow, alive. We have inherited the evolutionary defence mechanisms that kept our ancestors hyper alert, fearful, and able to evade danger.

The trouble is that modern life has evolved at a pace our genes and brains have been unable to match. So today, these incredible survival skills that once helped us, now show up as unwanted feelings like chronic anxiety, distractibility, an urge to overeat, under exercise and even gamble. We often see these as mental health failings – something broken that needs to be fixed, says Anders. But when you look at them through the lens of evolutionary psychology, these behaviours all start to make perfect sense.

We no longer live on the Savanna: we live in a world of abundance and super-stimulation – and, if we want to thrive, we need to work against our brains’ natural instincts.

Easier said than done? Perhaps, but this conversation contains some excellent practical advice to get you started.

Anders is someone who really wants all of us to learn how exactly our brains are wired - so we can more easily understand ourselves and our daily behaviours. He is passionate, knowledgeable and a brilliant communicator. I thoroughly enjoyed my conversation with him, I hope you enjoy listening.

Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/feelbetterlivemore. For other podcast platforms go to https://fblm.supercast.com.

Thanks to our sponsors:

https://www.exhalecoffee.com/livemore

Show notes https://drchatterjee.com/381

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

How To Improve Your Memory, Supercharge Your Focus & Learn Faster with Brain Coach Jim Kwik #380

18 juli 2023 | 161 min

When was the last time you ‘learned to read’? For most of us, it was in the early years of primary school, and you probably haven’t given much thought to that skill set since. But what if you could read smarter, faster and accelerate your capacity for learning – at any age? This week’s guest is here to show you how.

Jim Kwik grew up thinking of himself as the ‘boy with the broken brain’. A traumatic brain injury at the age of five meant Jim struggled at school, taking three years to learn to read. He was teased and bullied; his potential overlooked by teachers. Today, he’s a globally renowned brain coach who’s helped everyone from university students to CEOs and celebrities to improve their productivity, cognition and focus. He does so through his talks, coaching courses, podcasts, and online content – as well as his bestselling book, Limitless.

In this conversation, he’s keen to impart his many tips, tactics, and techniques to us. We discuss why so many of us feel like we’re lacking in focus, are too old to learn, or worry that our memories are already failing. We talk about technology as a tool not a distraction, and how to structure your day with intention. And Jim explains how the 3Ms of Mindset, Motivation and Method can keep you stuck in limiting beliefs – as well as liberate you from them.

We then move on to Jim’s accelerated learning and reading techniques, and he has some fascinating and super-useful advice on how to ‘flex your focus muscle’ and become a purposeful, prolific reader who remembers and uses what they’ve read. He also shares some amazing hacks for reading 25 to 50% faster and taking in more, not less, as you do it – it’s not about skim reading or skipping words.

I can’t emphasise enough what an ideas-packed episode this is, and I know you’ll want to take action from the moment you finish listening. I hope you enjoy this motivating and inspiring conversation.

Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/feelbetterlivemore. For other podcast platforms go to https://fblm.supercast.com.

Thanks to our sponsors:

Show notes https://drchatterjee.com/380

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

BITESIZE | How to Be Your Own Therapist | Dr Julie Smith #379

13 juli 2023 | 18 min

Life Lessons From A Holocaust Survivor: Hannah Pick-Goslar (Anne Frank’s Best Friend) #378

11 juli 2023 | 105 min

For thousands of years, humans have used storytelling to enhance and change lives. From prehistoric fireside stories, to songs, novels, films, even social media reels, we are hardwired to seek identification and knowledge through hearing about other people’s experiences.

Some of my most popular podcast episodes to date have featured guests who do just this – relating their extraordinary life experience to fascinate, move and benefit all of those who hear it. And I’m honoured to add today’s guests to that list.

Ruthie Meir is the daughter of the late Holocaust survivor Hannah Pick-Goslar. Dina Kraft is Hannah’s co-writer who helped bring her incredible story to life, in the brand-new book My Friend Anne Frank. Together Ruthie and Dina bring authenticity and emotional resonance to a real-life story, that will change the hearts and minds, of all who hear it.

If you are familiar with the famous ‘Diary of Anne Frank’, Hannah appeared in it as ‘Lies Goosens’. As Ruthie and Dina explain to me, Hannah was born to Jewish parents in Berlin in 1928. After the Nazi Party was elected in 1933, the family escaped to what they believed was the safety of Amsterdam. And it was here that she met her friend, Anne Frank. The two became inseparable – until one day Anne just disappeared. Then in 1943, Hannah’s family was arrested and transported to Bergen-Belsen concentration camp and somehow Hannah managed to survive, until the camp was finally liberated.

It would have been lovely to talk to Hannah herself about her story, but she actually died back in October 2022 just a few weeks shy of her 94th birthday.

This is without question, a horrifying, unimaginable, and crushing story but at the same time, within it, there are definite moments of beauty, compassion and humanity.

It really was a great privilege to talk to Ruthie and Dina about Hannah and her life. I hope you enjoy listening.

Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/feelbetterlivemore. For other podcast platforms go to https://fblm.supercast.com.

Thanks to our sponsors:

https://www.exhalecoffee.com/livemore

Show notes https://drchatterjee.com/378

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

BITESIZE | Why You Should Take a Cold Shower Every Morning for Good Health | Wim Hof #377

6 juli 2023 | 13 min

How to Burn Fat, Heal Your Metabolism and Live Longer with Dr William Li #376

4 juli 2023 | 134 min

Dr William Li returns to the podcast to talk about his latest book, Eat To Beat Your Diet: Burn Fat, Heal Your Metabolism and Live Longer. He describes it as an anti-diet book for people who love food. It’s a ground-breaking look at the latest science around how we can harness the power of food, to activate our innate fat-burning systems and transform our health.

We talk about the common foods that are marketed as healthy yet are anything but. We talk about the important role that our gut bacteria play in our metabolism, and we talk about the foods that can damage our gut microbiome, resulting in us processing food less efficiently and potentially contributing to weight gain.

That being said, Dr Li is actually really keen not to villainise any food – there are many reasons why humans choose to eat certain foods and drinks, from our innate sweet tooth to cultural, social or religious traditions. He just wants us to be mindful of what we’re consuming, how and why.

We also do a deep dive on fat. What exactly is fat? Many of us have negative associations with that word but the truth is that fat is a very important endocrine organ. The problems only start to arise when we start storing too much, of the wrong type of fat, in the wrong places. And one of those harmful types of fat is something called visceral fat - which is a harmful type of white fat, not visible from the outside, that can sit inside us, causing inflammation, hormone disruption and playing havoc with the health of our internal organs. Dr Li explains why an expanding waistline and snoring at night, could be early indicators that you have an issue with internal fat, that needs addressing.

As well as being a scientist and medical doctor, Dr Li is really a foodie at heart. And, so of course, we talk about some of his favourite foods which have medicinal properties and fat-burning potential. He also explains why his preferred diet is something that he calls ‘MediterrAsian’ and he is keen to bust some common myths around metabolism – such as, is it true that our metabolism slows down as we get older?

This is an episode jam-packed with insights and practical information. Dr Li is an excellent communicator and full of passion. I hope you enjoy listening.

Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/feelbetterlivemore. For other podcast platforms go to https://fblm.supercast.com.

Thanks to our sponsors:

Show notes https://drchatterjee.com/376

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

BITESIZE | Why Kindness is the Superpower You Didn’t Know You Had | Claudia Hammond #375

29 juni 2023 | 12 min

Why Allergies Are On The Rise with Professor Theresa MacPhail #374

27 juni 2023 | 153 min

Pollen counts are rising and more of us are experiencing hay fever symptoms than ever before. From airborne allergens to the food on our plates or the chemicals and plants that touch our skin, around 40% of the global population has some form of allergic disease. By 2030, today’s guest reveals, 50% of us will be affected.

Professor Theresa MacPhail is a medical anthropologist and writer, who made it her life’s work to understand more about allergy after her father died following a bee sting. Her book Allergic: How Our Immune System Reacts To A Changing World, is a detailed, enlightening look at the history of allergies and their growth in line with the industrial revolution.

Why are allergies on the rise? Why is it that 200 years ago allergies barely existed, yet today they are in our pets and farm animals? We talk about what actually happens to cause the release of histamine - which is responsible for many of our allergic symptoms. Theresa also covers the main historical theories as to the cause of allergies from the ‘hygiene hypothesis’ to the ‘farmhouse effect’ and the ‘old friends theory’.

What we do know is that allergies occur in the interaction between humans and our environment. Our environment has changed so much over the past 200 years and our immune systems simply cannot keep up. Theresa explains the body’s three main barriers to infection and allergy – our skin, respiratory system and gut. When these barriers are damaged, they become more porous and can let unwanted molecules into our bodies – causing infection, inflammation, or allergy. And what’s damaging them is things like air pollution, diesel fumes, chemicals, antibiotics, to name just a few.

We cover the practical steps we can take to mitigate allergies but there are much wider societal issues that need addressing as well. Theresa explains that we are part of a bigger ecosystem - our bodies are continually making decisions on what they can tolerate and what they can’t. We can try our best to build up our own barriers to tolerate more of the modern environment but the uncomfortable truth is that we collectively have a lot more to do to protect each other and the natural world.

This is a deep dive into a very important topic. My hope is that anyone suffering from allergies will feel seen, and anyone lucky enough not to, will gain more empathy and understanding. I hope you enjoy listening.

*Please note that this conversation refers to studies on mice.

Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try on Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/feelbetterlivemore. For other podcast platforms go to https://fblm.supercast.com.

Thanks to our sponsors:

Show notes https://drchatterjee.com/374

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something on the podcast or on my website.

BITESIZE | Why Intermittent Fasting Works | Dr Jason Fung #373

22 juni 2023 | 16 min

Sadhguru: Why You Should Stop Focusing on Sleep, How To Listen To Your Body & The True Meaning of Yoga #372

20 juni 2023 | 74 min

My guest this week is Sadhguru, a yogi, mystic and visionary, who has been named one of India’s 50 most influential people. He is the world’s most-watched yogi, he has more than 20 million followers on social media and more than a billion views on his YouTube channel, where he regularly shares guided meditations, wisdom, stories and guidance for living a more contented and meaningful life.

He has written two New York Times bestselling books, has been a lead speaker at the United Nations General Assembly, a special invitee at TED and has also founded the Isha Foundation, a volunteer-run social outreach organisation, that aims to improve mental, physical and spiritual wellbeing for all.

I start off this conversation asking Sadhguru for his perspective on the current sleep loss epidemic and I think his thoughts on this topic, may surprise you. Instead of focussing on sleep, Sadhguru actually wants us to widen our consciousness and concentrate on what really matters - being awake for life.

He also explains the importance of living life, more through perception rather than expression, and why he has managed to thrive on only 2-3 hours sleep a night, for much of his adult life.

Sadhguru is keen to encourage people to become more in tune with their own bodies. He believes that instead of always looking to external ‘experts’, we should spend time cultivating our own inner expertise.

Listen to your body, he says. What is it telling you? External input is not intelligence, it’s merely information. When it comes to what or when to eat, when or how much to sleep, our prescription should be what feels right and what makes us feel alive.

We also talk about modern, allopathic medicine and how that fits alongside more holistic, traditional modalities like Ayurveda. We both agree that while modern medicine can be an effective solution for infection and injury, it is at its core, best at emergency care not health care. And that most chronic illness comes as a result of our collective modern lifestyles - things like diet, environment and stress.

He also explains the true meaning of yoga – more than a series of postures, it’s a way of understanding the world. Yoga means union, and we are in union with every other organism in the living world.

This podcast is a little different from my usual episodes. Sadhguru introduces some challenging, unusual ideas and turns them into compelling arguments for living a yogic, united life. It’s an engaging conversation with a charismatic guest – I hope you enjoy listening.

Thanks to our sponsors:

https://www.exhalecoffee.com/livemore

Show notes https://drchatterjee.com/372

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

BITESIZE | How to Discover Your True Self | Dr Zach Bush #371

15 juni 2023 | 15 min

A New Model for Solving Anxiety with Dr Russell Kennedy #370

13 juni 2023 | 158 min

If you ever feel anxious, whether that’s a low-level worry, a sudden fear, or full-on panic, can you sense where it’s coming from in your body? Perhaps your chest feels tight, or your gut feels uneasy. Or, perhaps, you have no idea. My guest on this episode, believes that understanding where this feeling lives inside your body is the key to treating anxiety – for good.

Dr Russell Kennedy is a medical doctor, neuroscientist, and someone who suffered with crippling anxiety for over 30 years. He is the author of Anxiety RX: A New Prescription For Anxiety From The Doctor Who Created It and has recently launched MBRX, an online course to help people permanently heal their anxiety.

Russell insists anxiety isn’t a disorder of the mind. Our worries are merely a symptom that keeps us in our heads and away from the real problem. He favours the term ‘alarm’ and says we need to find where the alarm is in our bodies. This alarm is a physiological pattern that’s been left by events in our past, usually in early childhood. It signals to our brain that we aren’t safe – and so our mind gets to work trying to think us out of danger.

Russell shares his own journey through anxiety. He talks about how growing up with a father who was schizophrenic and bipolar, left alarm signals, imprinted in his body. And, for over 30 years he searched for relief from his anxiety. But nothing worked.

In Russell’s view, most treatments for anxiety, including medication and CBT, fail in the long term because they don’t address the root cause. For Russell, healing starts by finding out where anxiety lives inside your body and he walks you through how exactly you can start doing that.

We also discuss the simple things that parents can do to help their kids grow up feeling ‘seen, heard, loved and protected’. And, we also discuss the value of activities like breathwork, meditation and yoga, and also some promising therapies such as Internal Family Systems and Somatic Experiencing.

Russell’s core message has the potential to be transformative - that it’s more effective to use the body to calm the mind, than the mind to calm the body. Given how prevalent anxiety is now across society, I think this is a profoundly important conversation. I hope you enjoy listening.

Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/feelbetterlivemore. For other podcast platforms go to https://fblm.supercast.com.

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Show notes https://drchatterjee.com/370

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

#369 BITESIZE | 5 Dietary Tips to Reduce Inflammation | Dr Andrew Weil

8 juni 2023 | 14 min

The Key Driver of Chronic Disease That Nobody’s Talking About with David Perlmutter #368

6 juni 2023 | 76 min

What do obesity, insulin resistance, diabetes, fatty liver disease, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, stroke and dementia have in common? They are all chronic diseases that together are the leading cause of death in the world today. And they’re largely caused not by genes, but by our environment, lifestyle and food choices.

This much many of us already know. But today’s guest brings some valuable new information to the table: the role of uric acid. Dr David Perlmutter is a board-certified neurologist and six-time New York Times bestselling author. He is on the Board of Directors of the American College of Nutrition and an Associate Professor at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. His latest book, Drop Acid: The Surprising New Science of Uric Acid, focuses on the pivotal role of uric acid in chronic metabolic diseases, claiming that lowering its level in the body holds the key to losing weight, controlling blood sugar, and transforming health.

Many of us only think about uric acid in relation to a painful condition called gout. But, as David explains even slightly raised uric acid levels, can have damaging and widespread implications for our health. David and I discuss what he calls the ‘evolutionary environmental mismatch’ - how modern lives are at odds with what serves our biology best. And one of the key elements that is driving this mismatch is the modern food environment.

Many of us simply think about food as energy or calories but David and I discuss why we need to start thinking about food as information. Every bite that we eat is giving our body cues and signals. If we give our bodies the right cues they will thrive. If we give them the wrong cues they will start to malfunction.

We also talk about the relationship between our fructose intake and uric acid levels, the evolutionary benefit for slightly higher uric acid levels, how increased uric acid can drive fat storage, high blood sugar levels, high blood pressure and insulin resistance. We also discuss what changes we can make with our food choices to reduce uric acid levels in our body.

David explains how certain food choices can make us more impulsive, less compassionate and less empathetic and how the right food choices can help us make better decisions and increase our happiness. David is a gifted communicator and someone who is committed to helping as many people as possible, live healthier and happier lives. I hope you enjoy listening.

Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/feelbetterlivemore. For other podcast platforms go to https://fblm.supercast.com.

Thanks to our sponsors:

Show notes https://drchatterjee.com/368

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

BITESIZE | The Fastest Way to Reduce Stress and Anxiety | Dr Andrew Huberman #367

1 juni 2023 | 13 min

How Your Brain Creates Your Reality: A Neuroscientist’s Take On Consciousness, Near Death Experiences & What it Really Means to be You with Professor Anil Seth #366

30 maj 2023 | 131 min

What does consciousness mean to you? It’s something that’s fundamental to who we are as humans. And yet it’s a concept that many of us would struggle to define – scientists and philosophers included. But today’s guest is someone who has spent many years and countless hours studying it, and is keen to share what he has learned.

Anil Seth is Professor of Cognitive and Computational Science at the University of Sussex and Co-director of the Sackler Centre for Consciousness Science. He is a globally respected neuroscientist and author of the Sunday Times bestseller Being You: A New Science Of Consciousness. And he is someone who excels at making complex ideas simple as evidenced by the fact that his TED talk has been viewed over 12 million times to date.

After 20 years researching the brain, Anil’s ideas on perception, reality, and what it means to be you, will have you reconsidering everything you’ve taken for granted about your experience of the world. And if that sounds scary, it really isn’t. You don’t need any prior knowledge of neuroscience, philosophy, or spirituality to enjoy this episode – but it will leave you feeling enlightened in all three areas.

During this conversation we consider death, ritual and the cultural idea of reincarnation. We talk about Near Death Experiences and what we can potentially learn from them and we dive into what consciousness and the self really mean. Anil also sets out his theory that our brains don’t read the world, they write them – all of life is a controlled hallucination.

The way we encounter reality, he asserts, is a construction. Our thoughts and perceptions are merely interpretations of external and biological cues. We’re all hallucinating, all the time. It’s just that when we agree on those hallucinations, we call it reality.

Anil’s work is fascinating and I’m convinced it could pave the way for a humanity that’s more connected, considerate, and humble. This is a conversation that I think will have you reflecting and thinking deeply about the world and your place within it. I hope you enjoy listening.

Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/feelbetterlivemore. For other podcast platforms go to https://fblm.supercast.com.

Thanks to our sponsors:

Show notes https://drchatterjee.com/366

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

BITESIZE | How to Become Happier Today | Mo Gawdat #365

25 maj 2023 | 17 min

Lessons From The World’s Longest Scientific Study of Happiness with Robert Waldinger and Marc Schulz #364

23 maj 2023 | 125 min

By the end of today’s episode, I’m pretty sure you’ll feel inspired to reconnect with an old friend, phone that family member you don’t see enough, or make plans for a face-to-face get-together. You’ll feel happier, and even be healthier if you do, because the quality of our relationships determines the quality of our lives.

My guests, Professors Robert Waldinger and Marc Schulz are co-authors of The Good Life: Lessons From The World’s Longest Scientific Study of Happiness. They are the directors of the Harvard Study of Adult Development which is an extraordinary research project that started back in 1938 and is now in its 85th year.

Robert is Professor of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School. He is also a Zen priest and meditation teacher. Marc is Professor of Psychology and Director of Data Science at Bryn Mawr College in Pennsylvania and is also a practicing therapist.

They are both passionate about spreading the crucial message that high-quality relationships are one of the biggest predictors of happiness, health and longevity and, therefore, prioritising how and with whom you spend your time may just be one of the most important things you can do for your mental and physical health.

We discuss why loneliness increases our risk of death in comparable ways to smoking or obesity and what this 85-year-old study can teach all of us about how to have a meaningful and satisfying life. The study followed the same participants and their families, taking biological measurements and asking detailed questions. Its goal has always been to understand contentment and what it really means to live a good life.

We talk about different types of relationships and how toxic friendships and partnerships can be damaging. We also discuss why frequency and quality both matter when it comes to our relationships, the importance for all of us to have one or two ‘securely attached’ relationships and we discuss the fact that vibrant social lives and close relationships, don’t come easily to everyone.

Robert and Marc share some fantastic insights on what people can do if they are struggling, the importance of listening and being ‘radically curious’ and how we can nurture better relationships with ourselves.

This really was an uplifting and inspiring conversation with two wonderful human beings. I hope you enjoy listening.

Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/feelbetterlivemore. For other podcast platforms go to https://fblm.supercast.com.

Thanks to our sponsors:

Show notes https://drchatterjee.com/364

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

BITESIZE | The Best Type of Exercise to Reduce Stress and Anxiety | Dr Roger Seheult #363

18 maj 2023 | 16 min

Dr Gabor Maté on The Mental Health Crisis: The Real Causes and Why Prince Harry Is No Different To The Rest of Us #362

16 maj 2023 | 112 min

For long-term listeners, Dr Gabor Maté needs little introduction. This episode will be his fourth appearance since we first met in 2018 and I cherish our meaningful, valuable conversations. Gabor is a fellow physician, renowned author, speaker and friend. His is one of the most important voices globally on health, trauma, stress, addiction, and childhood development.

Gabor believes that many of the physical and mental conditions doctors see can be traced back to our earliest experiences and subsequent environmental influences. In his most recent book, The Myth of Normal: Trauma, Illness and Healing in a Toxic Culture, he joins the dots between individual trauma and the pressures of modern-day living.

We begin by discussing what’s behind the current mental health epidemic. In the UK, one in six people over the age of 16 report moderate to severe depression; eight million people have an anxiety disorder. The statistics are more startling in North America. It’s almost ‘normal’ to have some sort of mental health dysfunction. Gabor and I explore our current day mental health epidemic, discuss the causes and potential solutions.

Gabor explains that the most important factor for good mental health throughout life is the parent-child relationship, especially in the early years. Children need parents and caregivers who are present and emotionally attuned. Sadly, these days, the stresses of modern life can prevent some parents from being able to provide these things, despite their best intentions.

We discuss the various ingredients that all human brains need for healthy development, the critical need within all of us to be able to express our authentic selves, why blaming and shaming is unnecessary and unhelpful and the importance of being open and vulnerable.

We also discuss, in depth, Gabor’s recent live interview with Prince Harry, which received a significant amount of negative press. As is often the case, parts of the interview were used out of context across mainstream and social media, and what in my view, was a thoughtful, enlightening exploration of mental health became widely misrepresented and misunderstood.

This public criticism certainly took its toll on Gabor and he openly shares what he has personally learned by going through this experience. We also explore what Prince Harry’s story (and the polarising views that surround it) can potentially teach all of us, both individually and societally.

This really was a special conversation. A conversation that, at its core, has a message of hope and optimism. It is only by recognising where we currently are, that we can move on and create a better future. Gabor and I discuss the practical steps we can all take in order to better our lives and heal.

Thanks to our sponsors:

Show notes https://drchatterjee.com/362

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

BITESIZE | How to Rewrite Your Own Life Story | John McAvoy #361

11 maj 2023 | 15 min

Everything You Need To Know About Menopause with Professor Annice Mukherjee #360

9 maj 2023 | 117 min

Right now, there are more than 13 million peri- or post-menopausal women in the UK. That’s around 25% of the population, you may be in that category or you will be interacting with women in that category. That’s why it’s imperative that all of us have a deeper understanding of what exactly is going on for women at this stage of life.

Menopause has become one of the most talked about health topics over the past few years. And, as topics get talked about more, the variety of information available increases. But is all the information we are consuming accurate?

Today’s guest is one of the UK’s most respected medical experts on women’s hormones and menopause. Professor Annice Mukherjee is a leading UK endocrinologist and author of the bestselling book: The Complete Guide To Menopause. She has over three decades of clinical experience and has supported thousands of women going through menopause to manage their symptoms and improve their wellbeing. She is an Honorary Professor at Coventry University, on the British Menopause Society Medical Advisory Council and was recently named in the Financial Times list, of ‘Women of 2022’.

Our aim for this conversation was to make it a comprehensive guide for all things menopause related and we managed to cover a wide variety of topics, including:

What happens in the lead up to the menopause
What symptoms are commonly caused by fluctuating hormone levels
Why not all women experience menopause symptoms
How it IS possible for women to prepare their bodies for menopause
The impact of stress and other lifestyle behaviours on symptoms
Why menopause should not be thought of as a hormone deficiency state
The Pros and Cons of HRT

And so much more.

We explore something that Annice calls the ‘menopause paradox’ – there has never been a better time in history to be a woman, with greater equality and better treatment options for symptoms, yet at the same time more women are struggling with their midlife health than ever before.

Annice also speaks from personal experience - having been diagnosed with breast cancer she went through menopause herself at the age of 41. Annice passionately wants all women to know, that they have more control over their health and wellbeing, than they think. This is a wonderful conversation, it is jam-packed full of information and practical insights. I hope you enjoy listening.

Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/feelbetterlivemore. For other podcast platforms go to https://fblm.supercast.com.

Thanks to our sponsors:

Show notes https://drchatterjee.com/360

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

BITESIZE | How to Heal and Let Go of the Past | Julia Samuel #359

4 maj 2023 | 16 min

How To Control Your Blood Sugar, Cut Cravings and Get Your Energy Back with Jessie Inchauspé #358

2 maj 2023 | 125 min

CAUTION: The advice in this episode may not be suitable for anyone with an eating disorder. If you have an existing health condition or are taking medication, always consult your healthcare practitioner before making changes to your diet.

My guest this week believes that how you feel right now is directly linked to your blood-sugar level. And if you want to feel better than you do right now, you don’t necessarily need to change what you eat – just how.

Jessie Inchauspé is a French biochemist and author, whose first book, Glucose Revolution, spoke to the life-changing power of balancing your blood-sugar and her latest book, The Glucose Goddess Method sets out a four-week, four-step plan to help you do just that.

Before writing The Glucose Goddess Method, Jessie recruited 2,700 volunteers through social media to test her programme. The results are quite astounding: 70 percent of those who followed her plan for four weeks reported better energy; 90 percent had reduced cravings; 40 percent of the participants with type-2 diabetes reduced their diabetes markers. Ninety-nine percent of those who took part said they were impressed enough to continue the habits for life.

Jessie believes blood sugar is the one metric that has the most effects in the body, from balancing hormones to improving energy, mood, immunity, skin, sleep, ageing, weight and much more. During this conversation, she breaks down the science of exactly what glucose is, how it’s used by the body, and why an excess of sugary or starchy foods can cause a blood-glucose spike. She explains why glucose is our body’s favourite energy source, used by every cell, but that too many spikes, too often, will lead to adverse health effects.

Realising that very many of us struggle with sticking to the ‘best’ or ‘right’ diet, Jessie wanted to find ways that we could all enjoy the foods we love, without suffering spikes. By adopting her four ways of eating – one at a time, bit by bit – you can minimise glucose spikes and, in turn, the short and longer-term health issues they create.

Jessie is a really fantastic communicator who is able to simplify complex science and give you actionable information that you can implement immediately. I hope you enjoy listening.

Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/feelbetterlivemore. For other podcast platforms go to https://fblm.supercast.com.

Thanks to our sponsors:

Show notes https://drchatterjee.com/358

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

BITESIZE | How to Master Your Sleep | Professor Russell Foster #357

27 april 2023 | 16 min

The Science of Longevity: Why Healthspan Matters More Than Lifespan with Dr Peter Attia #356

25 april 2023 | 147 min

No one would argue that smoking is a killer. And no doctor would wait until a patient was showing early signs of cancer or heart disease before advising them to quit. Yet this is one of the few health scenarios where early prevention is given the evidence-based weight it deserves. Today’s guest believes that needs to change.

Dr Peter Attia is a medical doctor, a longevity expert and author of the brand new book Outlive: The Science and Art of Longevity. He gained his medical degree at Stanford University, trained in general surgery at Johns Hopkins Hospital, and was a surgical oncology fellow at the US National Cancer Institute. He’s also on the editorial board for the journal Aging and host of The Drive podcast, which covers health, medicine, and longevity.

Peter is not interested in reaching unheard-of age milestones or hitting birthdays in triple figures – unless he can do it with full vitality. He believes our focus needs to be on the quality of life we’re living; our healthspan rather than our lifespan.

We talk about the evolution of medicine and we discuss the limitations of current practice. Peter calls this ‘medicine 2.0’ and describes it as adept at dealing with ‘fast death' from trauma and infection. But it’s failing to counter our declining life expectancy or deal with the prevalence of chronic disease. Peter shares what he calls the ‘four horsemen’ of the health apocalypse – namely the 4 disease states, that will end up taking most of our lives: atherosclerosis, cancer, neurodegenerative diseases and metabolic dysfunction.

Our objective, he says, should be to die ‘with’ disease, not ‘of’ disease and a huge part of Peter’s philosophy is about aggressively taking action to delay the onset of these four horsemen. But, to do that, we will need to take a different approach, which Peter calls, ‘medicine 3.0’. In our wide-ranging conversation, Peter shares which investigations and tests he thinks we should all be doing and he explains why when it comes to longevity, exercise is the most important area to focus on.

We also discuss the vital importance of emotional health and, Peter talks openly about his own struggles with extreme perfectionism and shares some of the tools that he uses daily to help. I loved having the opportunity to connect with Peter during this in-depth and enlightening chat. I hope you enjoy listening.

Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/feelbetterlivemore. For other podcast platforms go to https://fblm.supercast.com.

Thanks to our sponsors:

Show notes https://drchatterjee.com/356

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

BITESIZE | How to Stop Feeling Overwhelmed | Oliver Burkeman #355

20 april 2023 | 14 min

The Science of What Really Makes Us Tick, How Status Impacts Your Health & The Modern Epidemic of Perfectionism with Will Storr #354

18 april 2023 | 111 min

What does the word status mean to you? For most of us, it probably brings up ideas of wealth, celebrity or material possessions. But could it be something much more meaningful and central to who we are as humans? Today’s guest believes status is simply about being of value, and it underpins so much of what we choose to do in life, impacting the way that we feel but also having significant implications for our health.

Will Storr is an award-winning journalist whose writings have appeared in The Guardian, The Sunday Times, The New Yorker and the New York Times. He’s also the author of 6 critically acclaimed books including Selfie, The Science of Storytelling and his latest book, The Status Game, which is all about our social position and how we use it.

In this conversation, Will argues that as humans, we’re programmed to compare ourselves to others – and to care about how we stack up. He explains that status is actually our social standing, based upon how valuable we are to those around us.

Will also shares the 3 types of status game we all play; the 3 ways in which we try to be of value to those around us. I think that throughout this conversation, you will start to identify which of those status games you have previously played and which ones you are currently playing in your own life.

We also discuss the relationship between status and health, the link between growing rates of perfectionism and rising rates of mental health problems like anxiety, depression, self-harm and eating disorders - and Will also talks about the importance of having multiple sources of status and how becoming aware of this, led to him becoming a volunteer for Samaritans - something which has enhanced his life immeasurably.

Ultimately, Will explains that we are not supposed to win the status game, just to play it. And he makes the powerful case, that simply knowing this fact, can make life feel a lot easier.

This really is a thought-provoking conversation and one that I am hopeful will have you reflecting on your life and viewing it through a different lens. I hope you enjoy listening.

Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/feelbetterlivemore. For other podcast platforms go to https://fblm.supercast.com.

Thanks to our sponsors:

Show notes https://drchatterjee.com/354

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

BITESIZE | This Powerful Tool Can Help You Find Freedom and Peace | Peter Crone #353

13 april 2023 | 15 min

How Exercise Helps Us Find Happiness, Hope, Connection and Courage with Dr Kelly McGonigal (Re-Release) #352

11 april 2023 | 96 min

This week, I’ve decided to re-release an exceptional episode that first came out on this podcast over three years ago. My guest is Dr Kelly McGonigal. She's a Stanford psychologist, award winning science writer and the author of multiple international best-selling books, including her most recent, The Joy of Movement: How Exercise Helps Us Find Happiness, Hope, Connection and Courage.

This conversation is all about movement; why movement is essential for our brains, our bodies, and our relationships. We’ve all heard how important movement is for our physical health but actually, in so many ways, I think we have undersold movement. Kelly shares some amazing insights and science about movement, which you may have never heard before.

Kelly and I talk about the importance of music for movement, and how moving with others can improve social connections and foster a sense of support and community. We discuss how going beyond what you think you’re capable of – whether that’s an endurance event, lifting heavy weights or taking on an epic hike in nature – can provide a spiritual experience that changes the brain in positive ways.

We also emphasise that movement does not have to be hard. Kelly explains how even the simplest of movements provide an immediate reset for your mood and brain chemistry. And she shares ground-breaking new research that shows how repeatedly contracting any muscles, through continuous exercise, releases antidepressant substances called myokines that scientists have dubbed ‘hope molecules’.

Whether you’re someone who wants to move more but isn’t sure where to start – or you’re already a confirmed fitness fanatic – I think you’ll find this conversation uplifting and inspiring. I hope you enjoy listening.

Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/feelbetterlivemore or https://fblm.supercast.com.

Thanks to our sponsors:

Show notes https://drchatterjee.com/352

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

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BITESIZE | Do This Every Morning to Stop Procrastination | Mel Robbins #351

6 april 2023 | 12 min

The New Science of Eating Well with Professor Tim Spector #350

4 april 2023 | 126 min

Professor Tim Spector rarely eats bananas these days. He treats a glass of fruit juice as he would a can of cola. And, despite having to watch his blood pressure, he no longer restricts the salt he adds to food. Controversial views? Perhaps, if heard out of context. But, as Tim explains in this episode of my Feel Better Live More podcast, these are just a few examples of new thinking he has adopted on certain foods, since discovering his own, personal metabolic response to them.

Tim was my first-ever guest, five and a half years ago, and I’m pleased he’s returning for his fourth conversation. And if you've heard the previous three conversations, there is plenty of new information in this conversation. And if this is your first time listening to me talking with Tim, I think you are in for a treat.

Tim is an award-winning scientist, professor of genetics and author of four fantastic books, each of which challenge commonly accepted views about food, weight and health. He’s Head of the Department of Twin Research at King’s College London, and, as Director of the British Gut Project, a world-leader when it comes to gut microbiome studies. Tim’s latest book Food For Life: The New Science Of Eating Well is his most thorough yet

In this conversation, we talk about a health technology called CGM (which stands for continuous glucose monitors) and touch on what Tim has learned from using them. We talk through the biology of blood sugar spikes and why it's not the odd spike here and there that's problematic but regular ones that can lead to health issues, such as chronic inflammation and insulin resistance.

We also discuss Tim's views on calorie counting, the role that exercise plays in health and weight loss and Tim’s view on the concept that food is medicine. We both reflect on what a transformative difference it would make if more patients were offered nutrition advice as a first line of treatment.

I think one of the things I respect the most about Tim is his willingness to change his mind and his views in public. I think it helps all of us be more open minded and less stuck in our ways. I always enjoy sitting down with Tim, this is an enlightening thought provoking, and I hope inspiring conversation. I hope you enjoy listening.

Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/feelbetterlivemore or https://fblm.supercast.com.

Thanks to our sponsors:

Show notes https://drchatterjee.com/350

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

BITESIZE | How to Find Inspiration Everywhere You Look | Light Watkins #349

30 mars 2023 | 15 min

The New Addition To My Morning Routine: Master Your Mind Through Movement and Breathwork with Erwan Le Corre #348

28 mars 2023 | 143 min

Today’s guest is someone who I have wanted to talk to for many years. I first came across him around 10 years ago and was fascinated by his approach to movement and, in particular, natural movement.

Erwan Le Corre is the founder of MovNat, a school of physical competency entirely based on natural movement. Since 2008, it has quickly spread globally, with certification courses, weekend retreats and instructors all over the world. One of Erwan’s core philosophies is that many of us have become 'zoo-humans' and as a result, we are suffering physically, mentally, and spiritually. In his ground-breaking book, The Practice of Natural Movement: Reclaim Power, Health and Freedom, Erwan outlines a simple process to help us all get back to who we are meant to be.

As humans, we are incredibly physically versatile. We can walk, run, sit, stand, jump, swim, dive, throw, catch, climb and more. But how many of these movements do we typically do daily? Why have we become removed from these intrinsic, functional capabilities? And does going to the gym or lifting a few weights at home, really compensate enough?

Erwan currently holds the US National Record in STA (static apnea) with a 7 minute and 8 second breath hold. Over the past few years, he has been researching, experimenting with and developing his own breath-work practice, now named BreathHoldWork meditation.

He launched his method online and I completed the course. It was one of the best courses I have ever done and it really has had a transformative effect on me. So much so, that what I learned has found its way into my daily morning routine. At the start of the course, I could only hold my breath for about 1 minute. Within 4 weeks, I increased that to 4 minutes and 20 seconds! It was not because my body had adapted physiologically, it is because he taught me how to harness the power of my mind.

Erwan’s technique is completely different from The Wim Hof Method. In Erwan’s method there is no hyperventilation, which in his opinion means you can gain deeper insights, achieve greater calm and more quickly access a state of inner peace. By learning how to quieten your mind and nervous system, when your body is begging you to breathe, you learn something quite profound about yourself - and it is a skill that transfers into other parts of your life. If you can stay calm in this kind of environment, most things in life afterward appear relatively easy in comparison.

This was a really enjoyable conversation, about inspiring you to rediscover who you really are - an innately capable and resilient human. I hope you enjoy listening.

Enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/feelbetterlivemore. All other platforms https://fblm.supercast.com.

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Show notes https://drchatterjee.com/348

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast.

BITESIZE | How to Eat Your Way to Better Health | Dr Rupy Aujla #347

24 mars 2023 | 15 min

Unlock The Power of Your Mind and Live Your Best Life Today with Lewis Howes #346

22 mars 2023 | 114 min

TRIGGER WARNING: CONTAINS REFERENCES TO SEXUAL ABUSE

What determines your success in life? Is it talent, opportunity, fate or luck? They can all be factors, but none of them determine your destiny. What does, according to today’s guest, is your mindset.

Lewis Howes is a best-selling author and host of The School Of Greatness podcast. He was recognised by the White House and President Obama as one of the top 100 entrepreneurs in America under 30. He’s also author of a brand new book, The Greatness Mindset: Unlock The Power Of Your Mind And Live Your Best Life Today.

Lewis firmly believes that we all have greatness within us but he says that the main enemy of greatness is the lack of a clear, meaningful mission. He believes we can all overcome our fears, self-doubt and rewrite the stories of our past to propel us into a brighter future.

He is someone that most people would consider successful but this wasn’t always the case. It wasn’t until Lewis hit his 30s – around 10 years ago – that he faced his biggest fear. For years Lewis had stayed silent and felt shameful about the fact he was sexually abused as a child. He shares the extraordinarily moving story of how he finally opened up about this, and started his journey of healing. Of course, he was scared to do so like so many of us are, when it comes to talking about deeply personal experiences.

In this episode, Lewis talks beautifully about the need for us to intentionally face our fears, the importance of letting go of guilt and shame, the particular struggles that men often feel when it comes to expressing their emotions, and the incredible power of forgiveness.

This was a really powerful, raw and honest conversation. I hope you enjoy listening.

Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/feelbetterlivemore or https://fblm.supercast.com.

Thanks to our sponsors:

Show notes https://drchatterjee.com/346

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

BITESIZE | Why We Are All Addicts | Dr Anna Lembke #345

17 mars 2023 | 16 min

What We All Need To Know About Human Emotions & How They Affect Our Behaviour with Batja Mesquita #344

15 mars 2023 | 127 min

Are emotions universal? Do you think people are programmed to feel a certain way in specific situations? Or is there a clear distinction between what makes you feel angry, happy or sad, compared to someone else?

Today’s guest is someone whose work I believe can help all of us to make better connections in a fractured, modern world. Batja Mesquita is a social psychologist, affective scientist, and pioneer of cultural psychology. She’s also a Professor of Psychology at the University of Leuven in Belgium and in her ground-breaking book, Between Us: How Cultures Create Emotions, she suggests emotions don’t live within us, they arise between us. They are made, not innate; they form in response to social interaction and can differ dramatically across societies and cultures.

That’s not, of course, to deny our emotions are authentic – or to say that we don’t feel them deeply. Rather it’s a way to acknowledge that not everyone will see the same situation in the same way. We can probably all think of occasions where someone from another culture has responded unusually to us – or where our own behaviour has been misunderstood by them.

In this conversation, Batja gives examples of how, as a Dutch academic visiting America, she found her colleagues’ culture of compliments uncomfortable and overfamiliar. She explains that it’s not about our language, although the words we choose to describe our feelings can be significant. Instead, says Batja, our culture, heritage, gender, socioeconomic group or even age influences how we interpret the world – and so what our emotional norms are in a given situation.

We cover so many thought-provoking topics, including:

What emotions really are – and why anger, shame or pride might differ across cultures.
Parenting and how we understand and influence our child’s emotions.
The immigrant experience and how being raised with dual cultures might affect your relationships and approach to life.
How a better understanding of cultural differences and language interpretation could help doctor-patient relationships.

I absolutely loved Batja’s book and I think her work is really important. The more we are able to connect with our fellow humans instead of judging them, the happier and more harmonious the world is going to be. I hope you enjoy listening.

Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/feelbetterlivemore. For other podcast platforms go to https://fblm.supercast.com.

Thanks to our sponsors:

Show notes https://drchatterjee.com/344

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

BITESIZE | Use This Powerful Tool to Reduce Stress and Anxiety | Dr Ethan Kross #343

10 mars 2023 | 17 min

Fasting, Hormones & Menopause: Why Women Need A Different Approach To Men with Dr Mindy Pelz #342

8 mars 2023 | 123 min

CAUTION: This podcast discusses fasting, and its advice may not be suitable for anyone with an eating disorder. If you have an existing health condition or are taking medication, always consult your healthcare practitioner before going for prolonged periods without eating.

Today’s podcast could transform the lives of many women – but it’s a conversation that is just as relevant for men. My guest is Dr Mindy Pelz, a nutrition expert, an author and a pioneer on the subject of women’s health, hormones and fasting.

Fasting itself is a topic we’ve spoken about before on this podcast, but when we talk about fasting and health in general, we often presume that men and women are going to respond in the same way. As Mindy explains, men and women are fundamentally different biologically and hormonally, which means they may need to adopt different approaches.

Mindy’s new book Fast Like A Girl explains that distinction and goes on to provide the protocols women can use, so fasting works in their favour. It’s billed as a women’s guide to using fasting to burn fat, boost energy and balance hormones. But I’d argue that it gives us a whole lot more than that.

Mindy sets out the key hormonal differences between men and women. With men governed primarily by testosterone, released at regular intervals and doses throughout the day. Women are led by a symphony of oestrogen, testosterone and progesterone in amounts that vary across an average 28-day menstrual cycle.

Mindy talks us through what exactly is going on hormonally during the four phases of a woman’s cycle and how this makes women feel physically, cognitively and emotionally. She explains how women can tailor everything from their working habits to their workouts, their social life to their diet, to better match their hormone profile at each stage of the cycle - this approach can help women feel more in control. We discuss the benefits for conditions like polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), infertility and irregular cycles.

We also discuss the different stages of women’s lives – reproductive, perimenopausal and post-menopausal – and how different types and lengths of fasting can be optimised in each stage.

This is not just an empowering listen for women, it is for all of us – partners, brothers, fathers, sons, and friends. I hope you enjoy listening.

Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/feelbetterlivemore. For other podcast platforms go to https://fblm.supercast.com.

Thanks to our sponsors:

Show notes https://drchatterjee.com/342

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

BITESIZE | How to Train Your Attention and Improve Your Life | Dr Amishi Jha #341

3 mars 2023 | 17 min

The New Science of Awe & How It Improves Your Physical & Mental Wellbeing with Dr Dacher Keltner #340

1 mars 2023 | 114 min

When was the last time you felt awe? Perhaps it’s an emotion you notice often, evoked by the trees, clouds, or people around you. Or maybe it’s something you associate with more dramatic, less frequent experiences.

Dr Dacher Keltner, has written a sublime book on the subject of awe. It’s called Awe: The New Science of Everyday Wonder and How It Can Transform Your Life and in it he proposes that awe is an emotion that’s all around us, waiting to be discovered – and in doing so, we can transform our health and lives for the better.

Dacher is one of the world’s foremost emotion scientists and Professor of Psychology at the University of California. He’s also Director of the Greater Good Science Center, which studies the psychology, sociology, and neuroscience of happiness and wellbeing. He has spent decades studying the science of happiness and believes that across the world, we are collectively having a moment of reflection and looking for more meaning.

In this conversation, Dacher defines awe as our response to powerful things that are obscure, vast, and mysterious. They’re beyond our frame of reference, making us feel small and filling us with wonder. But you don’t have to go to the Grand Canyon or see the Northern Lights to find them. Having studied people’s understanding and experience of awe in 26 different countries, he’s found eight types that are common and easily available to us all.

They include nature, music, moral beauty (noticing others’ kindness), birth and death, and my favourite ‘collective effervescence’. This is that feeling of coming together with others, moving as one, and sharing the same consciousness – you may have experienced it in a sports stadium, at a music concert, on a dancefloor, in worship, in a choir, or even at parkrun.

We spoke in depth about how birth and death are strong triggers for awe, sharing our own painful yet precious experiences of watching close relatives die. We also considered how awe reduces the ego and makes you humble. And how having a regular practice of contemplation, like meditation or breathwork, can open us up to easily noticing and benefitting from everyday awe.

I truly believe that Dacher’s work can help all of us find greater meaning and greater health. He’s done a fantastic job of finding the science to support his words, but I think we also know intuitively that what he says makes perfect sense. This was a wonderful and deeply profound conversation that contains science, storytelling, raw emotion and so much more.

Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/feelbetterlivemore. For other podcast platforms go to https://fblm.supercast.com.

Thanks to our sponsors:

Show notes https://drchatterjee.com/340

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

BITESIZE | How to Live Your Best Life | Jake Humphrey #339

24 februari 2023 | 15 min

The Secrets To Living Your Longest, Healthiest Life with Dr Mark Hyman #338

22 februari 2023 | 113 min

My guest today is someone who has been leading a global health revolution around using food as medicine to support longevity, energy, mental clarity and happiness. Dr Mark Hyman has been a practicing medical doctor for several decades, he is the Head of Strategy and Innovation at the Cleveland Clinic Center for Functional Medicine and the author of an incredible 18 books. His latest one, Young Forever: The Secrets To Living Your Longest, Healthiest Life, challenges us to reimagine our biology and the entire process of ageing.

In our conversation, Mark walks us through the 10 hallmarks of ageing, and explains what we can all practically do to influence them. He talks about the difference between our chronological age and our biological age and wants to reframe the idea that growing older means becoming frail, weak and less independent. In fact, Mark believes that as a society we have normalised what he calls ‘abnormal ageing’.

We talk in detail about food and how our daily choices influence the speed at which we will age. Mark explains how all the chronic diseases of modern life – heart disease, cancer, type 2 diabetes and dementia – are in some way related to disturbances in how we regulate blood sugar. And he details the ‘wildfire of downstream effects’ this can lead to - things like inflammation, increased belly fat and an increase in stress hormones.

Mark also shares powerful research showing that we can reverse our biological age by up to three years in just eight weeks. We also cover the controversial topic of protein, the crucial need for resistance training as we get older, and what exactly Mark learned from visiting the Blue Zones – places around the world where the population naturally thrives into old age. Their default culture, he says, is a diet rich in whole foods and phyto-chemicals, a naturally active lifestyle, being socially connected and a strong sense of meaning.

People who live well into old age, it seems, live close to the earth and each other. How’s that for a health goal worth aspiring to?

Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/feelbetterlivemore or https://fblm.supercast.com.

Thanks to our sponsors:

Show notes https://drchatterjee.com/338

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

BITESIZE | Reduce Stress and Anxiety With This Breathing Practice | James Nestor #337

17 februari 2023 | 13 min

How Trauma Impacts Your Physical Health & How To Heal From It with Dr Bessel van der Kolk #336

15 februari 2023 | 102 min

CAUTION: This conversation contains themes of an adult nature and references to sexual assault.

My guest today is someone who I’ve been wanting to speak to for a very long time. Dr Bessel van der Kolk is a professor of psychiatry at Boston University School of Medicine and President of the Trauma Research Foundation in Massachusetts. He’s also the author of the wildly popular book, The Body Keeps the Score, a book about trauma, published in 38 languages and read by millions of people worldwide.

The central philosophy behind Bessel’s work is that traumatic, psychological experiences in life leave a physical imprint within us, which can result in physical and mental health problems. We begin by talking about what exactly trauma is, how it differs from stress, and why it is important for all of us to have compassion and empathy for those affected. He explains the factors that lead to some people becoming traumatised by an experience while others aren’t. And we talk about the importance of family, support, and community when it comes to emotional resilience.

We discuss the variety of different medical conditions and symptoms that may have their root in trauma, from misunderstood illnesses like fibromyalgia to mental health disorders and autoimmune disease. Often, these are the conditions where western medicine really struggles to help.

Bessel has carried out years of research into trauma and studied the many modalities that can help us finally heal. Because our bodies quite literally keep the score and store the trauma, it’s often body-oriented therapies that may prove most helpful. We discuss why yoga (the union of body and mind), dancing or singing can be powerful ways to do this. Movement, he says, is the opposite of being ‘stuck’ in trauma. It’s a somatic pleasure response, an expression of life, and can put vulnerable, traumatised people back in touch with their bodies.

Bessel also shares some fascinating evidence on the power of EMDR (eye movement desensitisation reprogramming), neurofeedback, and talks about his involvement in psychedelic therapy. Such is the prevalence of trauma in society that whether we have experienced it ourselves or we know people who have, it’s vital that we all learn about it and the various ways we can heal.

This is a powerful and insightful conversation with one of the world’s leading authorities on trauma. I hope you enjoy listening.

Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/feelbetterlivemore or https://fblm.supercast.com.

Thanks to our sponsors:

Show notes https://drchatterjee.com/336

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

BITESIZE | The Simple Habit That Can Transform Your Life | Rich Roll #335

10 februari 2023 | 10 min

Jay Shetty on Relationships, Routines & Finding Purpose #334

8 februari 2023 | 101 min

Is love something that happens magically between two people – or is it something that needs to be nurtured? Does it come from within us, or is it something we’re given? My guest today is here to help us figure out these answers and more. Jay Shetty is a former monk who wanted to share his learnings with a wider audience. He’s now one of the world’s most influential, modern self-help gurus – with a social media following in the tens of millions. He’s also a bestselling author, host of the podcast On Purpose, and Chief Purpose Officer for the meditation app Calm.

I first welcomed Jay to the podcast in 2020 and he’s now back to share his wisdom on purpose and relationships to celebrate the launch of his new book, 8 Rules Of Love: How To Find It, Keep It, And Let It Go, and his world tour to support the book, which hits the UK in May.

We begin our conversation talking about the importance of purpose and how we can go about finding or refining our own. Jay also shares his morning routine which includes thankfulness, intention, meditation and exercise and explains how this helps him to live each day with more purpose. We then go on to talk about relationships and discuss the idea that solitude and self-knowledge are the foundations of love.

We talk about the fact that challenges in a relationship are more often issues within ourselves; how we often take our stresses out on those closest to us – and how we can stop doing this. Jay explains why difficulties arise when we communicate what we want from a partner, but not why we want it, the satisfaction that comes with mutual growth, the importance of finding a partner who shares your values and how the qualities you attract in others, will be the same ones you use to impress them.

Whether you’re someone who is looking for love, happily single, recently separated, in a new relationship, or you’ve been with someone for many years, you’ll find nuggets of wisdom throughout this deep and raw conversation. I hope you enjoy listening.

Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/feelbetterlivemore. For other podcast platforms go to https://fblm.supercast.com.

Thanks to our sponsors:

Show notes https://drchatterjee.com/334

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

BITESIZE | The Benefits of Fasting for Weight Loss, Health and Longevity | Dr Pradip Jamnadas #333

3 februari 2023 | 15 min

7 Ways We Self-Sabotage and How To Stop with Dr Ramani Durvasula #332

1 februari 2023 | 121 min

This week’s episode is all about a subject familiar to many of us: self-sabotage. Whether it’s the inability to stick to our health goals, leave a toxic relationship, or get that promotion, we often seem to be our own worst enemies. Self-sabotage is a spectrum of feelings, beliefs, and behaviours, but they all set us up to fail.

Dr Ramani Durvasula is a clinical psychologist and Professor of Psychology at California State University, and a world-renowned expert on narcissistic personality disorder. She’s written two books on the subject, Should I Stay or Should I Go and Don’t You Know Who I Am. She hosts the podcast Navigating Narcissism, and posts regularly on her YouTube channel, which has over 1 million subscribers.

In this conversation, we talk about relationships not with others, but with ourselves. Dr Ramani talks us through the common ways in which many of us self-sabotage, including procrastination, social comparison, taking on too much and not living in alignment with our values. She explains their links to anxiety and perfectionism and shares the practical solutions that she uses with clients to overcome them. If you’ve ever considered having therapy, Dr Ramani provides some useful insights about how it can work.

We discuss a wide range of topics, including why so many of us stick around in toxic, unsupportive relationships, the importance of cultivating friendships and communities outside the home and not expecting our romantic partner to be all things to us. And you’ll hear Dr Ramani explain a new way of thinking about our inner critic.

Dr Ramani has decades of real world experience helping her clients, she is a brilliant communicator and this is a conversation full of fresh insights and practical insights that you are going to be able to implement immediately.

Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/feelbetterlivemore. For other podcast platforms go to https://fblm.supercast.com.

Thanks to our sponsors:

Show notes https://drchatterjee.com/332

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

BITESIZE | How to Find Your Happy Place | Fearne Cotton #331

27 januari 2023 | 16 min

The Best Foods To Nourish Your Brain with Max Lugavere #330

25 januari 2023 | 133 min

My guest today is on a mission to help people feel better, live longer, and maximise their brain health by optimising their diet. Max Lugavere is a science journalist and a New York Times bestselling author. He believes brain decline is not inevitable, we all have agency in how we age, and the secret lies in our food. This drive began following his mother’s diagnosis with Lewy body dementia aged just 58, and his frustration at the medical world’s ineffective, drugs-only approach to treatment. Years spent trawling the research and asking experts, “Why her?” has given him a wealth of knowledge that he is keen to share with others.

Through his books Genius Foods, The Genius Life, and cookbook Genius Kitchen, as well as a long-running podcast, Max shares evidence-based principles that will help all of us protect our brains. And his passion, along with an encyclopaedic ability to recall and communicate the science, is why I really wanted to talk to Max on my show.

Max talks us through the three food types we should think about cutting out – and why. We discuss ultra-processed foods and why it’s not in our nature to consume them in moderation. He explains the wholefood matrix, and the protective synergy that comes with eating foods, in a minimally processed state. If you’ve ever wondered about the healthiest fats to cook with, Max covers this in detail.

He also shares which specific foods he recommends we all include in our diets and what brain-healthy nutrients they provide. Perhaps controversially, we discuss the adage ‘Everything in moderation’ and why this might not be the healthiest approach. If we’re going to declare some foods good, says Max, other foods must therefore be bad. And within the context of a sick population, surely we should be bolder about advising people to quit the food types we know are unnatural and harmful?

Having experienced the trauma of his mother’s illness, Max isn’t bothered about the critics, he’s just really keen to help people. He’s an advocate for informed consent, sharing facts to enable us to make tailored, better food choices. Above all, his message is one of balance and realism. We can all make choices every single day that set us on the path to better health, even if we’re only taking baby steps. I immensely enjoyed my conversation with him. I hope you enjoy listening.

Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/feelbetterlivemore. For other podcast platforms go to https://fblm.supercast.com.

Thanks to our sponsors:

Show notes https://drchatterjee.com/330

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

7 Early Signs of Burnout and 10 Simple & Practical Tools To Help with Dr Rangan Chatterjee #329

22 januari 2023 | 71 min

Burnout is a type of chronic, unmanaged stress that has significant consequences for our physical and mental health. It’s characterised by feeling exhausted all the time, with no energy for everyday tasks, and little enjoyment in everyday activities. A survey by YouGov for the charity Mental Health UK in 2020 found one in five people felt unable to manage pressure and stress levels at work. Other research found that 88 percent of the UK workforce has experienced burnout since 2020.

It’s staggering statistics like these that led me to record this bonus episode. It’s a different format from usual: rather than a conversation with a guest, this is my take on what burnout is, why we often don't recognise it until it is too late – and why I believe it’s so important that each and every one of us is aware of it.

Many of us think we can keep pushing day after day, week after week, without any consequences. But we can’t. What I have seen time and time again is that this constant pushing always come back to bite, it is just a case of when. Many of us are on the road to burnout without even realising it. In the past, we might have thought of burnout as a phenomenon that only affected high-flying CEOs. But it’s fair to say the world of work has completely transformed over the past few years. Pressures on everyone are through the roof, no matter what your paygrade or level of responsibility. Add to that the rise in home working, the cost-of-living crisis and the fact that boundaries between work and home have become increasingly blurred means that it is something that more and more of us are experiencing.

In this podcast, I outline 7 signs that may indicate you are on the road to burnout: things to look out for in your mood, your behaviour, your habits and your health. I then walk you through 10 practical tools you can think about introducing into your life that will quickly start to help. I truly hope you find this episode helpful and, of course, if you know someone in your life who could benefit from listening, please do share this episode with them.

PLEASE NOTE: the signs I mention in this episode are very common and are not exclusive to burnout. If you have the odd sign and it is short lived - please do not worry - we all will experience some of these signs from time to time. Just be mindful if these signs are becoming longstanding. Also, please note that some of these signs can also be found in a variety of other conditions, for example, depression. If you have any concerns, please seek advice from a qualified healthcare professional ***

***DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard in this podcast.

Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/feelbetterlivemore or https://fblm.supercast.com for all podcast platforms.

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Show notes https://drchatterjee.com/329

BITESIZE | Do This Every Morning to Boost Your Energy and Improve Your Sleep | Dr. Andrew Huberman #328

20 januari 2023 | 14 min

Rick Rubin On Creativity, Authenticity & Living A Meaningful Life #327

18 januari 2023 | 156 min

This week’s guest is regarded as one of the all-time music greats. Named on Time magazine’s list of the ‘100 most influential people in the world’, he is none other than the legendary record producer, Mr Rick Rubin.

Whether you know the name Rick Rubin or not - it is almost certain that the music he has been involved with making has made its way into your life at various points. Having worked with a huge variety of different artists in very different genres - Tom Petty, Beastie Boys, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Adele, Johnny Cash, Jay Z, Neil Young - to name just a few, he is one of the most celebrated record producers of all time. But I think one of the reasons that Rick has reached an almost mythical status across the world is because of his Zen-like manner and his artistic approach to life.

In his new book The Creative Act, Rick says that we’re all artists – and he defines art as whatever our ‘curated output’ in life is. And you don’t have to be a musician, or even a music fan to appreciate this book (or this episode), because it’s really about the art of living.

We talk about how his artistic life philosophy applies to health. He shares his own path to wellness - how changing his diet, living in harmony with his circadian rhythms and seeing a nutritionist - helped him lose over a third of his body weight and gave him his vitality back. We also touch on the similarities between creating beautiful records and creating optimal health. Rick also shares how suffering from depression has actually left him more grounded and empathetic, and why he is such a big fan of saunas and cold-water therapy.

Just like in Rick’s book, there are all sorts of thought tangents to follow in our conversation, and I think, what you will hear and take away, will hugely depend on what you need to hear in your life right now.

We talk about the value of deadlines, the beauty of imperfection and whether it’s OK to be motivated by success. We also touch on authenticity, values, and his firm view that ‘the audience should come last’ in any creative endeavour.

This really was a special conversation, full of timeless wisdom, from a remarkable man. If you’d have told the teenage Rangan that he’d one day be sitting down for an in-depth conversation with Rick Rubin about why medicine is more art than science, I don’t think he would have believed you - and yet, this is what you are about to hear - so strap yourself in, get yourself ready and enjoy!

Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/feelbetterlivemore. For other podcast platforms go to https://fblm.supercast.com.

Thanks to our sponsors:

Show notes https://drchatterjee.com/327

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

BITESIZE | Eat These Foods to Improve Your Gut Health | Professor Tim Spector #326

13 januari 2023 | 15 min

Why Anxiety Is Your Superpower & How Exercise Changes Your Brain with Dr Wendy Suzuki #325

11 januari 2023 | 91 min

Every morning, my guest on this week’s episode starts her day with 30-minutes of exercise. She knows – from personal experience backed by scientific research – that this makes her more focused, happy, motivated, and even creative. She knows it’ll help her grow new brain cells and neural pathways, long into old age. And she wants you to reap all these benefits too.

Dr Wendy Suzuki is a neuroscientist and a Professor of Neural Science and Psychology at New York University’s Center for Neural Science. Her 2016 book Healthy Brain, Happy Life is a thought-provoking, life-changing look at the plasticity of the brain – and the research-based ways we can change it for the better.

In our conversation, Wendy shares her realisation that the ‘bubble bath of feelgood chemicals’ released during movement were having powerful unexpected effects in her brain. And she explains how even just a small amount of exercise creates profound changes in the brain that go much further than simply boosting mood.

We talk about the effect exercise had on the hippocampus, the part of the brain critical for long-term memory and imagination, as well as the pre-frontal cortex, responsible for our working, moment-to-moment memory. It’s all inspiring proof that our brains are plastic and can change at any age, and that we can take action to make them healthier, younger and stronger.

We also discuss anxiety. Wendy’s latest book, provocatively titled Anxiety Is Your Superpower is all about reframing this ‘misunderstood emotion’ as a signal designed to protect us. Anxiety and fear levels have certainly risen over the past few years but if we can understand anxiety as part of the fight or flight stress response, says Wendy, we can begin to see it as an evolutionary tool for productivity. The key, she says, is turning a panicked list of ‘what ifs’ into a practical list of ‘to dos’.

Wendy explains the detrimental effects of alcohol on brain health, the wonders of meditation and how listening to your favourite piece of music is one of the easiest ways to nourish your brain.

This is a practical and inspiring episode that I’m certain will have you taking action immediately.

Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/feelbetterlivemore. For other podcast platforms go to https://fblm.supercast.com.

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Show notes https://drchatterjee.com/325

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

How to Transform Your Health in Eight Weeks with Dr Ayan Panja #324

8 januari 2023 | 103 min

Doctors working in general practice have never faced such challenges as they do today – and yet there’s a perception that they’re just not working hard enough. The reality, says this week’s guest, is there are fewer doctors and resources and soaring patient numbers with increasingly complex needs. But Dr Ayan Panja might just have hit on a solution.

Ayan, as regular listeners will know, is a returning guest to the podcast and a good friend of mine. Together we developed the RCGP-accredited Prescribing Lifestyle Medicine course, which we offer to fellow healthcare practitioners. As well as being a very busy NHS GP with almost 25 years of experience, Ayan is an exceptional health communicator. His brand-new book, The Health Fix: Transform Your Health In 8 Weeks, contains life-changing insights about how we can all improve our health and wellbeing using techniques and strategies he has seen work time and time again in over 2 decades of clinical practice.

In our conversation, Ayan explains the eight key factors which affect our health the most day to day and shares the simple ways that we can start to improve them. We talk about autoimmune disease and how the underlying mechanisms behind these diseases often start in the body years before we actually get a diagnosis. We also discuss the limitations of evidence-based medicine and why real-world experience often counts as much, if not more than laboratory findings. And of course, we talk about the practical things that we can all implement immediately to improve our health and happiness.

One of the things that I love the most about Ayan’s approach is that it really understands that you are unique and it's going to allow you to generate your own targeted lifestyle prescription. And this episode will put you on the right path to discovering your own, individual health story – and the right interventions for you.

Find out about the LIVE, Prescribing Lifestyle Medicine event for healthcare practitioners http://www.prescribinglifestylemedicine.org/

Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/feelbetterlivemore. For other podcast platforms go to https://fblm.supercast.com.

Thanks to our sponsors:

Show notes https://drchatterjee.com/324

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

BITESIZE | How to Fix Your Focus to Achieve Your Goals in 2023 | Johann Hari #323

6 januari 2023 | 14 min

The New Science of Cold Exposure: Reduce Stress, Boost Immunity & Increase Resilience with Dr Susanna Søberg #322

4 januari 2023 | 141 min

Cold showers, icy plunge pools, outdoor swimming – are you a fan, or does the very idea make you shiver? Today’s podcast is all about one of the biggest wellness trends of the past few years: cold water immersion therapy. My guest is Dr Susanna Søberg who is arguably one of the leading researchers on the topic.

Susanna studied at the University of Copenhagen, looking at metabolism and the role of brown fat. Her research on the physiology of deliberate cold and heat exposure is helping to back up what many cultures have known instinctively for thousands of years – changing our temperature is good for us. Her new book Winter Swimming: The Nordic Way Towards a Healthier and Happier Life is a beautifully illustrated volume, which looks at cold-water traditions around the world and shares what incredible benefits they can provide for our health and wellbeing.

In this conversation, Susanna talks us through the many physical benefits, from increased metabolism, immunity and lowered insulin resistance, to the potential to reduce excess weight and ease muscle and joint pain. The key player in all these benefits? Brown fat, a type of healthy fat stored around the spine that acts as our body’s temperature regulator, boosts metabolism and can even aid blood-sugar response and weight control. The more we expose ourselves to the cold, the more brown fat cells we have. So it’s a case of use it or lose it.

There are also incredible mental health benefits from engaging with the cold. The very act of pushing out of your comfort zone and braving the cold can give you a sense of confidence. It releases mood-boosting hormones and exposes us to a form of ‘healthy stress’, building our resilience to modern life. It’s also the ultimate in mindfulness – a sensory experience that takes you out of your head and into your body.

In 2021 Susanna published research setting out the minimum amount of time that we need to spend in the cold to receive all these incredible health benefits. It’s now been dubbed the Søberg Principle and it’s not nearly as extreme as you might think. Even just a cooler blast at the end of your shower is a very effective place to start.

I really was delighted and honoured that Susanna came over from Denmark to record her first ever long form podcast. Whatever your view on the cold – whether you embrace it fully or whether you think this is a trend that is not for you – I really think you are going to enjoy listening and I’m pretty sure that after listening, you may well be tempted to give the cold a go.

CAUTION: If you have uncontrolled hypertension or heart disease it is not advised that you start practising cold water immersion. If you have any doubt at all as to whether you are fit enough to give this practice a go, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Thanks to our sponsors:

Show notes https://drchatterjee.com/322

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have.

How to Build Good Habits and Break Bad Ones with James Clear (Re-Release) #321

28 december 2022 | 95 min

Do you believe habits are ‘good’ or ‘bad’? Are you constantly trying to create better habits and quit those that don’t serve you? Today’s guest has insights that will help get your New Year off to a great start by truly understanding what habits are – and how to optimise them.

James Clear is an entrepreneur and New York Times best-selling author of Atomic Habits a handbook for anyone who wants to finally get to grips with successful behaviour change. He shares his learnings via his hugely popular newsletters, to help people use the psychology of habit formation to live healthier, fuller lives.

We talk about ‘designing your environment’, building a tribe around you who support what you want to achieve and finding the path of least resistance to what you want to do. When it comes to good versus bad habits, James says it’s more about which are effective – are they serving you?

We also discuss how true behaviour change is really identity change. Every action you take towards your goal is a vote for the person you wish to become. You’re no longer that someone who tries to go for a run three times a week, you’re a runner. James says we can all begin by asking ourselves ‘Who do I want to become?’ then looking at what habits we might need to build that identity.

This is such a useful conversation, packed with practical tips, and I think it’s a great way to kick off the year. I know you’re going to feel fired up to seek out your new identity once you listen.

Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/feelbetterlivemore. For other podcast platforms go to https://fblm.supercast.com.

Thanks to our sponsors:

Show notes https://drchatterjee.com/321

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

The Surprising Truth About Human Nature with Robert Greene #320

14 december 2022 | 98 min

What are the laws or principles that underpin all human behaviour? Today's guest is someone who has spent many years trying to crack the code and answer that very important question. Robert Greene is an American author and speaker best known for his books on power, strategy and seduction. He's authored six international bestsellers, including his very latest, The Laws Of Human Nature.

Trying to understand why people do what they do may sound simple, but it is a highly complex undertaking. Robert has looked at traits such as narcissism, self-absorption, and envy that, I think it’s fair to say, we would describe as negative. But he says that all these impulses – these laws of human nature – can be found in all of us to varying degrees. Coming to terms with that isn’t always easy, but spotting these qualities in ourselves will better enable us to do the same in others.

In fact, Robert takes the view that our ability to understand ourselves and relate to others, is our most important survival tool, because we're all social animals. And by understanding these universal laws of human nature, we will improve our mental resilience, our emotional well-being, we’ll be more successful, and we'll have better relationships.

We talk about so many thought-provoking topics in this conversation, including the need for radical honesty if we're truly going to change ourselves and the dangers of black and white thinking. Robert also shares what he learnt when he suffered from a serious stroke, including why he now meditates for 45 minutes every single morning, and the insights he's gained from doing so.

This is a really powerful conversation that I think is going to have you thinking, questioning, introspecting and reflecting. But ultimately, it's a conversation that will inspire you to take action. I hope you enjoy listening.

Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/feelbetterlivemore. For other podcast platforms go to https://fblm.supercast.com.

Thanks to our sponsors:

Show notes https://drchatterjee.com/320

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

BITESIZE | Auschwitz Survivor Dr Edith Eger on How to Discover Your Inner Power #319

9 december 2022 | 16 min

How To Break Subconscious Habits and Heal From Within with Dr Nicole Le Pera #318

7 december 2022 | 135 min

Today I’m pleased to welcome a podcast guest who has become one of my favourite voices on social media, sharing her wisdom on the concept of self-healing. Dr Nicole Le Pera is a clinical psychologist who felt frustrated by the limitations of traditional psychotherapy and was drawn towards a mind, body and spirit approach. She believes that we’re each responsible for our thoughts, behaviours and reactions – and therefore we have the power within us to heal ourselves from past trauma.

Describing herself as The Holistic Psychologist, Nicole says it’s her mission to help you ‘consciously create a new version of yourself’. Her millions of followers on Instagram and YouTube love her clear and insightful posts which identify patterns, beliefs and behaviours we might want to change. Nicole’s latest book is How To Meet Your Self: The Workbook For Self-Discovery. As it sounds, it’s a practical guide to finding out who you really are, the patterns of belief you might be stuck in, and how to overcome them.

We begin by talking about the fact that many of us feel ‘stuck’ in our lives. We’re stressed, anxious, perhaps our work or relationships aren’t going well. It can feel like something’s missing or broken, but we’re not sure what and so we blame ourselves or our circumstances. But Nicole explains that what’s really going on here is that most of what we think, feel and do is a reflection of our past conditioning. We’re stuck in patterns formed in childhood that no longer serve us – or reflect who we really are.

For many of us, it’s our relationships with our partners or children that can help us to finally observe these patterns. Or sometimes, she says, we need to reach rock bottom before we can start the journey of recognition and self-healing. We talk about how exactly to recognise those experiences from childhood that might have shaped your core beliefs. We look at how these beliefs can manifest throughout life in physical stress responses and hard-to-break habits, through to self-sabotaging, destructive behaviours that can leave us feeling deeply unhappy or unwell.

And we discuss Nicole’s definition of emotional maturity as the realisation that your core beliefs aren’t fact – you can override and change them.

This is a very thought-provoking conversation, which I think will get you looking back at your childhood and reflecting on how it might have shaped who you are today. I hope you enjoy listening.

Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/feelbetterlivemore. For other podcast platforms go to https://fblm.supercast.com.

Show notes https://drchatterjee.com/318

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

BITESIZE | The Secret to a Long and Happy Life | Dr Julian Abel #317

2 december 2022 | 10 min

How To Reduce Your Risk of Alzheimer’s and Keep Your Brain Young with Dr Tommy Wood #316

30 november 2022 | 139 min

In the UK, one in 14 people over 65 will develop dementia, with that figure rising to one in six once we’re over 80. It’s fair to say it’s the disease many people fear the most. But this podcast makes it clear that cognitive decline is not a natural or inevitable part of ageing. During the course of this conversation, returning guest Dr Tommy Wood outlines plenty of simple, enjoyable things that we can all start doing right now to improve our brain health and stave off age-related dementia.

Dr Tommy Wood is Assistant Professor of Pediatrics and Neuroscience at the University of Washington, US. He holds a degree in biochemistry from Cambridge, a medical degree from Oxford, achieved his PhD in physiology and neuroscience in Oslo, and has published papers and lectured across the globe. It’s fair to say that when it comes to brain health and longevity, he knows his stuff.

We kick off our conversation with the empowering news that we can resist declining brain function simply by challenging ourselves more. We can make new cells, new connections and change the structure around them, harnessing the neuroplasticity of the brain. And it doesn’t matter if we’re 28 or 80, he says. MRI scans prove the brain can adapt at any age.

Tommy explains the importance of rest, for the brain to consolidate all its new pathways, and nutrition to provide the fuel it needs to function well and grow. We talk about the role of B vitamins and omega-3 fatty acids for brain development, and the fact there’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to optimum diet.

We also talk about the similarity between training your muscles and training your brain. And the research conclusively shows that the more muscle mass you have, and the more you move it, the lower your risk of cognitive decline. Tommy talks us through the types of exercises and the number of reps we need to do to gain muscle and brain benefits. And it's probably less than you think.

We also cover the surprising value of video games, the importance of social connection, and why going to dance classes might just be the best thing you can do for your brain and body. This is a fantastic episode, jam packed with life-changing practical information. I hope you enjoy listening.

Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/feelbetterlivemore. For other podcast platforms go to https://fblm.supercast.com.

Order Dr Chatterjee's latest book Happy Mind, Happy Life: UK version: https://amzn.to/304opgJ, US & Canada version: https://amzn.to/3DRxjgp

Show notes https://drchatterjee.com/316

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

BITESIZE | How to Find Focus and Avoid Burnout | Steven Kotler #315

25 november 2022 | 14 min

Bryony Gordon on OCD, Overcoming Addiction and Building Mental Resilience #314

23 november 2022 | 114 min

CAUTION: Contains swearing and themes of an adult nature.

Today’s guest has a remarkable life story which includes addiction, mental health struggles, eating disorders, guilt, shame and so much more. Bryony Gordon is a prominent mental health campaigner, a journalist and a bestselling author. Bryony’s latest book, Let Down Your Hair, is a novel about social media, mental health, self-esteem and body image. She’s also recently released a Sunday Times bestseller, No Such Thing As Normal: What My Mental Illness Has Taught Me About Mental Wellness in paperback form.

You may be familiar with Bryony from her Telegraph column, her many books, or her Mad World podcast. Perhaps you’re one of the 206,000 people who follow her updates on Instagram. Or, maybe you know her as the Founder of peer support group Mental Health Mates. Even if you’re new to Bryony and her work, you’re about to get to know her pretty well, thanks to her hallmark honesty and authenticity when it comes to telling her story.

We begin this conversation by talking about Bryony’s experience of obsessive compulsive disorder, or OCD. This condition is often misunderstood, with people reducing it to being ‘just’ about excessive tidiness or needing things in order. But Bryony shares the reality of the dark, obsessive thoughts that ruled her life from her early teens. She’s unflinchingly honest about how it led her into alcoholism, drug addiction and bulimia.

We also talk about her surprising relationship with marathon running, her new-found commitment to exercise for how it makes her feel, not how it makes her look and the coping mechanisms she uses to deal with the negative voices inside her head.

Although she would be the first to say she’s a ‘work in progress’ – as all of us are – Bryony passes on some real gems of practical advice and encouragement throughout this conversation which is fun, uplifting and inspiring.

Trigger Warning: This episode discusses eating disorders and may not be suitable for everyone.

Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/feelbetterlivemore. For other podcast platforms go to https://fblm.supercast.com.

Show notes https://drchatterjee.com/314

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

BITESIZE | Daily Habits to Reduce Stress and Anxiety | Dr Tara Swart #313

18 november 2022 | 11 min

Why Kindness is The Superpower You Didn't Know You Had with Claudia Hammond #312

16 november 2022 | 107 min

When was the last time someone was kind to you – or you did something kind for someone else? I’m sure you won’t have to think back far to find a few examples. And that’s because the world is a much kinder place than we might think.

Today’s guest, Claudia Hammond, is an award-winning broadcaster, author, and psychology lecturer at the University of Sussex. In her latest book, The Keys to Kindness, she’s on a mission to encourage us to look out for the acts of kindness that are all around us.

In this conversation, she shares the results of the world’s largest in-depth study on kindness, and highlights the wide range of mental and physical health benefits for both giver and receiver. We talk about what kindness and compassion really mean, and the huge range of ways we can make a difference. We discuss the fears and obstacles that prevent people from being kind, how to overcome them, and why we should practice more kindness in relationships, as well as in the workplace. Among many other topics, we also look at unkindness on social media, why empathy is a skill you can learn, and how being kind to others starts with being kind to yourself.

I sometimes think kindness has a PR problem. It’s something we see as a bit throwaway, undervaluing it at best, dismissing it as ‘soft’ at worst. But by bringing us the psychology and neuroscience on why kindness matters, Claudia provides a powerful call to action to notice and create more of it in daily life. I hope this conversation inspires you to rise to the challenge.

Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/feelbetterlivemore or https://fblm.supercast.com.

Show notes https://drchatterjee.com/312

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

BITESIZE | How to Reduce Overwhelm and Be More Present | Deepak Chopra #311

11 november 2022 | 13 min

How To Heal Chronic Pain with Dr Howard Schubiner #310

9 november 2022 | 126 min

Headaches, migraine, back, neck or joint pain, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), fibromyalgia – they’re just some of the common causes of chronic pain, which is estimated to affect between a third to half of all UK adults.

If you or someone close to you is one of them, you don’t need me to tell you it can be physically and emotionally draining. You probably feel like you’ve tried everything – so today’s podcast has the potential to be a life-changing listen for you. My guest is Dr Howard Schubiner, Director of the Mind Body Medicine Center in Michigan and author of Unlearn Your Pain: A 28-day Process to Reprogram Your Brain.

Emerging neuroscience tells us our brains actually create what we experience in our bodies, through a process called predictive processing. Pain doesn’t come from the body part where it’s felt, it’s created by our brain, signalling that something needs attention. And as Howard explains, our emotions and stress activate the same pain centres in our brain as an injury. If you’ve ever had a broken heart and experienced chest pain? That’s what’s happening.

The same thing occurs with chronic pain. In the vast majority of cases, there is no structural problem – such as injury, infection or a tumour – although of course these must be ruled out. Instead, your brain has created a neural pathway that remembers the pain and keeps you trapped in a vicious cycle. You fear the pain, that causes you stress, and the stress makes the pain real.

And that is the absolute key here: it’s not ‘all in your head’, your pain is real. And there is something you can do about it. During this conversation, Howard reveals why the key is changing your narrative on pain. His revolutionary therapies – which you can easily access – have been proven to work not just with chronic pain but in other persistent conditions such as depression and anxiety, chronic fatigue and long Covid.

We discuss the role healthcare practitioners can play in these conditions, through listening and empathy.

Chronic pain isn’t a subject we’ve covered in depth on this podcast before, so I’m very pleased I have the chance to bring this important conversation to you. Howard is one of the leading researchers in this field and his work represents a game-changing, paradigm shift in thinking about how we approach this epidemic. I hope what you’ll take from this episode is that the power of your brain is immense, and that knowledge is power. I hope you enjoy listening.

Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/feelbetterlivemore or https://fblm.supercast.com.

Show notes https://drchatterjee.com/310

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

BITESIZE | How to Take Control of Your Life with One Simple Habit | Mel Robbins #309

4 november 2022 | 15 min

How To Unlock The Power of Your Subconscious Mind with Dr Bruce Lipton #308

2 november 2022 | 100 min

Have you ever felt held back by a habit or pattern of thinking that you feel powerless to break? Or perhaps felt frustrated by a loved one’s failure to see mistakes they’re repeating? The reason it’s so hard, says today’s guest, is that these actions are programmed into our subconscious minds from early childhood. And they affect not just our behaviour but our whole experience of life and even our risk of disease. The chances are we’re completely unaware of these programs but, importantly, we can change them.

Dr Bruce Lipton began his career as a cell biologist graduating from the University of Virgina before joining the Department of Anatomy at the University of Wisconsin’s School of Medicine in 1973. Today, he describes his work as bridging science and spirituality and in his bestselling book The Biology of Belief, he sets out the idea that our thoughts affect all the cells in our body.

Bruce explains how, as children, our subconscious minds ‘download’ what we see and hear adults around us doing and saying – and these become the programs that drive our habits and thinking throughout life. Depending on our early experiences, they might be programs like ‘I’m not good enough’ or ‘It’s my fault’ – and it’s not much of a leap to see how these might create unwanted behaviours as we grow up.

Happily, we can cultivate self-awareness and learn to reprogram our minds, to create positive behaviour change. Bruce shares his practical guidance on how we can start to do that immediately. As we go on to discuss, reprogramming our minds can be incredibly liberating, affecting our happiness, confidence, health, work and relationships – with others and, crucially, with ourselves.

This was a warm and empowering conversation with a wonderful, kind-hearted man. I hope you enjoy listening.

Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/feelbetterlivemore. For other podcast platforms go to https://fblm.supercast.com.

Order Dr Chatterjee's latest book Happy Mind, Happy Life: UK version: https://amzn.to/304opgJ, US & Canada version: https://amzn.to/3DRxjgp

Show notes https://drchatterjee.com/308

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

BITESIZE | How Kindness Can Improve Your Happiness and Health | Dr David Hamilton #307

27 oktober 2022 | 14 min

How to Sleep Better, Boost Gut Health and Get More Energy with Professor Satchin Panda #306

25 oktober 2022 | 132 min

CAUTION: This podcast discusses fasting and its advice may not be suitable for anyone with an eating disorder. If you have an existing health condition or are taking medication, always consult your healthcare practitioner before going for prolonged periods without eating.

Ten years ago this week’s guest published a seminal paper on time-restricted feeding (TRF) and this research was hugely influential in kick-starting a global health phenomenon, now known as intermittent fasting. Professor Satchin Panda is a leading expert in the field of circadian rhythm research. He’s associate professor at the prestigious SALK institute, he’s recipient of the Dana Foundation Award in brain and immune system imaging and he’s also the author of two best-selling books The Circadian Code and The Circadian Diabetes Code.

Over the years, Satchin’s work has had a significant influence on the way I practise medicine and I’m delighted to welcome him back onto the podcast today for our second conversation so that he can update us on where we are with our understanding of this topic today.

Research has shown that around 50% of us currently spread our meals and snacks across 15 or more hours of the day. But Satchin’s research suggests that 10 hours may well be the optimum window for eating for many of us. Having periods of time in every 24 hours where we are not eating is essential for repairing, resetting and rejuvenating all of our organs and tissues – and ultimately releasing anti-inflammatory signalling molecules that strengthen our immune system.

We talk about the multiple benefits that people can experience when they compress their eating window. People sleep better, their digestion improves and their energy increases. Further proven benefits over time include weight loss, improved gut health and kidney function – not to mention some incredible results when it comes to reducing pre-diabetes and type 2 diabetes symptoms.

And food, while important, is not all that counts when it comes to optimising our daily circadian rhythms. Satchin talks about the other simple lifestyle factors that are hugely important. He also shares some great advice on jet lag, shift work, ‘social hangovers’ and the optimum time for naps and exercise.

It’s no exaggeration to say that Satchin’s work has revolutionised our understanding of health and wellbeing and it was a huge honour to speak to him again. I hope you enjoy listening.

Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/feelbetterlivemore or https://fblm.supercast.com.

Show notes https://drchatterjee.com/306

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

BITESIZE | Eat These Foods to Improve Your Mental Health | Dr Drew Ramsey #305

20 oktober 2022 | 13 min

The Secret To A Happy and Contented Life with Eliud Kipchoge (The World's Fastest Man) #304

18 oktober 2022 | 87 min

This week’s guest is someone who I have been trying to set up a face-to-face conversation with for around 2 years. Eliud Kipchoge is a Kenyan athlete who is widely regarded as the greatest marathon runner of all time - he has won two successive Olympic marathons and 10 major titles. And of course, he’s the only athlete to have ever run a marathon in under two hours, which he did back in 2019 in Vienna as part of the 1:59 challenge. Although this was not recognised as an official world record because it was not in an open competition, it was an incredible achievement for humanity.

This conversation took place in London on the weekend of the 2022 London Marathon, exactly seven days after he had once again broken the official marathon world record in Berlin. But the conversation we had for this podcast is about so much more than running. Whether you are a runner or not, I think you are going to find Eliud’s insights highly relevant and applicable in your own life.

One of the main reasons I wanted to talk to Eliud was not because of his running ability but because I have always been fascinated by the energy that he radiates. He has a calmness, a humility and a complete lack of ego, which I and millions around the world, find ourselves drawn to.

We cover many different topics in this conversation. We talk about reflection and why, in this tech heavy world, Eliud still keeps a handwritten training journal. We talk about success and why he doesn’t believe in it - which, I think, is remarkable for a man who has achieved so much of it.

We also discuss why Eliud always does his runs as part of a community, why he smiles in the latter parts of a marathon, how he manages to stay injury free and what he thinks about retirement.

But for me, one of the most insightful parts of this conversation is hearing Eliud talk about self-discipline and why he feels that this is one of the most important skills to develop. Eliud is possibly best known for the phrase ‘No human is limited’ and hearing him explain what this means to him, really brings to life the idea that its self-discipline that will help you reach your own potential.

This really was a special conversation with an incredible man - I hope you enjoy listening.

Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/feelbetterlivemore. For other podcast platforms go to https://fblm.supercast.com.

Show notes https://drchatterjee.com/304

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified healthcare provider regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

BITESIZE | How to Thrive in Times of Change | Julia Samuel #303

13 oktober 2022 | 12 min

How To Achieve The Impossible with James Golding #302

11 oktober 2022 | 132 min

CAUTION: Contains themes of an adult nature.

Today’s guest has survived cancer twice and been hit by a truck at 70mph. By all accounts, he shouldn’t be here. Yet James Golding has gone on to be a world record-breaking endurance cyclist – and raise £4 million and counting for charity. He now believes that anything is possible and we can each achieve anything we set our minds to. If you’re feeling lost or lacking in motivation, you need to hear what this man has to say.

During this powerful conversation, James talks us through the timeline of his life so far. From his initial cancer diagnosis to the emergency surgery which gave him a survival rate of just five percent. From recovery against the odds to a horrific road traffic accident. And through a second bout of cancer and treatment, followed by depression that was even harder for James to overcome. James’ account is moving and honest, with a thread of such positivity and resilience running through it. We explore where this comes from and why he turned to his incredible cycling challenges as a means to give back to those who cared for him.

James has a remarkable ability not to get disheartened by setbacks – and he’s experienced some pretty major ones. His attitude, he tells me, is that you should always move forward. Take one small step at a time, but keep an eye over your shoulder to remember where you’ve come from. It’s this fluidity that I think gives James such strength. Words that could seem trivial or clichéd from someone else sound anything but when he shares them. He really does embody the term inspirational. When we recorded this conversation, James was about to embark on the Race Across America or RAAM – the world’s toughest bike race covering 3,100 miles in nine days. And his plan was to win. Unfortunately, an untimely bout of Covid sadly derailed his hopes in this year’s race– but I feel confident he’ll somehow use this as a jumping off point to achieve even more. This is a remarkable life story that I hope will leave you feeling inspired to take positive action in your own life.

Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/feelbetterlivemore. For other podcast platforms go to https://fblm.supercast.com.

Order Dr Chatterjee's new book Happy Mind, Happy Life: UK version: https://amzn.to/304opgJ, US & Canada version: https://amzn.to/3DRxjgp

Show notes https://drchatterjee.com/302

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

BITESIZE | The Secret to Long Term Brain Health | Dr Tommy Wood #301

6 oktober 2022 | 11 min

Life Lessons from an Astronaut with Tim Peake #300

4 oktober 2022 | 96 min

Have you ever thought about going into space? What it might be like to be there, how you might deal with the fear, the uncertainty, the pressure? In this week’s conversation, I speak to Tim Peake, a real live Spaceman, who can answer those questions and more. Tim was the first British European Space Agency astronaut to visit the International Space Station (ISS) where his work captured the hearts and minds of millions. He is an inspirational communicator of science to audiences of all ages and he's also a best-selling author of multiple books. His latest book, the Cosmic Diary of our Incredible Universe, is written for children and in it, Tim takes the readers on a fascinating adventure through space, time, and the diary of our truly incredible universe.

I ask Tim about the tipping point where stress and fear stop being motivating and become dangerous. Part of being an astronaut is living with underlying stress because you need to be on high alert at all times – and he insists this is a skill we can learn. We discuss the importance of structure and routine, essential on a space station, but equally beneficial to all of us. And we talk about the power of reflection, as well as stepping out of your comfort zone to increase your resilience.

Of course, I ask Tim all those questions we really want to know about life in space: what it’s like to eat, sleep and yes, use the toilet in zero gravity. We also talk about why exactly Tim was the one who got picked to be an astronaut above 8000 other applicants. And interestingly, it was not just about physical skills and capability, the soft skills such as teamwork, communication, and conflict management, were also what ultimately made him the right ‘ambassador for space’.

I think for me, one of the major insights from this conversation is about perspective. So many of us get caught up in the small stresses of day-to-day life but when we take a moment to zoom out of our lives, we really can start to see things with a lot more clarity. Tim had the great privilege of doing this from space, something that fewer than 600 other humans have ever done. But I think that big picture perspective is available to all of us every single day if we choose to take it.

This was a fascinating conversation, full of insights that we can all start applying into our own lives immediately. I hope you enjoy listening.

Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/feelbetterlivemore or https://fblm.supercast.com.

Show notes https://drchatterjee.com/300

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified health care provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

BITESIZE | Sleep Tips to Increase Longevity and Improve Health | Professor Matthew Walker #299

29 september 2022 | 13 min

The Root Cause Of Disease That Nobody’s Talking About With Dr Zach Bush #298

27 september 2022 | 125 min

I believe that conversation matters; that long form nuanced conversation is what we need now more than ever, to make the world a better place. And for me, part of that means exposing ourselves to new ideas, new concepts and new ways of thinking that we may previously have not been exposed to. This week’s guest on my Feel Better Live More Podcast is someone who fits that bill perfectly.

Dr Zach Bush is a medical doctor and founder of the non-profit Farmer’s Footprint, created to find root cause solutions for human and ecological health. His passion for education reaches across many disciplines, including genomics, the immune system, and gut brain health.

Zach spent many years as a conventional doctor, specialising in internal medicine, endocrinology and hospice care. Disillusioned with the state of Western medicine, he began taking an integrative approach, studying the body’s microbiomes in relation to health, disease and food systems. Today though, Zach describes his life and work as ‘dedicated to the health of humanity and the planet we call home’.

In this conversation, Zach makes the case for a revolution in how we understand ourselves, our fellow humans, our healthcare and farming systems – and how we save the world. This episode is a rollercoaster ride through biology, physics, philosophy, economics and environmentalism – all sprinkled with a good dose of inspiration.

Zach and I share the view that healthcare needs radical change. It can no longer be about doctors telling patients what’s wrong and prescribing drugs and treatments that don’t look at the whole person.

We discuss how traits of ego, individualism and competition aren’t really human at all. And Zach explains how the realisation that all living beings are energetically connected and interdependent is the key to transformation – we cannot thrive as one species if we wipe out others.

We also talk about saving our soil and our food systems through regenerative agriculture, and encouraging individuals, farmers and big industry to work together to save the internal and external ecosystems that none of us could live without.

Yes, these are big topics. But ultimately, Zach’s message is one of hope. He’s not afraid to put forward big solutions, and they’re all made up of steps each one of us can start taking from today.

This is a really special conversation. It's honest, evocative and at times, provocative. I hope you enjoy listening.

Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/feelbetterlivemore. For other podcast platforms go to https://fblm.supercast.com.

Show notes https://drchatterjee.com/298

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health care provider regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

BONUS | Why Running A Marathon Will Change Your Life with Hugh Brasher

24 september 2022 | 113 min

RE-RELEASE: This episode first aired in October 2021.

To enter to ballot for 2023 click here http://www.londonmarathon2023.com/ballot

This Sunday 3rd October, I’ll be one of 50,000 people taking to the streets to run the Virgin Money London Marathon. So, in preparation for what I’m told will be a life-changing day, I spoke to its Event Director, Hugh Brasher. But this episode is more than a conversation about running. It’s about the magic that happens when hundreds of thousands of people come together and revel in what’s possible.

We begin by talking about its history, the famous atmosphere, crowd support and many other factors that make the London Marathon experience unique. We also talk about the vision behind the London Marathon, its inspirational aims and objectives that are still based around those drawn up by Hugh’s father, who co-founded the race 40 years ago. And they have more to do with social unity than sporting prowess.

If it’s running tips you’re after, there are plenty of them here. But we also discuss the importance of personal goals – how there’s more to marathon success than a certain finishing time. We talk about making mass-participation events more diverse, supporting the ‘back of the pack’ runners but also how we can use physical activity as a tool for life transformation.

Whether you run, walk, spectate, volunteer, or watch it on TV, I hope this conversation might inspire you to get involved one day with the London Marathon. Or perhaps you’ll seek out an event more local to you. The point, that Hugh makes so beautifully here, is that the sport is almost secondary. This event is about community, commitment, coming together and celebrating the human spirit. I’ll see you on the start line.

To enter to ballot for 2023 click here http://www.londonmarathon2023.com/ballot

Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/feelbetterlivemore. For other podcast platforms go to https://fblm.supercast.com.

Thanks to our sponsors:

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

BITESIZE | Life Lessons from a Brain Surgeon | Dr Rahul Jandial #297

22 september 2022 | 11 min

The Critical Importance of Strength Training and Eating More Protein with Dr Gabrielle Lyon #296

20 september 2022 | 115 min

My guest today believes that the single biggest problem with our health these days is not that we carry too much fat but that we don’t carry enough muscle. She believes that if we start to focus and prioritise our largest organ – our muscle – we can burn more fat, improve our body composition, decrease our risk of disease and increase our energy levels.

Dr Gabrielle Lyon is a family medicine and osteopathic doctor who has specialised in geriatric care. What she’s seen and learned as an end-of-life physician has led her to investigate the importance of skeletal muscle as a means for people to live longer, stronger and better lives. She now focuses her practice on what she calls Muscle-centric Medicine.

In this conversation, Gabrielle makes the case that the quality of our lives is in direct correlation to the health our muscles. Gaining muscle, she explains, won’t just help us slim down. It can change metabolism, reversing insulin resistance and other risk factors for chronic disease such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease. And it’s equally important for reducing sarcopenia (age-related muscle loss), protecting our skeleton, improving mobility and balance, and reducing fall risk with age.

Many of us aren’t aware that we lose muscle mass from as early as our 30s - so for most of us, it’s something we need to prioritise immediately. Gabrielle explains what type of protein we should be eating and how much, we cover what exact combination of exercise Gabrielle recommends to her patients and we discuss why for women in their peri-menopausal years, muscle loss is a very real problem that needs addressing.

Gabrielle is realistic about the amount of effort her recommendations require and I find it really refreshing that she’s not trying to sugar-coat anything to make it more palatable. She’s someone who deeply cares about the health of her patients and wider society and wants to empower us all with practical knowledge that will help improve the quality of our lives.

I really enjoyed my conversation with Gabrielle – I hope you enjoy listening. Gabrielle also has her own podcast The Dr Gabrielle Lyon Show https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-dr-gabrielle-lyon-show/id1622316426

Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/feelbetterlivemore. For other podcast platforms go to https://fblm.supercast.com.

Show notes https://drchatterjee.com/296

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

BITESIZE | How to Be Confident in Any Situation | Vanessa Van Edwards #295

15 september 2022 | 14 min

Dr Gabor Maté on Trauma, Illness and Healing in a Toxic Culture #294

13 september 2022 | 125 min

Today I’m excited to welcome Dr Gabor Maté back to the podcast for a third time. Gabor is a fellow physician, author, speaker and friend who brings warmth and wisdom to every conversation we have. He’s a renowned expert on addiction, trauma, stress and childhood development – and someone with a unique understanding of how our spiritual, emotional and physical lives are connected.

Gabor’s latest book The Myth of Normal: Trauma, Illness and Healing in a Toxic Culture is quite simply a masterpiece, which has the potential to help people the world over. It connects two of the most important factors in modern health – individual trauma and the pressures of modern-day living.

During this conversation, we discuss the prevalence and nature of addiction. We ask what ‘normal’ means these days when it comes to health. And why it is that success rarely equates with contentment.

Gabor defines childhood trauma and we discuss how parents can be aware of what causes it – but, importantly, why they shouldn’t look back and feel shame or blame. He shares some very personal insights that demonstrate that he’s as human as the rest of us, and how he’s found peace today.

We talk about self-awareness as a key factor in being a good doctor; why ‘psychosomatic’ should be a diagnosis not a dismissal, and how stress burdens the body, undermines immunity and causes emotional distress. Gabor shares some fascinating new research on the different personality traits that link to chronic disease. And he gives his view on why 80% of all autoimmune disease is seen in women.

This was a very special conversation, one which I hope you will find comforting, motivating and full of hope.

Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/feelbetterlivemore. For other podcast platforms go to https://fblm.supercast.com.

Order Dr Chatterjee's new book Happy Mind, Happy Life: UK version: https://amzn.to/304opgJ, US & Canada version: https://amzn.to/3DRxjgp

Show notes https://drchatterjee.com/294

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

BITESIZE | 3 Steps to Reverse Ageing and Live Longer | Professor David Sinclair #293

8 september 2022 | 15 min

The New Science Of The Body Clock And How It Can Revolutionise Your Sleep and Health with Professor Russell Foster #292

6 september 2022 | 120 min

The tired brain remembers negative experiences but forgets the positive ones. Is there a more powerful statement in favour of going to bed earlier and prioritising our sleep? Modern life has seen us push into the night, staying up later and extending our social and work lives around the clock. But this, says today’s guest, goes against what our bodies are wired to do.

Russell Foster is Professor of Circadian Neuroscience at Oxford University and author of the fantastic new book, Life Time: The New Science Of The Body Clock And How It Can Revolutionise Your Sleep and Health. Russell explains that living out of sync with our circadian rhythms doesn’t just lead to sleep disruption and tiredness. The further we stray from them, the more we become vulnerable to chronic conditions such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, cancer, suppressed immunity, dementia and mental illness. But he’s not here to scare us – rather share the strategies that we can all use to get back on track.

During this compelling conversation, we cover the science behind exposure to natural daylight at the right times. We talk chronotypes – and if there’s anything you can do to change being a lark or an owl. Russell explains the dangerous phenomenon of ‘microsleeps’ and why 4am is the most dangerous time to be on the roads. And we cover the unique problems faced by night-shift workers and new parents, including what they, their families and employers can do to mitigate their health and safety.

We also chat about the value of sleep trackers and blue-blocking glasses. Russell busts the myth that we all need eight hours’ sleep or that you mustn’t read a Kindle before bed. And he reveals the best time of day for sex (clue: it’s different depending on whether you want to conceive or relax). And for all those insomniacs who go to sleep fine but wake during the night? There’s some wisdom towards the end of our conversation that you’ll want to hear!

This is a fact-filled episode, full of fascinating insights. I hope you enjoy listening.

Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/feelbetterlivemore. For other podcast platforms go to https://fblm.supercast.com.

If you're a healthcare professional, come and see me and Professor Russell Foster speak live in November. https://bit.ly/3RD1DSq

Show notes https://drchatterjee.com/292

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

Tim Spector: The Latest Science on Gut Health (and How To Find The Right Diet For You) #291

12 juli 2022 | 106 min

For the last in the current series of Feel Better Live More, I’m welcoming back someone I know you’ll love. Professor Tim Spector was my first-ever guest, and he returns for the third time today, with the very latest on gut health and personalised nutrition.

Tim is a professor of genetic epidemiology and Head of the Department of Twin Research at King’s College London. He’s a world-leader when it comes to the gut microbiome – and Director of the British Gut Project – whose research has transformed what we know about food and health. Tim is author of two excellent books, The Diet Myth and Spoonfed: Why Everything You Know About Food Is Wrong.

This conversation will bring you up to date with all Tim’s most recent findings and practical advice. But don’t worry if you’re new to the subject of gut health, as we also provide a need-to-know guide to get you up to speed.

We start by discussing why gut health is such a hot topic. Tim explains that, unlike our genes, it’s something we can influence, thereby improving not just digestion but almost all aspects of our wellbeing. He reveals the gut-friendly properties of plant fibre, polyphenols and fermented foods. And because diversity is key, Tim shares some of his own food hacks for getting to 30 different plant foods a week.

Tim believes the obesity crisis is more of a food crisis, fuelled by ultra-processed foods. We discuss a move towards counting quality instead of calories, and why the new mandatory calorie labels are unhelpful for most people. We also talk about personalised nutrition and the revolutionary PREDICT studies, carried out for Tim’s ZOE nutritional science company, which found people can have dramatically different biological responses to the same foods. The results have led him to develop a personalised nutrition testing kit and app that you can try too.

Our conversation covers much more, including the benefits of time restricted eating for gut health, why skipping breakfast isn’t bad for you, and the pros and cons of health trackers. Tim also reveals the gut parasite that 1 in 4 of us have, which rather than making us ill, can actually have huge benefits for our health.

This is a fascinating conversation; full of practical and actionable information. I hope you enjoy listening.

Show notes https://drchatterjee.com/291

Order Dr Chatterjee's new book Happy Mind, Happy Life: UK version: https://amzn.to/304opgJ, US & Canada version: https://amzn.to/3DRxjgp

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

BITESIZE | How to Design Your Perfect Life | Peter Crone #290

7 juli 2022 | 18 min

#289 How To Overcome Fear and Achieve Your Dreams with Lisa Bilyeu

5 juli 2022 | 102 min

CAUTION: This episode contains mild swearing.

What’s holding you back from pursuing your dreams? What if the ‘when’ you’re waiting for never comes? Today’s guest believes confidence is a by-product of taking action – and she wants you to take action now.

Lisa Bilyeu is a British-born but now American-based entrepreneur who co-founded the billion-dollar company Quest Nutrition. She also hosts a weekly YouTube show, Women of Impact, and is the author of the brand new book, Radical Confidence. It’s a lively and inspiring read – part memoir, part self-help manual for anyone who wants to rewrite their own script and overcome ‘the purgatory of the mundane’.

In this conversation, Lisa explains how she went from being a supportive, stay-at-home wife to husband Tom (Bilyeu, who you may remember from episode 110) to someone in hot pursuit of her own dreams. Being a housewife for eight years was an arrangement she and Tom agreed on, to enable him to make their fortune. But with time, her gratitude for their comfortable life was holding her back from fulfilling her potential. She explains how her own ‘radical confidence’ came as the result of taking a risk and trying something new.

I think that’s such a powerful way of looking at it, that confidence is a consequence. It’s a useful way of seeing so many areas of life where we might be telling ourselves we can’t change, be it losing weight, getting fit or getting that new job. The truth is, says Lisa, we already know what we have to do. We just need the conviction to get going.

This conversation is packed with other gems of wisdom from Lisa’s life. From the intentional communication that underpins her marriage, to the realisation that the only hero she really needed was herself. From finding the solution to her gut-health problems, to the ‘No BS’ trick she and Tom use for working out what they really want from life. All this, and much more, in this fantastic episode. I hope you enjoy listening.

Thanks to our sponsors:

Order Dr Chatterjee's new book Happy Mind, Happy Life: UK version: https://amzn.to/304opgJ, US & Canada version: https://amzn.to/3DRxjgp

Show notes available at https://drchatterjee.com/289

Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/3oAKmxi. For other podcast platforms go to https://fblm.supercast.com.

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

#288 BITESIZE | The Power of Breath to Transform Your Life | Brian MacKenzie

30 juni 2022 | 11 min

#287 The Secret To Radically Improving Your Health (That Nobody’s Talking About!) with James Maskell

28 juni 2022 | 83 min

Are the people around you supportive of your health goals? If you were to embark on a new routine, would your friends be a help or hindrance? For today’s episode, I was delighted to welcome my good friend James Maskell for a conversation around friendship, community and the concept of ‘group medicine’.

James is a health entrepreneur, author and community builder. He studied health economics and it’s now his mission to curb rising healthcare costs across the globe with a model that puts people first. His latest book, The Community Cure, looks at how helping groups of people with common health concerns come together can solve the very problems they share – an idea similar to Alcoholics Anonymous. He runs virtual health coaching groups in the US, which have been successful for everything from autoimmune disease to depression, chronic pain to digestive disorders. And he believes there are few conditions that couldn’t be helped by a collective mentality.

We discuss a 2006 NHS version of this concept, which famously saw patients work together to reverse their type 2 diabetes through diet. It saved one practice £70,000 a year in drug costs, which would have equated to £270 million if rolled out across the UK.

But it’s not just health-focused communities that can feel the benefit of coming together in groups and James and I discuss the profound benefits of men’s groups. When people share their experience, solutions and support each other to live well, amazing things can happen. I hope this conversation encourages you to reach out, find your tribe, and see what you can do for each other.

Thanks to our sponsors:

Order Dr Chatterjee's new book Happy Mind, Happy Life: UK version: https://amzn.to/304opgJ, US & Canada version: https://amzn.to/3DRxjgp

Show notes available at https://drchatterjee.com/287

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified health care provider with any questions you have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

#286 BITESIZE | Why Movement Can Be Medicine | Darryl Edwards

23 juni 2022 | 12 min

#285 Why Intermittent Fasting Works with Dr Jason Fung

21 juni 2022 | 116 min

CAUTION: This podcast discusses fasting and its advice may not be suitable for anyone with an eating disorder. If you have an existing health condition or are taking medication, always consult your healthcare practitioner before going for prolonged periods without eating.

When was the last time you had something to eat? Was the food consumed at a mealtime, or 'just because'? My guest today has a simple but powerful message that I believe could revolutionize your health. Dr Jason Fung is one of the world's foremost experts on intermittent fasting. He practices in Canada as a kidney specialist and in 2012, he co-founded America's first intermittent fasting clinic. He's published multiple international bestselling books and he runs a global online coaching program called Intensive Dietary Management. Dr Fung also works tirelessly to communicate simple messages with the public on his YouTube channel.

We begin this conversation by discussing how many unscheduled opportunities to eat there are in modern life. These days, it is normal to eat at your desk, in meetings, on public transport or even on the sofa at home. Yet, just a few decades ago, such habits would have seemed very out of place. Jason explains that the idea that it’s good to graze all day is unscientific and damaging – our bodies can only draw on our fat stores for energy when we’re not in a fed state. Our default should be not eating, with two or three meals planned in short windows over 24 hours. Instead, schools, workplaces and places of leisure are designed around opportunities to snack and for many of us, it's causing a host of problems.

Jason goes on to talk about why he believes that calorie counting isn’t the answer when it comes to getting your weight and health in check and why some foods are more fattening than others, even if they're equal in calories. Jason's approach is to encourage all of us to switch to what he calls ‘the right foods’ – whole, unprocessed foods, low in sugar and refined carbohydrates, which will not stimulate large amounts of a hormone called insulin. As a result, Jason says you'll be less hungry, less inclined to eat constantly and return your hormones to the way they're designed to work.

Jason is also a big fan of intermittent fasting for the right person and explains easy ways to practise it, the common mistakes and misconceptions, and reveals why the ‘rules’ aren’t as strict as you think. Whether you're already a fan of intermittent fasting, whether you're in the dark or whether you are someone who has yet to be convinced, I'd urge you to give this conversation a listen. Jason is a fantastic communicator who's helped countless people improve their health and well-being.

Thanks to our sponsors:

Show notes https://drchatterjee.com/285

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

#284 BITESIZE | 4 Simple Tips to Improve Your Gut Health | Jeannette Hyde

16 juni 2022 | 12 min

#283 Elizabeth Day: Life Lessons on Failure, Shame and Infertility

14 juni 2022 | 110 min

CAUTION: This episode contains mild swearing and themes of an adult nature.

A few weeks ago, I hosted my first ever Feel Better Live More LIVE show, which took place in a beautiful theatre in London. I’m really excited to share a recording of that conversation with you today.

My guest was the brilliant author, journalist and podcast host, Elizabeth Day. Elizabeth hosts a podcast called ‘How to Fail’ which celebrates the things that haven’t gone right. She has also written two books on the subject of failure and so it seemed fitting to begin our conversation talking about this thought-provoking topic.

Life is full of uncertainty but Elizabeth believes that if anything is certain in life, it is that we will all fail. But what is important, she says, is how we respond to that failure - if we allow it to be, failure can be the key to growth, strength and self-awareness.

We covered so many important topics that I am sure will strike a chord with you. We spoke about the importance of authentic connection and how important being vulnerable and sharing our failures with others is. We also discussed how shame often holds us back from doing this. In fact, Elizabeth shares her own experience of this during the breakdown of her marriage and how she was ashamed of admitting her feelings to others but how when she did, she was astonished by how people around her responded in a positive way.

We also talked about competitiveness and people-pleasing, and Elizabeth very candidly talks about her own journey through IVF and what it taught her.

Elizabeth is a firm believer in the idea that life will generally teach us the lessons that we need to learn and we discuss how this way of thinking can be beneficial when we come across conflict and obstacles in life.

This is a beautiful, deep and honest conversation - I thoroughly enjoyed speaking to Elizabeth and I know that everyone in the audience that evening felt part of something really quite special. I hope you enjoy listening.

Thanks to our sponsors:

Order Dr Chatterjee's new book Happy Mind, Happy Life: UK version: https://amzn.to/304opgJ, US & Canada version: https://amzn.to/3DRxjgp

Show notes available at https://drchatterjee.com/283

Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/3oAKmxi. For other podcast platforms go to https://fblm.supercast.com.

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

#282 BITESIZE | Why Emotions Matter More Than You Think | Professor Marc Brackett

9 juni 2022 | 14 min

#281 Five Simple Steps To Reduce Anxiety, Stress and Toxic Thinking with Dr Caroline Leaf

7 juni 2022 | 107 min

What does the content of your mind look like? Do you sometimes have thoughts you don't want to have? Do you sometimes feel emotions you don't want to feel? My guest today has recently published a book called Cleaning Up Your Mental Mess: Five Simple, Scientifically Proven Steps to Reduce Anxiety, Stress and Toxic Thinking which contains techniques and practices that can help any of us whether we have a diagnosed mental health problem or not.

My guest is Dr. Caroline Leaf, a cognitive neuroscientist, researcher and best-selling author. Since the 1980s, Dr Leaf has researched the mind-brain connection, the nature of mental health and the formation of memory. She was one of the first in her field to study neuroplasticity and how the brain can change with directed input from our minds. Over the years, Dr Leaf has helped transform the lives of many people around the world - she's helped people with traumatic brain injury, stress, anxiety and depression, but the tools that she shares are relevant for anyone who wants to improve the functioning of their minds.

We begin our conversation talking about the difference between our minds and our brains - these two terms are often used interchangeably but Dr Leaf explains why this is a mistake. She explains how it's our mind, both our conscious mind and our non-conscious mind, that actually control our brain. It is because of this, she says, that we are much more in control of our symptoms than we might think.

Dr Leaf believes that many of the conventional clinical approaches to mental health and well-being are misguided and limiting. Her approach reframes things like depression and anxiety as a response, rather than an illness. Signs and symptoms, she says, always point to a thought or belief that has caused them. So instead of medicating them away, Dr Leaf believes that we need to spend more time looking for the cause.

It is Dr Leaf’s firm belief that we can all benefit from what she calls ‘mind management’. Whether we want to build a healthier, more resilient brain, whether we want more focus or whether we want to reduce negative thoughts that are affecting us, Dr Leaf has pioneered a five-step protocol to help us do so. In this conversation, she reveals just what those steps are and how we can all put them into practice in our everyday lives.

Thanks to our sponsors:

Order Dr Chatterjee's new book Happy Mind, Happy Life: UK version: https://amzn.to/304opgJ, US & Canada version: https://amzn.to/3DRxjgp

Show notes available at https://drchatterjee.com/281

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified health care provider with any questions you have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

#280 How To Make Lifestyle Changes That Will Last with Dr Rangan Chatterjee and Dr Ayan Panja (Re-Release)

4 juni 2022 | 90 min

This is part of my re-release series where I am interviewed by my good friend Dr Panja about small daily changes that can make a huge difference.

Why is it that so many of us find it hard to stick to a new diet or lifestyle plan? We all start off well enough – full of energy and optimism but then the novelty soon wears off and life gets in the way. After some time, we are right back where we first started. The fact is, most health plans are based on the common, but incorrect assumption that we can make sweeping and lasting changes to our health by relying solely on willpower and motivation. But for the vast majority of us, this is just not true. This is exactly why I wrote my new book, ‘Feel Better in 5’– I want to empower people to make changes in their life not just in the short term, but ones that will stand the test of time.

This week, my good friend Dr Ayan Panja returns to the podcast and we discuss just how we can all make lifestyle changes that last. We talk about how 5 minute chunks of time really can change your life, the importance of human connection when trying to make lifestyle change, why I am such a fan of a rounded approach to health and the ripple effect – how one small change in one aspect of your life can very quickly ripple into other areas. We also discuss what, in our collective 40 years of clinical experience, we have found to actually work with our patients when making lifestyle change. We delve into the latest in behaviour science and how we can use this to help us make new healthy habits. Finally, I explain to Ayan that my goal in writing ‘Feel Better in 5’ was to make health as accessible as possible to people of all backgrounds hence the reason nearly all the recommendations within it are completely free. Ayan finishes by sharing some of his tops tips. I really enjoyed taking some time out to sit down and chat with one of my best friends – I hope you enjoy the conversation as much as I did!

Thanks to our sponsors:

Order Dr Chatterjee's new book Happy Mind, Happy Life: UK version: https://amzn.to/304opgJ, US & Canada version: https://amzn.to/3DRxjgp

Show notes available at https://drchatterjee.com/280

Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/3oAKmxi. For other podcast platforms go to https://fblm.supercast.com.

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

#279 BITESIZE | Do This Every Day to Reduce Stress and Anxiety | Dr Andrew Weil

2 juni 2022 | 13 min

#278 How to Transform Your Lifestyle for Optimum Health, Happiness and Vitality with Tony Riddle

31 maj 2022 | 119 min

What does it mean to be a thriving human in the 21st century? The way we currently live is very different from the way humans have lived for the bulk of our evolution. As humanity has evolved and developed technologies to make us more comfortable, many of us have lost our instinctive connection to nature and this has had profound consequences on our physical and mental well-being. So what can we do about this? Well, as it turns out, quite a lot. My guest today is Tony Riddle. Tony is an ultra-endurance athlete and goes by the name of the natural lifestylist. He has spent the last decade developing and refining a robust way of life based upon the principles of a natural lifestyle. He's hosted retreats and workshops, where he has taught thousands of people around the world to live more naturally.

Tony has now written his very first book, Be More Human: How to Transform your Lifestyle for Optimum Health, Happiness and Vitality. The beauty of Tony's natural lifestyle philosophy is its simplicity, rather than a long list of things to incorporate into your busy life, it's actually all about stripping back and simplifying; removing what's not serving us in order to get back to a natural state of well-being. A good way to start is to learn how to ‘down-regulate’ – to calm the fight-or-flight system that’s switched on when we’re under chronic stress. It can be as easy as a minute or two of breathing, exhaling for longer than you inhale. Or a few moments spent in nature.

But he also wants us to experiment with discomfort and inconvenience, antidotes to modern life that will keep our muscles and mind from atrophy. We talk about the benefits of cold immersion and some simple ways in which we can start to bring this into our lives.

We chat about the importance of good quality sleep and why we all may not need the mythical eight hours. Tony describes some posture-enhancing positions we can all adopt, including squats and heel sitting to liberate our joints and spine. He explains why our foot strength dramatically increases when we transition to minimalist shoes and spend more time without our shoes on.

We finished off talking about Tony's deep relationship to running and why he describes it as a spiritual experience. The truth is we are never going back to being hunter-gatherers. But it doesn't mean we can't learn from them. Tony says we don't have to live in the wild to re-wild. This is such an inspiring episode, packed with practical tools that you can try right now. Tony is passionate and knowledgeable and I hope this conversation will help you become happier and healthier.

Thanks to our sponsors:

Show notes available at https://drchatterjee.com/278

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified health care provider with any questions you have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

#277 Is it Time for a Tactical Break from Alcohol? With Andy Ramage (Re-Release)

28 maj 2022 | 116 min

This is part of my re-release series and was first aired in 2019.

How does alcohol fit into your life? Have you ever given it any thought?

My guest on this week’s podcast is Andy Ramage, a performance coach and author. He’s also one of the founders of One Year No Beer, a habit-changing programme that invites people to try 28, 90 or 365 days alcohol free – and see what it does for them. Andy was like many of us, he was not an alcoholic but he was what he calls ‘a middle lane drinker’. He would drink a little bit to unwind, at work events, when he saw his friends and probably a little bit more on the weekends. Andy started off on a 30 day trial without alcohol and now hasn’t drunk any alcohol for six years and says he can’t envisage doing so again. But his agenda is not to make you stop drinking for good. It’s to demonstrate that taking a break from the booze can bring a surprising host of benefits, even if you don’t think of yourself as a problematic drinker.

Andy and I delve into just what some of those benefits might be. We discuss how alcohol is so ingrained in our social lives and often our work culture that often we don’t even consider what life would be like without it. It’s linked to every part of our lives from relaxation and fun to social bonding or even just relieving boredom. We talk about societal expectations and peer pressure and both of us share our own individual stories and our own journeys with alcohol. Finally, Andy shares some brilliant, practical tips to help anyone who maybe considering tactical break from alcohol.

This is a really inspiring conversation. Whether you’re already thinking of cutting down, it’s not something you’ve considered, or even if you’re already abstaining, I hope you’ll find some life-enhancing lessons in this podcast.

Thanks to our sponsors:

Order Dr Chatterjee's new book Happy Mind, Happy Life: UK version: https://amzn.to/304opgJ, US & Canada version: https://amzn.to/3DRxjgp

Show notes available at https://drchatterjee.com/277

Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/3oAKmxi. For other podcast platforms go to https://fblm.supercast.com.

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

#276 BITESIZE | Transform Your Life with a Digital Detox | Adam Alter

26 maj 2022 | 15 min

#275 How To Become Happier Today (it's easier than you think) with Mo Gawdat

24 maj 2022 | 131 min

Happiness is a choice.

It’s a bold statement, but it’s one I wholeheartedly support. Whether you agree with this statement, or whether the idea sits a little uncomfortably with you, I think you are going to get a lot out of this uplifting conversation. My guest is Mo Gawdat and he has been at both ends of the spectrum on which we might consider happiness lies. And he’s unlocked the key to true contentment, no matter what obstacles you may come across in life.

You might know Mo as the former Chief Business Officer of Google X – a role with status and riches that many might aspire to. You may also know him as the respected ‘happiness expert’, speaker and bestselling author of self-help books like Solve For Happy and his latest book, That Little Voice In Your Head.

We begin our conversation by talking about the concept of success and fulfilment and why his money only gave him joy when he gave it away. We also chat about how the sudden and tragic death of his son at the age of 21 set him on a path to make a billion people happier.

This is a wide-ranging, personal and heartfelt conversation. Listening to Mo’s account is incredibly emotional, yet he’s so full of love, truth and gratitude. I’m so grateful to him for sharing so honestly and authentically but I get the idea that Mo knows no other way. This man embodies the idea that happiness is a set of skills and beliefs that we can all practice. And you can choose to practice them, no matter what life puts in your way. When you listen to him speak, it’s hard not to agree.

Thanks to our sponsors:

Order Dr Chatterjee's new book Happy Mind, Happy Life: UK version: https://amzn.to/304opgJ, US & Canada version: https://amzn.to/3DRxjgp

Show notes available at https://drchatterjee.com/275

Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/3oAKmxi. For other podcast platforms go to https://fblm.supercast.com.

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

#274 Why You Need More Rest with Claudia Hammond (Re-Release)

21 maj 2022 | 97 min

#273 BITESIZE | This Mindset Is The Key To A Happier Life | Ryan Holiday

19 maj 2022 | 12 min

#272 Dr Rangan Chatterjee: My 3 Biggest Failures In Life

17 maj 2022 | 73 min

#271 Why Walking Is The Superpower You Didn’t Know You Had with Professor Shane O’Mara (Re-Release)

14 maj 2022 | 87 min

This conversation was first released in November 2019.

When was the last time you gave any real thought to walking? It’s so easy to put one foot in front of the other. Yet this unique, underrated activity sets us apart from other species, and brings incredible advantages – yes, superpowers – if we do it enough.

My guest on this week’s podcast is the neuroscientist Shane O’Mara, a professor of experimental brain research at Trinity College Dublin. After reading his remarkable new book, In Praise of Walking: The New Science of How We Walk And Why It’s Good For Us, I couldn’t wait to talk to him about the topics it raises. Shane has always been a keen walker and aims to clock 15,000 to 17,000 steps each day on his pedometer. But as we discuss, the positive effects of walking go way beyond the fitness benefits we all know about.

Walking helps more than our hearts and lungs, our muscles and posture, yet modern, sedentary lives mean we’re doing far less of it than nature intended. It can increase creativity and problem solving, lift our mood and protect us from depression. Shane reveals how it helps learning, memory and cognition and how it can slow and even reverse the functional ageing of the brain. All this science, he hopes, will help convince town planners and public health officials that we must redesign our environments with pedestrians in mind.

This is such an enlightening conversation and I know you’ll gain some fascinating new perspectives on how you could (and why you should) fit more walking into your life. Why not head out for a stroll as you listen?

Thanks to our sponsors:

Order Dr Chatterjee's new book Happy Mind, Happy Life: UK version: https://amzn.to/304opgJ, US & Canada version: https://amzn.to/3DRxjgp

Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/3oAKmxi. For other podcast platforms go to https://fblm.supercast.com.

Show notes available at https://drchatterjee.com/271

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified health care provider with any questions you have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

#270 BITESIZE | The Power of Social Connection for a Happier, Healthier Life | The Happy Pear

12 maj 2022 | 13 min

#269 Dr Rupy Aujla on How To Eat Your Way To Better Health

10 maj 2022 | 129 min

Do you believe that food can be medicine? Most of us would agree that a healthy diet – whatever that means to the individual – is vital to our wellbeing. But can the right foods actually prevent and even cure illness? I know what I think, and my guest today not only agrees, he provides living proof! Dr Rupy Aujla was just 24 when he was diagnosed with atrial fibrillation, a heart condition rare in someone of that age. But it wasn’t Rupy’s years of medical training or even his consultant’s advice that turned his life around. It was only when he listened to his mother, looked to his diet, and transformed his eating that he was able to defy medical expectations and reverse his condition.

This experience led Rupy to do a deep dive into how this ‘impossible’ feat was achieved and in this conversation, he shares some of the explanations he’s uncovered, including a reduction in inflammation and an improvement in the health of his gut.

Back in 2015, he founded The Doctor’s Kitchen, a movement to inspire and educate people about nutritional medicine and help them eat well every day. He not only shares recipes but also explains the clinical research behind them and how they can help you with your health. And he does this via his bestselling books, podcasts and social media posts. Recently, Rupy has taken the decision to pause his NHS career and focus on making healthy eating more accessible by launching the Doctor’s Kitchen app, which is set to become a must-have resource for finding research-backed recipes tailored to your personal likes and health goals. It is available now on the App store.

Rupy is a great friend and our lives have followed a similar path in many ways. We talk in-depth about the concept of food as medicine, as well as the polarising nature of discussions around diet. We also consider identity when it comes to career choice, and what it really means to be a doctor in the modern world. If you can help hundreds of thousands of people live better through your public platforms, is that any less meaningful than helping patients in a surgery or hospital each day? There’s lots to think about in this conversation and I hope you enjoy listening as much as we enjoyed chatting.

Thanks to our sponsors:

Order Dr Chatterjee's new book Happy Mind, Happy Life: UK version: https://amzn.to/304opgJ, US & Canada version: https://amzn.to/3DRxjgp

Show notes available at https://drchatterjee.com/269

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified health care provider with any questions you have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

#268 This Daily Breathing Technique Will Transform Your Body & Mind | James Nestor Re-Release

7 maj 2022 | 119 min

In today’s episode, we’re revisiting one of our most popular episodes with James Nestor.

Breathwork is where my personal and professional interests collide. How we breathe affects every body system we have and I’m excited to welcome James Nestor, science journalist and author of the book Breath, which explores the data behind this ancient, but some might say lost, art.

And yes, it is an art. As we discuss, it doesn’t matter whether you follow a new or ancient technique to harness the potential of your breath, the principles are the same. What I love about James’ approach is he has no agenda to push. He hasn’t developed his own breathing technique, theory or product. He’s a journalist with an enquiring, sceptical mind. By his own admission, he came from a place where – like many of you, perhaps – he thought, ‘What’s all the fuss about breathing? It’s automatic, it’s easy, our bodies know what they’re doing’. But do they really?

During this conversation, we cover some of the fascinating – objective – insights James has uncovered in his research. He explains the benefits of nasal breathing, the importance of masticating and how diet affects the skeletal development of our children’s mouths. James reveals how learning to chew more, chewing on one side and using mouth tape at night has changed the structure of his own mouth. His airways – and his wellbeing – have never been better. We discuss the long list of conditions breathing may improve; how athletes can benefit. And James reveals the therapeutic process behind some ‘super breathing’ techniques.

Whether you’re already practising breathwork, you’re curious or yet to be convinced, James has a no-nonsense, rigorous approach we can all take something from. I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did!

Thanks to our sponsors:

Order Dr Chatterjee's new book Happy Mind, Happy Life: UK version: https://amzn.to/304opgJ, US & Canada version: https://amzn.to/3DRxjgp

Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/3oAKmxi. For other podcast platforms go to https://fblm.supercast.com.

Show notes available at https://drchatterjee.com/268

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified health care provider with any questions you have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

#267 BITESIZE | The Power of Positivity | Joe Wicks

5 maj 2022 | 13 min

#266 Dr Joe Dispenza on How To Unlock The Power of Your Mind

3 maj 2022 | 82 min

Dr Joe Dispenza is a New York Times best-selling author, speaker and researcher who has spent decades studying neuroscience, meditation and the effect our thoughts have on our health and wellbeing. He believes that all of us are sitting on a huge amount of untapped potential and once we start to tap into it, we can create huge change in our lives for both our health and happiness.

In this powerful conversation, we talk about the importance of mental rehearsal: the idea that instead of waiting for something to happen in the future in order to feel a certain way- instead, we can practice feeling that way right now.

We cover a variety of different topics including: the transformative effects of meditation and what happens in the brain when we practice, the 3 different kinds of stress and how chronic emotional stress can drive ill health and disease. Dr Joe explains how 90% of the thoughts we think are the same as the day before and how that keeps many of us trapped in negative thought patterns, until we learn to break free. At its core, this is a conversation about unlocking the power that exists within your own mind.

This really is an inspiring and empowering conversation, and one that I think will challenge you (in a good way!!) to start thinking differently about your life. I hope you enjoy listening.

Thanks to our sponsors:

Order Dr Chatterjee's new book Happy Mind, Happy Life: UK version: https://amzn.to/304opgJ, US & Canada version: https://amzn.to/3DRxjgp

Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/3oAKmxi. For other podcast platforms go to https://fblm.supercast.com.

Show notes available at https://drchatterjee.com/266

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified health care provider with any questions you have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

#265 Jay Shetty on How to Think Like a Monk and Train Your Mind for Peace and Purpose (Re-Release)

30 april 2022 | 112 min

I am delighted to welcome former monk turned social media superstar, Jay Shetty. This episode was first released in September 2020. After having spent three years living as a monk in India, Jay believes that you don’t have to live like a monk to think like one. With his social media following now totaling over 32 million, Jay is transforming the ancient wisdom he has learned into bite-sized nuggets that will help us all live more meaningful and purposeful lives.

So many of us these days are living lives that are not truly ours. Instead, we base our opinion of ourselves on what we think other people think of us. In today’s conversation, Jay and I talk about how we can figure out our own identity and live our truest and most authentic life. He talks us through his value audit exercise which will help us all on our way to living the life we really want.

We also discuss the importance of staying open and curious to new ideas and how our childhood experiences play into all our relationships. We delve into gratitude and Jay shares some brilliant tips to help you get more out of your daily gratitude practice.

This conversation is full of timeless wisdom, personal stories and actionable tips and I really hope it helps you live the life you were born to live.

Thanks to our sponsors:

Order Dr Chatterjee's new book Happy Mind, Happy Life: UK version: https://amzn.to/304opgJ, US & Canada version: https://amzn.to/3DRxjgp

Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/3oAKmxi. For other podcast platforms go to https://fblm.supercast.com.

Show notes available at https://drchatterjee.com/265

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified health care provider with any questions you have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

#264 BITESIZE | How to Optimise Your Brain Health as You Age | Dr. Lisa Mosconi

28 april 2022 | 12 min

#263 How To Be Your Own Therapist with Dr Julie Smith

26 april 2022 | 100 min

Social media has its flaws – but it can also be a force for good, creating communities and offering help to people who might not otherwise receive it. And my guest today is someone who uses her platform to do just that.

Dr Julie Smith is a clinical psychologist, who’s passionate about making the tools of therapy accessible to all. And she has a real talent for doing so, to her audience of over four million people across social media, and now with the number one Sunday Times bestseller Why Has No One Told Me This Before?

Julie has worked in the NHS and been in private practice for more than a decade, helping a diverse range of clients through difficult times. But she felt frustrated that it was only those clients sitting in front of her who were able to benefit from her years of training and experience.

Therapy is about talking and working through your problems, but it also has an educational component, Julie explains. You learn about how your mind works, so you can influence your mood and cope better day-to-day. She realised this was something she could teach online so, back in 2019, set about posting short videos to Instagram, TikTok and YouTube. These quickly went viral, earning her hundreds of thousands of followers. Recent topics include breathwork for when you feel overwhelmed, how to recognise addiction, and how to help someone having a panic attack.

If you already follow Julie, you’ll be aware of her warm and friendly approach to helping us all build resilience. I think she’s brilliant at demystifying our thoughts, feelings and behaviours and encouraging small steps towards self-care. During this conversation we cover many of those steps, such as meta-cognition, journaling, emotional vocabularies, self-soothing and recognising your attachment style.

As with all of Julie’s tools and teachings, the common theme is self-awareness. She’s helping people get a bird’s eye view on their life, notice patterns and perhaps make different choices. And, as we discuss, this can help not only our mental health and emotions, but our physical health too.

I had such fun chatting to Julie and this is a wide-ranging and empowering conversation that I think can help all of us improve our mental well-being and resilience.

Thanks to our sponsors:

Order Dr Chatterjee's new book Happy Mind, Happy Life: UK version: https://amzn.to/304opgJ, US & Canada version: https://amzn.to/3DRxjgp

Show notes available at https://drchatterjee.com/263

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified health care provider with any questions you have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

#262 If This Man Can Change, Anyone Can - Armed Robber to Record Breaking Athlete: John McAvoy (Re-release)

23 april 2022 | 161 min

CAUTION ADVISED: this podcast contains swearing.

Is there a change you’d like to make in your life? Something you’re desperate to overcome, but can’t see how? Or a goal you’re scared to aim for, because it feels too far off? My guest on this week’s podcast might just convince you to have a go. He’s John McAvoy, endurance athlete extraordinaire, author and the man with one of the most inspirational stories I have ever heard.

John was born into a notorious crime family and has served a total of 10 years in some of the UK’s highest security prisons, for armed robbery. He was raised into a life of organised crime and, as a teenager, it was the only career path he could see for himself. In fact, he bought his first gun at the age of 16 and very quickly became one of the UK’s most wanted men. How did he go from serving two life sentences to breaking British and World sporting records and giving talks to schoolchildren? From violent criminal to opinion leader, invited to 10 Downing Street for his views on the justice system? You’ll have to listen and find out.

Not only is every part of John’s story worthy of a Hollywood movie script, the lessons and life advice he shares are relevant to each and every one of us. Whether you’re interested in his rowing and Ironman success, how he transformed his moral code or how he overcame adversity, this really is a compelling conversation. I know you’re going to be as gripped by John as I was.

Thanks to our sponsors:

Order Dr Chatterjee's new book Happy Mind, Happy Life: UK version: https://amzn.to/304opgJ, US & Canada version: https://amzn.to/3DRxjgp

Show notes available at https://drchatterjee.com/262

Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/3oAKmxi. For other podcast platforms go to https://fblm.supercast.com.

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified health care provider with any questions you have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

#261 BITESIZE | This Monk Mindset Will Help You Live a Happier Life | Jay Shetty

21 april 2022 | 14 min

#260 How To Stop Feeling Overwhelmed with Oliver Burkeman

19 april 2022 | 105 min

The average person has 4,000 weeks on earth. It doesn’t sound like much does it? You’re probably doing mental arithmetic right now trying to work out how many weeks you might have left. But if that sounds like a pessimistic start to this podcast, fear not. My guest today is Oliver Burkeman, journalist and author, whose latest book is Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management For Mortals. And in this conversation, he shares a positive philosophy that can help us all overcome the overwhelm, make better choices, and build a meaningful relationship with time.

We begin by talking about our concept of time and how we falsely believe it’s something we can control. We think of time as infinite and don’t realise how distraction – that modern-day temptation – is robbing it from us. Or maybe we do know time is finite, says Oliver, but we just feel overwhelmed by all the things we have to do or want to do. How will we fit them all in?

The truth, he points out, is that we won’t. Many of the productivity hacks that we learn are a delusion. Time management doesn’t mean becoming more productive, it means deciding what to neglect. And once we realise we can never fit everything in, we get the freedom to prioritise.

Thinking about our limited lifespan may sound bleak, but Oliver is convinced that imposing limits of knowledge like this can help us live a more fulfilled and less stressed life. We’re more likely to use time mindfully, or be more creative, when we know it’s finite.

I absolutely loved talking with Oliver and I think his words will give you plenty to reflect on. In a world of demands, distractions and endless to-do lists, this conversation might be the most useful time-management tool of all.

This conversation is full of mind-blowing facts and insights but it’s also really empowering and contains simple, practical tips that all of us can use to improve our lives. I hope you enjoy listening.

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Show notes available at https://drchatterjee.com/260

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified health care provider with any questions you have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

#259 Mindset Expert Explains How To Achieve Anything You Want In Life Today | Peter Crone (Re-Release)

16 april 2022 | 100 min

CAUTION ADVISED: this podcast contains swearing.

This is the fourth in a series of re-released episodes from the Feel Better Live More archives. In this episode, I welcome back Peter Crone, aka ‘The Mind Architect’.

Peter is a writer, speaker and thought leader in human potential. He has worked with world-famous actors, athletes and the business elite yet what he has to say is just as likely to resonate with the average person, seeking to feel more comfortable in their own skin. His mission is to help people live life without limitations and stress. What he offers instead, is a life of freedom and peace. And who wouldn’t want that? I think that’s why my last conversation with Peter back on episode 82 was one of the most popular conversations I have had to date.

Peter acknowledges that people struggle and the human experience is challenging but he offers a different way to look at life and your current problems. He believes our subconscious dialogue – the self-talk that’s rooted in childhood conditioning and that we may not even be aware of – gives us a certain idea of who we are. By questioning this, and realising it’s not the truth, we can find freedom from suffering. We can get to know the triggers that make us feel less-than, and break free of our limitations.

If you heard my last conversation with Peter, you’ll know how life-changing his philosophy can be. This conversation has even more anecdotes that will help you apply Peter’s philosophy into your life. This is a really powerful conversation and I hope it helps you to find more freedom in your life.

Thanks to our sponsors:

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Show notes available at https://drchatterjee.com/259

Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/3oAKmxi. For other podcast platforms go to https://fblm.supercast.com.

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified health care provider with any questions you have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

#258 BITESIZE | The One Important Question You Should Ask Every Day | Greg McKeown

14 april 2022 | 12 min

#257 Jonny Wilkinson: Why Everything You Know About Success Is Wrong

12 april 2022 | 114 min

Jonny Wilkinson is one of the most decorated and recognisable faces in rugby history and he’s probably best known for kicking the winning goal in 2003 to help England win the Rugby World Cup. But this episode of my podcast is not a conversation about rugby. It’s a conversation about what it truly means to live a meaningful and contented life.

Jonny shares how winning the World Cup led to disappointment, discontentment and a mental health crisis. He explains how he spent his entire life trying to realise his dreams, only to discover that achieving them did not make him happy. In this deep and soulful conversation, Jonny explains how his relationship with rugby changed from initially being a ‘celebration of his talent’ to later becoming something that only caused him stress, anxiety and made him fearful.

Jonny has been to the extremes of life - extreme levels of success but also extreme levels of discontentment. And, by going to those extremes, I think Jonny has learned some incredible truths and wisdom, which he shares in our conversation. We talk about the difference between success and happiness, the price we often pay for pursuing our dreams, the importance of awareness and living in the moment, as well as the importance of letting go of old beliefs when they no longer serve us. We also talk about Identity and how limiting the labels we put on ourselves can be, how we can use micro-moments of resistance in our daily lives to grow and learn and how our past can actually change, depending on what perspective we put on it in the present moment.

This is a powerful, thought-provoking and engaging conversation with an incredible human being that I truly believe has the potential to transform the way you look at life - I hope you enjoy listening.

Thanks to our sponsors:

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Show notes available at https://drchatterjee.com/257

Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/3oAKmxi. For other podcast platforms go to https://fblm.supercast.com.

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

#256 Esther Perel: Relationships and How They Shape Us (Re-Release)

9 april 2022 | 84 min

This is the third in a series of re-released episodes from the Feel Better Live More archives. In this conversation, I speak to arguably one of the world’s leading and most original thinkers on modern relationships, the wonderful, Esther Perel, who has long been on my dream guest list.

We talk about the many differences between relationships of the past and the relationships of now. How we are now all under pressure not only to have the perfect relationship, but also to portray this illusion to others as well.

Esther believes that it’s the quality of our relationships that determines the quality of our lives. And who we are is actually a combination of how we see ourselves and how others see us. We only really get to know ourselves through our interactions with others.

We talk about the idea that we are not one person but different with each person – and rather than being one-way, all interactions are reciprocal. We discuss the value of couples’ counselling and whether it’s something all relationships, healthy or otherwise, need. Reassuringly, we learn that there’s no such thing as a perfect relationship, they all follow a rhythm of harmony, disharmony and repair.

Esther and I touch and expand on our own situations and how the family history and values you bring to a relationship or marriage impacts the dynamic between you. She talks us through how much the concept of marriage has changed over the past century, and how it’s a tall order to ask just one person in our lives to meet all of our needs – needs which once would have been shared across our extended families and communities.

This episode is a joyous celebration of all the relationships in our lives. It’s challenging, poignant but ultimately hugely practical. Esther offers some wonderful examples of practices we can all start implementing today, from rituals to build strength in our intimate relationships, to advice on reframing criticism or starting difficult conversations at work. The upshot? Rather than hoping others will change, we can be the change ourselves.

It was a great pleasure to speak with such an incredible lady and I know that you will get a lot of value from hearing what she has to say.

Thanks to our sponsors:

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Show notes available at https://drchatterjee.com/256

Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/3oAKmxi. For other podcast platforms go to https://fblm.supercast.com.

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified health care provider with any questions you have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

#255 BITESIZE | The Surprising Truth About Happiness | Professor Laurie Santos

7 april 2022 | 16 min

#254 How To Read Body Language and Become More Confident with Vanessa Van Edwards

5 april 2022 | 89 min

Today’s conversation is all about cues - the small signals that we give and pick up that have a big impact. The head tilt, the smile, the open-palmed gesture – they all carry meaning that people intuitively understand. And if you’ve ever felt misunderstood, overlooked or underestimated, you can change that by using the right cues. Everything from the way you walk into a room to how you stand, your choice of words to your intonation, can affect how people perceive you.

My guest today is Vanessa Van Edwards, an expert in body language, facial expressions, and nonverbal communication. Her latest book Cues: Master the Secret Language of Charismatic Communication is packed with practical tools and exercises to help you understand more about others – and communicate your own ideas with warmth and competence.

Vanessa likes to introduce herself as a ‘recovering awkward person’. She certainly doesn’t come across as awkward anymore, in fact she exudes confidence and charisma. And during our conversation, she reveals some of the tricks that helped transform her.

She begins by explaining that confidence and charisma are unique to each of us. You don’t have to be an extrovert to have confidence in what you do and say. She defines charisma as the combination of competence and warmth and says these two components are essential for trust. Research has shown that when people assess one another, what they’re looking to find out is, ‘Can I trust you?’ followed by, ‘Can I rely on you?’ By identifying and using the cues that convey trust and reliability, we can instantly come across as more charismatic and likeable.

But it’s not just about how we want to come across. Understanding the cues other people are giving us can help us deal with conflict and build better connections. Arguably, there is nothing more important because at our core we all want to belong, to understand and be understood.

I’m convinced that mastering cues can help us improve communication and nourish connection in all areas of our lives, from business to romance. This was such a fun and uplifting conversation that is full of practical tips that you can use immediately. I hope you enjoy listening.

Thanks to our sponsors:

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Show notes available at https://drchatterjee.com/254

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified health care provider with any questions you have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

#253 Auschwitz Survivor Reveals The Secret To Overcoming Any Obstacle In Life | Dr Edith Eger (RE-RELEASE)

2 april 2022 | 98 min

Caution: contains themes of an adult nature.

This is the second in a series of re-released episodes from the Feel Better Live More back catalogue. This is a powerful story that my guest delivers with extraordinary wisdom.

Today’s conversation will stop you in your tracks. It’s powerful, confronting and challenging and I am so grateful for my guest’s honesty, empathy and willingness to share the wisdom of her 93 years. Dr Edith Eger is a Holocaust survivor, psychologist and expert in the treatment of post-traumatic stress but above all, she’s an incredible human being with an extraordinary story to share. Her latest book, The Gift: 12 Lessons to Save Your Life, is quite simply a phenomenal read and in my view a must-read for all of us.

As a Jew living in Eastern Europe under Nazi occupation, Edith was taken to Auschwitz concentration camp with her parents and sister, at the age of 16. She explains how she found her inner resources, how she came to view her guards as the real prisoners, turn hate into pity and, incredibly, she even describes her horrific experience as ‘an opportunity’. She has liberated herself from the prison of her past through forgiveness.

I’m acutely aware that for many of us listening, myself included, it’s hard to put our own problems alongside anything Edith has faced. Which makes her teaching that, ‘There’s no hierarchy in trauma’ all the more beautiful. Edith is not here to make us put our own suffering into perspective and overcome it. Rather, she explains, we can learn to come to terms with pain, reframe it and become stronger.

We cover so many different topics in this conversation, from parenting and relationship wisdom to insights on semantics and depression. Edith’s message to us is that we can change the thoughts and behaviours that are keeping us imprisoned in the past. I felt grateful and humbled to have had the opportunity to speak to Edith and the conversation really changed me. I hope you get as much out of it as I did.

Thanks to our sponsors:

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Show notes available at https://drchatterjee.com/250

Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/3oAKmxi. For other podcast platforms go to https://fblm.supercast.com.

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified health care provider with any questions you have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

#252 BITESIZE | The Simple Habit That Can Transform Your Health and Happiness I Michael Acton Smith

31 mars 2022 | 11 min

#251 The Bitter Truth About Sugar with Dr Robert Lustig

29 mars 2022 | 107 min

My guest on this week’s Feel Better Live More podcast is Dr Robert Lustig, Professor of Paediatric Endocrinology at the University of California. He’s a leading public health expert who has long been exposing the myths of modern medicine and the food industry. His passion is communicating how sugar and ultra-processed food is fuelling the chronic disease epidemic that we are all facing today. Obesity, type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, heart disease and so much more are caused, in Rob’s view, by the foods that we are eating.

In his latest book, Metabolical: The Lure and the Lies of Processed Food, Nutrition and Modern Medicine, he outlines what he calls the ‘hateful eight’ – the eight root causes in our body that underlie all chronic disease. He explains how food and sugar impact on them and, most importantly, suggests strategies to counteract them.

In this conversation, Rob explains why sugar can be so damaging and explains that just like alcohol, our bodies can cope with sugar in small amounts. But in excess will end up in the liver and ultimately trigger us to get sick. Rob’s decades of clinical experience and research has led to his bold and compelling assertion that the answer to all chronic disease can be found in real food. His solution? To ‘protect the liver, feed the gut’. I think these 6 words are an elegant way of summarising the nutritional advice that all of us should consider taking on board in order to improve our health and wellbeing.

We talk about what constitutes ‘real food’ and how different levels of food processing are classified. Rob explains why sugar-sweetened drinks can be so disastrous for health, particularly in children – and why diet drinks do just as much damage, if not more. We also talk about TOFI (thin on the outside, fat on the inside) and fascinatingly, Rob outlines the three types of fat gain that we can all experience: subcutaneous (which you can see); visceral (stress-related fat around the middle), and liver fat. It’s only the first of these that you’re likely to notice – but it’s the latter two which we really need to fix, especially as they’re already appearing in kids.

This conversation is full of mind-blowing facts and insights but it’s also really empowering and contains simple, practical tips that all of us can use to improve our lives. I hope you enjoy listening.

Caution: contains mild swearing.

Thanks to our sponsors:

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Show notes available at https://drchatterjee.com/251

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified health care provider with any questions you have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

#250 Why Sleep is the Most Important Pillar of Health with Professor Matthew Walker (Re-Release)

27 mars 2022 | 77 min

This is the first in a series of re-released episodes from the Feel Better Live More back catalogue. I originally recorded this conversation over 4 years ago and Professor Matthew Walker is one of our most popular guests on the podcast.

Sleep is one of the most undervalued components of our health yet neglecting it can have devastating consequences. In this episode, I talk to world-leading sleep researcher, author of the international best-selling book Why We Sleep and Professor of Neuroscience and Psychology, Matthew Walker.

We discuss everything you ever needed to know about sleep. Matthew shares some brilliant tips to combat jet lag, explains how sleep can enhance athletic performance and decrease risk of injury and reveals just how much caffeine consumption can impact sleep. We explore the reasons behind the current global sleep-loss epidemic and how sleep deprivation can affect every aspect of our health – from our blood sugar levels and our risk of heart attack to our mental health.

Finally, we discuss alcohol’s impact on sleep and the staggering financial costs associated with lost sleep. Matthew also shares what he has changed in his own life since starting his research. This is an invaluable conversation – I hope you enjoy it!

Thanks to our sponsors:

Order Dr Chatterjee's new book Happy Mind, Happy Life:

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Show notes available at https://drchatterjee.com/250

Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/3oAKmxi. For other podcast platforms go to https://fblm.supercast.com.

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified health care provider with any questions you have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

#249 BITESIZE | How to Improve Your Gut Health, Your Immunity and How You Age | Dr Jenna Macciochi

25 mars 2022 | 15 min

#248 How To Make Your Mistakes Your Superpower with Daniel Pink

23 mars 2022 | 101 min

What do you regret in your life? When I asked this question on social media a few weeks back, I was surprised by how many of you were quick to share the things you wish you’d done – or not done. There were others who take a ‘no regrets’ approach to life. It’s clearly a topic that resonates. And my guest on today’s podcast has an interesting and useful take on why that is.

Daniel Pink is a bestselling author and researcher specialising in human behaviour, creativity, work and business. His books have won multiple awards, have been translated into 42 different languages and he has sold millions of copies around the globe. In his latest book, The Power of Regret: How Looking Backwards Moves Us Forwards, Dan asserts that regret is a misunderstood and useful emotion that when used correctly, can help us lead happier, more fulfilled lives. The key, he says, is to recognise it as a signal, telling us what we should do next.

Through Dan’s extensive research, he’s identified four core categories of regret. He found that no matter what the context, be it romance, career, travel or family, people’s feelings fell into one of these four camps: Boldness Regrets (‘if only I’d taken the chance’); Foundation Regrets (‘if only I’d done the work’); Moral Regrets (‘if only I’d done the right thing’) and Connection Regrets (‘if only I’d reached out’).

Society tells us not to look back and instead to focus on the positive. But Dan’s view is that regrets aren’t there to be ignored. Sitting with the discomfort of a regret allows us to unpick it and understand what our values are. No regrets, says Dan, means no growth.

We cover so many different themes throughout the conversation and Dan shares plenty of practical advice on how we can use regret to improve our now and our future.

I really enjoyed chatting with Dan and I think this is a powerful conversation that will cause you to reflect on your own life and your own relationship with regret. I hope you enjoy listening!

Thanks to our sponsors:

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Show notes available at https://drchatterjee.com/244

Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/3oAKmxi. For other podcast platforms go to https://fblm.supercast.com.

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified health care provider with any questions you have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

#247 BITESIZE | The Breathing Secret That Will Transform Your Body and Mind | James Nestor

18 mars 2022 | 14 min

#246 How To Let Go, Move On And Leave Your Past In Your Past with Julia Samuel

16 mars 2022 | 95 min

Why does family matter so much to us? As today’s guest, renowned psychotherapist Julia Samuel explains, every client she’s seen in 30 years of practice, mentions their family members. Like it or not, we all carry our upbringing into our adult lives. Our family is wired in us genetically and it shows in our responses to life, our beliefs, and the ‘fault lines’ that trigger us in daily life. Could finding out more about our families be the key to knowing more about ourselves?

Julia’s new book, Every Family Has A Story: How We Inherit Love and Loss is a powerful exploration of what we inherit, what we can change, and how inter-family relationships inform all aspects of our lives. Often unknowingly, we are a product of how our older relatives have coped with their experiences. It even shows up in our genes! Julia and I explore this subject of transgenerational trauma – or how our present-day struggles probably didn’t start with us (but learning and forgiveness can).

In order to protect our children and grandchildren, Julia says, we need to process our feelings so we don’t pass them on. This might mean uncovering the secrets and untold stories from generations above you. And if that sounds daunting to put into practice, she has some wonderful advice for facilitating difficult conversations. We also discuss generational conflicts over parenting techniques, setting boundaries, and how to be compassionate and respectful with family members while also recognising and protecting your own needs.

Whatever your family situation – whether you’re close, estranged or somewhere in between – there’s something we can all take from Julia’s powerful, original approach.

Caution: contains mild swearing.

Thanks to our sponsors:

Order Dr Chatterjee's new book Happy Mind, Happy Life:

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Show notes available at https://drchatterjee.com/246

Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/3oAKmxi. For other podcast platforms go to https://fblm.supercast.com.

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified health care provider with any questions you have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

#245 BITESIZE | How to Manage Overwhelm and Reduce Stress | Elizabeth Emens

11 mars 2022 | 15 min

#244 This Therapy Changed My Life And It Could Do The Same For You: Internal Family Systems with Dr Richard Schwartz

9 mars 2022 | 117 min

This week's episode is a rather special one. In fact, I would say this is potentially one of the most important episodes I've ever released on my podcast because today, I am talking to Dr. Richard Schwartz. He's the creator of an incredible treatment modality called internal family systems, also known as IFS.

IFS has had a transformative impact on my own life - I feel calmer, more content and more at peace than I have ever done before. And without question, it has helped me to become a better husband and father. My hope is that this conversation might be the start of something life changing for you as well.

Dick begins by explaining how IFS rejects the idea that we each have one ‘true’ identity. Having multiple parts or personalities is not, as the movies would have us believe, a dangerous pathology. It’s a normal, healthy way for the mind to function. We often want to wish certain parts of ourselves away – if only we could get rid of our destructive streak, or silence the inner critic, say. But in IFS all our parts are welcome. Dick explains that they start out as valuable, but in early life trauma or attachment injuries can force these parts into destructive roles. He calls these ‘legacy burdens’. He explains how IFS works in the moment to help us revisit a trauma, retrieve the ‘stuck’ part of yourself and bring it to safety, thereby rewriting your story. It’s a guided self-healing.

The very best way to understand IFS is to witness a live demonstration. And that is exactly what happens in today’s conversation - I become the patient and Richard takes me through a real-time session.

IFS is an evidence based framework that helps a whole variety of different conditions - PTSD, addictions, anxiety, depression, eating disorders, rheumatoid arthritis, back pain and so much more. My firm belief is that IFS is a system that can help pretty much anyone whether they have a mental health diagnosis or not.

This really is a powerful conversation. I am so grateful to Dick for creating IFS but also for making time to come and speak to me on my podcast. I really hope that you enjoy listening.

Thanks to our sponsors:

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Show notes available at https://drchatterjee.com/244

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified health care provider with any questions you have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

#243 BITESIZE | Why Consistency is Key for Success, Health and Happiness | Rich Roll

4 mars 2022 | 12 min

#242 How To Sleep Better and Reduce Inflammation with Dr Roger Seheult

2 mars 2022 | 116 min

This week, I welcome Dr Roger Seheult back to the podcast. Roger is a medical doctor who is quadruple board certified in internal medicine, pulmonary diseases, critical care medicine and sleep medicine. As well as his clinical practice, he is passionate about teaching doctors and the public via his teaching company MedCram and his YouTube channel.

In this conversation, I was keen to focus on the topic of inflammation. Inflammation is a natural and necessary biological response to injury or infection, but thanks to our modern lifestyles, it’s become a response that doesn’t always go away when it should. Chronic unresolved inflammation in the body lies at the heart of conditions such as heart disease, stroke, cancer, depression, obesity, diabetes and dementia. And in this conversation, we look at some of the best things that you can do on a daily basis to reduce inappropriate inflammation and increase your chances of staying fit and healthy.

We begin by talking about sleep, and Roger explains why quantity, as well as quality, is so important. We discuss the impact that a lack of sleep can have on inflammation and what we now know about sleep deprivation and our risk of disease. Of course, if you’re someone who struggles to sleep, this knowledge can just make you more anxious and this is something that Roger and I discuss. We share some practical tips for shift-workers, new parents and insomniacs.

Roger explains the connection between stress and inflammation and he shares the type of exercise that studies show is most effective in lowering stress, anxiety and fear.

Finally, we discuss why it’s not what we eat but when we eat that’s key to reducing inflammation. We’re not designed to be constantly digesting food, and Roger explains why practising time-restricted eating can result in amazing improvements in inflammation, metabolism and more.

This conversation is full of actionable information to empower you to take control of your health. Roger has a brilliant way of simplifying complex ideas to motivate each and every one of us into action. I think you’ll really enjoy this conversation.

Thanks to our sponsors:

Order Dr Chatterjee's new book Happy Mind, Happy Life: UK version and US & Canada version

Show notes available at https://drchatterjee.com/242

Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/3oAKmxi. For other podcast platforms go to https://fblm.supercast.com.

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

#241 BITESIZE | How to Control Your Attention and Choose the Life You Want to Live | Nir Eyal

25 februari 2022 | 12 min

#240 11 Powerful Tips To Help You Live Longer And Better!

23 februari 2022 | 85 min

TRIGGER WARNING: This podcast discusses fasting and its advice may not be suitable for anyone with an eating disorder. If you have an existing health condition or are taking medication, always consult your healthcare practitioner before going for prolonged periods without eating.

Every few months or so, my team and I put together a special compilation episode, which features some of the very best tips around a central unified theme. This week’s episode is all about longevity.

Many of us think we would not like to live into old age because we associate it with illness and discomfort. But this does not need to be the case. There are simple things we can all do that could increase our health span as well as our life span. As you will hear in this episode, decline is not inevitable as we get older and there are many factors under our control that can affect how we age - from how we exercise, to how much we sleep, how we use our brain and what and when we eat.

You’ll also hear why compassion, community, purpose and friendship are important for our health and our lifespan. And why certain types of stress can actually be good for us and help us to live longer. Studies even show that our happiness, our mindset, and approach to life can be a factor in how long we live.

Finally, you’ll hear a clip about whether ageing should be seen as a disease that we can treat and a discussion about what ageing might look like in the future.

I really believe that the changes we can make to improve our health and longevity are a lot more achievable than many of us think.

I hope this episode helps you to find ways to implement some small daily habits that will help you to live a long, healthy, active and fulfilling life.

This episode includes clips from:

Episode 208 David Sinclair

Episode 147 Matthew Walker

Episode 112 Daniel Levitin

Episode 74 Felice Jacka

Episode 81 Satchin Panda

Episode 151 Laurie Santos

Episode 138 Julian Abel

Episode 167 Tommy Wood

Episode 128 Daniel Lieberman

Episode 67 Dan Buettner

Episode 197 James Nestor

Episode 206 Roger Seheult

Thanks to our sponsors:

Order Dr Chatterjee's new book Happy Mind, Happy Life: UK version and US & Canada version

Show notes available at https://drchatterjee.com/240

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified health care provider with any questions you have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

#239 BITESIZE | How to Personalise Your Diet for Increased Energy and Better Health | Tim Spector

18 februari 2022 | 15 min

#238 How To Overcome Adversity with Tony Riddle

16 februari 2022 | 80 min

This episode is a LIVE recording of a conversation I had with Tony Riddle who was eight days into an epic journey. He was running the length of Great Britain, completely barefoot, covering 30 miles a day for 30 days. His aim? To show what human beings are biologically capable of, as well as to raise environmental awareness and funds. Even though the conversation was recorded back in 2019, it has as much relevance today as it did back then.

You might remember Tony from episode 71, What Makes Us Human. He’s also known as the natural lifestylist and one of his aims is to help people move back towards a more natural lifestyle by inspiring them to make small changes that can make a big difference.

Unfortunately, when we meet up to record this episode, in front of a small live audience at the Wild and Wild café in Congleton, acute injury meant that Tony was two days into an enforced break from his run. So, in this conversation, we talk about how he coped with that setback.

We also talk about the incredible power of being vulnerable, the idea of progress, not perfection, and Tony’s philosophy that everything in life is a process. He shares some simple – and free – tools that can help all of us cope with adversity: human contact (hugs from your loved ones), breathwork, meditation, mobility and cold-water therapy.

I ask Tony to take us through a simple breathing exercise, in real time (so you can join in, too). And we chat about the physiology of stress and how and when breathwork can help us.

In keeping with the theme of his run, we finish our chat on the topic of sustainability – the equal importance of individual and system change to protect our environment.

Tony is a really inspiring man who challenges the modern norms in society that are not in keeping with our evolution and biology. I hope you enjoy this conversation.

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Show notes available at https://drchatterjee.com/238

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DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

#237 BITESIZE | The Secret to Long-Term Happiness and Fulfilment | Matthew McConaughey

11 februari 2022 | 15 min

Why This Cardiologist Recommends Fasting with Dr Pradip Jamnadas #236

9 februari 2022 | 119 min

TRIGGER WARNING: This podcast discusses fasting and its advice may not be suitable for anyone with an eating disorder. If you have an existing health condition or are taking medication, always consult your healthcare practitioner before going for prolonged periods without eating.

You probably wouldn’t expect a cardiologist to tell you that not eating is the key to better heart health. But today’s guest is a passionate believer in finding new solutions to old diseases – and in finding those solutions within ourselves.

Dr Pradip Jamnadas is a Florida-based consultant cardiologist and a clinical assistant professor with more than 30 years’ experience and a keen interest in preventative health. He has performed thousands of interventional procedures during his career and his educational videos on fasting and heart health have been viewed by hundreds of thousands on his YouTube channel.

From weight loss to reversing diabetes, lowering blood pressure and cholesterol to increasing longevity, Dr Jamnadas outlines the evidence-based, dramatic changes that fasting can bring. He talks us through the restorative processes that take place in the body when we take longer breaks from food and details the discoveries he made about fasting and its effect on insulin, metabolic health, obesity and heart health – along with the astounding difference it’s made to his patients’ lives. But it's not just physical benefits. Dr Jamnadas explains the ripple effect that changing your beliefs and habits around food can have on your mental well-being and the rest of your life.

Dr Jamnadas also shares the very gradual and specific protocol he takes patients through, to build up their fasting in a way that’s sustainable. We discuss whether fasting is more beneficial for men than women, we touch on food addiction and talk about eating disorders.

This is a fascinating episode and I think you will really enjoy it.

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Show notes available at https://drchatterjee.com/236

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DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified health care provider with any questions you have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

#235 BITESIZE | How to Create a Happier Life | Gretchen Rubin

4 februari 2022 | 15 min

#234 How To Eat To Beat Disease with Dr William Li

2 februari 2022 | 95 min

CAUTION: This episode contains references to skipping meals and may be triggering for those with eating disorders.

Today’s guest believes that the decisions we make every day about what we eat have a huge influence on our health. Dr William Li is a medical doctor and the author of the international bestseller, Eat to Beat Disease: The Body's Five Defense Systems and the Foods That Could Save Your Life. He works in a field of research called Food as Medicine and having been involved with the development of many different drugs over the past few decades, he is passionate about using scientific rigour to analyse the specific benefits of food.

We discuss the five health defence systems that exist within our bodies: angiogenesis (growing of new blood vessels), stem cell regeneration, the gut microbiome, DNA protection and the immune system. These systems maintain our health and help us heal when disease damages our body. Dr Li explains how specific foods can strengthen these natural defence systems.

We talk about cancer, how tumours grow, and where food can play a role in terms of prevention as well as part of the treatment. Dr Li shares the research about the amazing benefits of green tea for cancer prevention. We also talk about the impact that fasting has on various health systems within our body.

Dr. Li’s ground-breaking work is really changing the way we look at how food impacts our health and I think that by the end of this conversation, you will look at food through a different lens. And I'm pretty sure that it's going to inspire you to make a few changes next time you go to the supermarket - it certainly did for me. I hope you enjoy listening.

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Show notes available at https://drchatterjee.com/234

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DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

#233 BITESIZE | How to Silence Your Inner Critic for a Happier, Healthier Life | Dr Kristin Neff

28 januari 2022 | 13 min

#232 Why Disease Isn’t Inevitable with Dr Ayan Panja

26 januari 2022 | 79 min

CAUTION: Please be aware that this podcast contains reference to suicide.

Today I’m pleased to welcome back Dr Ayan Panja, who’s a close friend and now a regular podcast guest – as well as an accomplished podcaster himself. He’s a busy NHS GP, brilliant health communicator, and my partner in delivering our RCGP-accredited Prescribing Lifestyle Medicine course to fellow clinicians.

We start off the conversation talking about the current challenges that exist for NHS GPs. We talk about the desperate need for more mental health care, and how and why the pandemic has lowered resilience levels in all of us.

Ayan takes us through the Symptom Web which we developed as part of our Prescribing Lifestyle Medicine course, but it’s also a tool we could all start using. It’s about looking at the eight key lifestyle factors that influence health, to help us identify and then address potential issues.

We discuss the bias that exists in modern medicine towards treating acute illnesses, while chronic conditions that build with time go overlooked. But there is so much we can all do to take control of our health and reduce the likelihood of getting sick.

We also chat about the recent death of Ayan’s father and share our experiences of grief. We discuss how other people’s reactions can often be surprising, and what they can teach us about how best to help when someone is bereaved. Compassionate listening, we agree, is key – something that’s as important among friends as it is in the doctor-patient relationship.

Ayan also tells me about his own health podcast (called Saving Lives In Slow Motion, which I highly recommend) and the book he’s writing, to empower more people to understand their own health. It’s not published until 2023 but I know it’s going to be a must-read.

I really enjoyed chatting with one of my closest friends face-to-face while the mics were running – I hope you enjoyed listening.

Thanks to our sponsors:

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Show notes available at https://drchatterjee.com/232

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified health care provider with any questions you have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

#231 BITESIZE | The Benefits of Movement (and How to Get More) | Dr Daniel Lieberman

21 januari 2022 | 13 min

#230 Fearne Cotton on How To Find Your Happy Place

19 januari 2022 | 119 min

CAUTION: Contains swearing and themes of an adult nature.

It is my absolute pleasure to be able to share today’s conversation with you. I’m speaking with fellow podcaster and author Fearne Cotton, someone I count as a good friend and kindred spirit.

Fearne has been a talented and high-profile star on UK TV and radio since the age of 15. But these days she’s found her ‘happy place’ out of the public glare, living with intention and sharing her experiences with a like-minded audience. Fearne’s latest book, Bigger Than Us, is a beautiful exploration of spirituality, connection, and a judgement-free look at our ideas of wellness.

As this episode begins, Fearne shares her very recent heartbreak at losing a cherished companion of 20 years, her rescue cat Lula. We talk about her bereavement, the experience of grief and how it can open us up to spiritual thinking and finding meaning. Fearne is a big believer that self-compassion is the key to living an authentic life, although she freely admits this is something she struggles with. We discuss honouring the good and bad in our lives, and how letting go of the past and limiting beliefs doesn’t mean blocking them out – just refusing to carry them around with us.

What I love about Fearne’s approach is that she doesn’t claim to be an expert in self-help – she’s just super-keen to share what’s worked for her and might interest others. Perhaps the best example of this is Fearne’s Happy Place Festival, which brings people together for the sorts of communal experiences we agree can be life-changing.

I so enjoyed talking to Fearne. She’s honest, relatable and she helps so many people through her work. I’m honoured that she felt able to come on the podcast at what was a difficult time for her. But as you’ll hear, there’s much light and laughter in this conversation too. It’s a very special one – I think you’ll enjoy it.

Thanks to our sponsors:

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Show notes available at https://drchatterjee.com/230

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DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

#229 BITESIZE | The 4 Steps to Make Habits Stick | James Clear

14 januari 2022 | 18 min

#228 Johann Hari on How To Reclaim Your Attention

12 januari 2022 | 156 min

CAUTION: Contains swearing and themes of an adult nature.

Why have we lost our ability to focus? What are the causes? And, most importantly, how do we get it back?

Today’s guest and author of the brilliant new book, Stolen Focus: Why You Can’t Pay Attention, went on a three-year journey to uncover the reasons why our teenagers now focus on one task for only 65 seconds, and why office workers on average manage only three minutes. Johann Hari interviewed more than 200 leading experts in the world on attention, and learned that everything we think about this subject is wrong.

We think our inability to focus is a personal failing – a flaw in each one of us. It is not. Johann argues that this has been done to all of us by powerful external forces. Our focus has been stolen. He discovered there are twelve causes of our modern-day attention crisis, all of which have robbed some of our attention. In this conversation, Johann explains some of those key causes and importantly he shares the steps that we need to take, both individually but also collectively as a society, to get our attention back.

This is such an important topic. Our ability to focus and pay attention plays a crucial role in every aspect of our life: reaching our goals, maintaining close relationships, thinking deeply, as well as our ability to be kind, compassionate and empathetic. Our ability to pay attention is at the very heart of living a happy and meaningful life.

This is a thoroughly engaging conversation and Johann has a unique gift for storytelling. I think you will really enjoy listening.

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Show notes available at https://drchatterjee.com/227

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DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

#227 Dr Andrew Huberman: The One Daily Practice Everyone Should Do, Training Your Brain and Reducing Anxiety

7 januari 2022 | 116 min

CAUTION: Contains themes of an adult nature.

If I told you there was a simple, free habit you could take up to optimise your health in just five to 10 minutes a day, would you be up for trying it? If the answer’s yes, then you’re going to love today’s guest, a brilliant science communicator who reveals what the habit is – and shares ground-breaking insights from his research.

Dr. Andrew Huberman is a professor of neuroscience at Stanford University School of Medicine in the US and he has made numerous contributions to the fields of brain development, brain function and neuroplasticity. His lab’s most recent work focuses on the influence of vision and breathing on human performance and brain states such as fear and courage. His work has been published in top scientific journals including Nature, Science, and Cell and has been featured in global media outlets such as TIME magazine, BBC, and Scientific American.

We begin this conversation discussing why exposure to morning light is key to optimum human functioning. Our visual system is about more than just seeing. The light that enters our eyes, even in blind people, gives knowledge to the nervous system. Getting the right light, at the right time, sets the clock in all of your body’s cells, which in turn will affect many different functions in the body. It stimulates the cortisol you need for energy and focus. And it has positive effects on everything from sleep, energy and immunity to appetite, mood and so much more.

We also discuss what exactly is going on in the brain when we feel fearful and how something as simple as getting outside and looking at the horizon can completely change our physiology and powerfully inhibit anxiety.

Finally, we talk about the role that technology is having on our attention and Andrew shares a variety of simple exercises that we can all do to train our brains to improve our focus, health and performance.

Andrew is a special human being and someone who I have been wanting to speak to for a long, long time. I really enjoyed speaking to him - I hope you enjoy listening.

Thanks to our sponsors:

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Order Dr Chatterjee's new book Happy Mind, Happy Life: UK version and US & Canada version

Show notes available at https://drchatterjee.com/227

Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/3oAKmxi. For other podcast platforms go to https://fblm.supercast.com.

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

#226 The Healing Power of Community

15 december 2021 | 73 min

CAUTION: Contains swearing and themes of an adult nature.

This is the final podcast episode of the year - I have decided to take a short break from the podcast over Christmas to switch off and relax with my family and it's that sentiment that has influenced the topic of this final compilation episode.

This is the time of year where many of us take a pause, spend time with our loved ones and think of others. So, I thought this was the perfect time to celebrate the magic that happens when community comes together. This week, my team and I have put together some of the very best inspirational clips around this topic.

Humans are not designed to be alone. We’ve evolved to live our lives as individual members of a large supportive group. Back when the human brain was doing much of its evolution, we hunted together, we ate together and we sat around a campfire in the evenings and talked together, swapping stories, songs and smiles. We’re designed to survive and thrive by being connected to one another. This is why we feel joyful and safe when we‘re getting along well with the people we share our lives with. But our modern, busy, disconnected lives can do great damage to these connections and our health.

A rising number of us are suffering from loneliness and this is not only affecting our mental health, but also our physical health. In fact, high social stress is an even bigger risk factor for dying from chronic disease than physical inactivity, alcohol intake and smoking put together! The good news is though, there is plenty we can do to build new connections and nurture the important relationships in our lives.

Research has shown time and time again, that by giving to others and to our community, we can increase our own happiness, as well as the happiness of others. In today’s episode, you will hear some heart-warming stories and uplifting advice about the healing power of community from some of my former guests including: Gabor Mate, Johann Hari, Dan Buettner, Tommy Wood, Laurie Santos, Julian Abel, Pippa Grange, The Happy Pear, Kelly McGonigal and John McAvoy.

My team and I really enjoyed putting this episode together for you. I hope you enjoy listening, and I hope it inspires you to live a more contented and connected life.

This episode includes clips from:

Episode 37 Gabor Mate

Episode 94 Johann Hari

episode 67 Dan Buettner

Episode 167 Tommy Wood

Episode 138 Julian Abel

Episode 151 Laurie Santos

Episode 38 Happy Pear

Episode 126 Pippa Grange

Episode 109 Kelly McGonigal

Episode 91 John McAvoy

Thanks to our sponsors:

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Show notes available at https://drchatterjee.com/226

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

#225 INTRODUCING | Ask Me Anything | My Morning Routine

13 december 2021 | 21 min

#224 How To Live Your Best Life with Jake Humphrey

8 december 2021 | 114 min

CAUTION: This episode contains swearing and themes of an adult nature.

Are you looking for high performance in your life – whether that be your work life, your personal life or perhaps in a weekend hobby? Or, does the term high performance not really resonate with you? Well, irrespective of your answer, I think you are going to really enjoy today's conversation with my guest, Jake Humphrey.

Jake is one of the UK’s best known TV presenters, and he is currently the lead Premier League football presenter on BT sport, having previously spent over a decade at the BBC covering Formula One and before that children's television. Jake also hosts the High Performance podcast along with psychologist, Professor Damien Hughes. Together, they have conversations with a variety of different people that allow all of us to access the lessons and habits of high performance. They have recently brought all of that wisdom together into one place with the publication of their brand-new book, High Performance: Lessons from the best on becoming your best.

But what does high performance really mean? Is it something that we should be focusing on? Or, is the desire for high performance leading us to do too much in an endless quest for perfection? This is something that Jake and I talk about at length in this conversation.

Jake shares his own fascinating personal story about how he went from failing his A levels to becoming one of the UK’s most well-known TV presenters. We cover a wide range of topics including reframing failure, the importance of taking responsibility for every aspect of your life, and why mindset is the first thing that we should work on, even before we get to our behaviours. We also discuss how to build resilience and the importance of what Jake calls ‘world class habits’.

I thoroughly enjoyed my conversation with Jake - it was authentic, honest, and at times raw. I hope you enjoy listening.

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Show notes available at https://drchatterjee.com/224

Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/3oAKmxi. For other podcast platforms go to https://fblm.supercast.com.

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

#223 BITESIZE | How To Work Less and Get More Done | Alex Pang

3 december 2021 | 14 min

#222 Finding Balance In A Dopamine Overloaded World with Dr Anna Lembke

1 december 2021 | 101 min

CAUTION: Includes themes of an adult nature.

Do you think you have an addiction, or perhaps an unhealthy relationship with a certain behaviour? It may be a behaviour that you have tried to stop in the past that you keep returning back to despite your best intentions. Well, if you do (and I cannot imagine there are many people out there who don't), I think you will find today's conversation eye-opening. My guest is Dr. Anna Lembke, a professor of psychiatry at Stanford University School of Medicine, and author of the brilliant new book, Dopamine Nation: Finding Balance In the Age Of Indulgence, in which she explores the exciting new scientific discoveries that explain why our relentless pursuit of pleasure leads to pain.

In today's conversation, we explore the fact that we are living in a dopamine overloaded world where everything has been made more accessible, more abundant, and more potent. We're living in a time of unprecedented access to high-reward, high-dopamine stimuli: drugs, food, news, gambling, shopping, gaming, texting, sexting, Facebooking, Instagramming, YouTubing, tweeting...the list is endless. And the effect is that we are now living in a world that has turned many of us into addicts.

We delve into what exactly dopamine is, why we all need it, and how getting too much of it can actually lead to pain. Anna explains that pleasure and pain work like a balance in the brain. In fact, the same parts of the brain that process pleasure, also process pain. If we tip that balance too far in the pursuit of pleasure, the brain responds by overcompensating and pushing us in the direction of pain.

But it's not all doom and gloom, there is plenty that we can do to find the right balance and in our conversation, Anna shares some of her best practical advice that has been honed over years and years of treating patients.

We cover a wide range of topics, including why radical honesty is important for all of us, the lessons that we can learn from people who have been through recovery and the effect that isolation has on addiction. We also discuss how this problem of overconsumption can affect our kids at crucial stages in their development, and what we can do to protect them.

Anna is a world-leading expert in her field but what I love the most about her is her authenticity, compassionate manner and her passion to help as many people as she can. This was a really powerful conversation. I hope you enjoy listening.

Thanks to our sponsors:

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Show notes available at https://drchatterjee.com/222

Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/3oAKmxi. For other podcast platforms go to https://fblm.supercast.com.

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

#221 BITESIZE | How to Reduce Stress and Anxiety by Changing the Way You Breathe | Patrick McKeown

26 november 2021 | 12 min

Mel Robbins on How To Take Control of Your Life With One Simple Habit #220

24 november 2021 | 143 min

CAUTION: This podcast episode contains swearing.

Mel Robbins is one of the most sort after motivational speakers in the world. Her TED talk has been viewed almost 27 million times and she's also the best-selling author of several books, including her latest one, The High Five Habit: Take Control of Your Life With One Simple Habit.

In today's conversation, Mel explains that all of us know what we need to do for the best in any given situation but it’s acting on that knowledge that’s hard. It’s so easy to be impulsive or fall into old habits. And I think this is where Mel really comes into her own. Her approach is all about practical, real life advice that busy people with busy lives can easily implement. A prime example is something that Mel calls the five second rule. This is a rule that stops negative thinking in its tracks, and immediately breaks the feedback loop of procrastination and moves us into taking action. It changes a bias of thinking into a bias of action, giving you the confidence to try when you're full of doubt. In fact, it's so simple that my 11 year old son has already seen its benefits in his own life over the past few weeks.

We also talk about The High Five Habit (which is the title of Mel’s new book) - this is the idea that by simply giving yourself a high five in the mirror each morning, you can experience transformative effects in your life. This simple exercise is about recognizing yourself and asking yourself what the person looking back at you in the mirror really needs and by doing so, Mel explains that you are retraining your brains neural pathways and convincing your subconscious that you are someone who is worthy of celebration.

This really is a wide ranging and in-depth conversation. There is something quite unique about the connection that Mel has with her audience and the way she delivers her message. I think a lot of it comes down to her raw honesty, and the fact that all of her methods are borne out of her own lived experience. She's been there and she is very happy to share her struggles, her insecurities and her battles. I certainly got a lot out of this conversation and I think you will as well.

Show notes available at https://drchatterjee.com/220

Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/3oAKmxi. For other podcast platforms go to https://fblm.supercast.com.

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DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

#219 BITESIZE | How To Connect With Nature for Greater Health and Happiness | Tony Riddle

19 november 2021 | 14 min

How To Train Your Attention and Improve Your Life with Dr Amishi Jha #218

17 november 2021 | 116 min

Where is your attention right now? Hopefully it’s on these words – but if you’re getting distracted and are contemplating what you’ll have for dinner or running through your to-do list, please know that you are not alone. Today’s guest shares research which shows that most of us are missing up to 50% of our lives. But if you’d like to change that for the better, you’re in the right place.

Dr Amishi Jha is a neuroscientist, professor of psychology at the University of Miami and author of the brilliant new book Peak Mind: Find Your Focus, Own Your Attention, Invest 12 Minutes A Day, which looks at the science of attention. She wants to help us all harness the power of our attention to better meet life’s demands. And I know you’re going to find her advice useful whether it’s at work, at leisure or in your relationships.

Amishi describes the three different types of attention: the Flashlight, the Floodlight and the Juggler. She explains how they all work together to keep us not just focused but also safe, productive and agile. What’s most important, she explains, is developing the awareness to know what type of attention, or distraction, you’re experiencing at any one time.

We talk about factors which have a negative influence on our attention, namely stress, fear and lack of sleep. And how an inability to focus can not only be a consequence of poor mental health, but a cause as well. Often rumination, focusing too intently on our problems, can keep us in them. So how can we break free?

This episode is packed with practical advice on optimising attention for all-round wellbeing and performance. Amishi’s research has shown that, just as we might train our bodies in the gym, so too can we train our brains to direct our focus where we’ll most benefit. And the good news is, we can experience incredible benefits in as little as 12 minutes a day.

I really enjoyed this conversation and I hope you do too.

Show notes available at https://drchatterjee.com/218

Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/3oAKmxi. For other podcast platforms go to https://fblm.supercast.com.

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DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

#217 BITESIZE | How to Improve Your Mental Fitness | Natasha Devon

12 november 2021 | 13 min

The Secret To Pain-Free Running (and Walking!) with Helen Hall #216

10 november 2021 | 125 min

Human beings were born to run. No sooner have we learned to walk than we’re breaking into a run – it’s just another gear. So why do so many of us struggle with running as adults?

Today’s guest, Helen Hall, is the running coach I’ve been working with for the past 18 months and who trained me for my recent marathon. As founder of Perpetual Forward Motion Efficient Running Coaching her clients range from elite athletes to ordinary amateurs who want to run or walk pain-free, with greater efficiency and, most importantly, with greater enjoyment. It’s no exaggeration to say Helen has had a profound effect on my life. So I’m delighted to be able to share her wisdom with you in this conversation, which is relevant whether you’re an experienced runner, a novice, or even if running doesn’t appeal at all.

We begin our chat by looking at the core principles to Helen’s approach. Awareness is everything and she teaches clients to really notice what their body is doing. Where is your head sitting? How are you using your arms? It’s only when you’ve noticed that you can begin to change. And changing means becoming more efficient – learning the adjustments that help you to move with freedom. Movement, Helen points out, is a ‘job share’. We need to be able to recruit as much of our bodies as we can to do it well.

I can testify to this holistic approach. Working with Helen hasn’t just changed my running, it’s helped me to walk faster, breathe better and stand more comfortably. It’s made me aware of how past injuries and trauma can affect you for decades. I’ve even learned how the surgery I had for appendicitis as a child played a huge part in my experience running the London Marathon this autumn.

And, this conversation contains my first real deep dive into that recent marathon experience, which many of you have been asking about. It wasn’t the race I’d planned, but it turned out to be the race I needed. Helen helps me unpack why I found it so emotional and explains why my physical struggles were a sign of progress not limitation. I hope this conversation conveys just how valuable I think Helen’s approach is. Whether running is for you or not, I know it’ll get you thinking about how you’re sitting or standing right now, and noticing how you use your body for the rest of the day.

Find Helen's video series here https://www.helen-hall.co.uk/product/the-pfm-wujwum-series/

Show notes available at https://drchatterjee.com/216

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

#215 BITESIZE | Simple Daily Habits to Improve Your Brain Health | Dr Rahul Jandial

5 november 2021 | 11 min

Powerful Daily Habits to Reduce Stress and Anxiety #214

3 november 2021 | 68 min

This week’s episode is a special compilation episode all about stress: what it is, where it comes from, and what we can do to manage it better in our lives. Even before the events of the past 20 months, we were living in the middle of a stress epidemic. For many years now, the World Health Organization has been calling stress, the health epidemic of the 21st century. Many of us think that we can get away with burning the candle at both ends forever. But the reality is very, very different. Stress impacts every single organ of the body and chronic stress is at the root of many modern chronic diseases.

On my podcast, I have had the great pleasure of talking to some of the leading thinkers and scientists across the globe and this week my team and I have put together some of the very best bits from previous episodes to give you actionable tips that I hope help you live a happier, more fulfilling, and stress-free life.

This episode includes clips from:

Episode 41 – Dr Rangan Chatterjee and Dr Ayan Panja

Episode 28 - Rich Roll

Episode 183 - Greg McKeown

Episode 95 - Claudia Hammond

Episode 113 - Brian MacKenzie

Episode 124 - James Nestor

Episode 109 - Kelly McGonigal

Episode 2 - Michael Acton-Smith

Episode 80 - Dhru Purohit

Show notes available at https://drchatterjee.com/214

Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/3oAKmxi. For other podcast platforms go to https://fblm.supercast.com.

Follow me on https://www.instagram.com/drchatterjee

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

#213 BITESIZE | How To Fear Less | Dr Pippa Grange

28 oktober 2021 | 11 min

How To Eat To Beat Depression And Anxiety with Dr Drew Ramsey #212

26 oktober 2021 | 98 min

We know how vital what we eat is for our physical health. What’s less widely appreciated, despite a wealth of evidence, is just how important the right foods are for our brain and mental health. But my guest today is here to turn the science into easy steps we can all put into action.

Dr Drew Ramsay is a psychiatrist and a leader in the emerging field of nutritional psychiatry. He’s assistant clinical professor of psychiatry at Colombia University and founded The Brain Food Clinic in New York. Drew’s book, Eat To Beat Depression And Anxiety: Nourish Your Way To Better Mental Health In Six Weeks is a powerful prescription for optimising your mental health through diet. His clinic incorporates evidence-based nutrition and integrative psychiatry treatments with psychotherapy, coaching, and responsible medication management. He believes everyone working in the field of mental health should be talking about nutrition – and I couldn’t agree more.

Over his 20 years as a practising doctor, Drew became frustrated that the robust data confirming a relationship between food and mental health wasn’t making it through to doctors, let alone patients. With depression being the most disabling illness in the world, he’s made it his mission to bring the evidence on nutritional prevention and cure to the masses.

The trick, he says, is to find foods that do one of two things. They either feed your gut microbes and fight inflammation (linked to both depression and dementia) or they put your brain in ‘grow mode’. And which foods do these things? Drew reveals his ‘power players’ in our conversation, giving specifics on different nutrients and how they work in the body. He simplifies the research on foods that can treat depression – such as the famous SMILEs trial. And he provides a super-helpful, realistic guide to changes you can make right now (that don’t have to be expensive).

Mental well-being is such an important topic and Drew’s work is so valuable. This episode is a must-listen for anyone who wants to do the best by their brain.

Show notes available at https://drchatterjee.com/212

Follow me on https://www.instagram.com/drchatterjee

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

#211 INTRODUCING | Built to Thrive | An Amazon Original

21 oktober 2021 | 13 min

How To Rewrite Your Life Story with John McAvoy #210

19 oktober 2021 | 125 min

CAUTION: This episode contains themes of an adult nature.

Before he came to see me today, my guest John McAvoy took a walk around Strangeways prison. For a former inmate, that might sound an unlikely way to start the day. But for John, it’s the sort of thing he does on a regular basis, to remind himself where he’s come from.

This is John’s third appearance on the podcast, but for those new to his story, he was a teenager raised into a life of organised crime. By the age of 18 he was one of the UK’s most notorious armed robbers and was sentenced to two life sentences. John spent 10 years in maximum-security prisons but during that time he transformed his life, describing his release as a ‘rebirth’.

Today John’s not just a record-breaking, Nike-sponsored athlete, he’s a man on a mission to make amends and make sure no other child goes that same route into crime. Through initiatives like his Open Doors campaign, to give young people access to school sports facilities during holidays, he’s inspiring new generations to rewrite their stories.

But it’s not just youngsters John’s experience and wisdom speaks to. He’ll be too modest to agree with me, but I hear a spirituality and philosophy in his words that we can all benefit from. Our deep and honest discussion covers John’s move to the Alps to live a simple life, rejecting the wealth he could easily command. We talk about connection, forgiveness, the importance of not judging people – and we even ponder the meaning of life.

I’m struck by how people like John, who have achieved incredible self-transformation, are the perfect figureheads to help inspire and create positive change in society. He’s a master of storytelling who uses his own, unique experience to give us access to new perspectives. I really hope you enjoy this conversation.

Show notes available at https://drchatterjee.com/210

Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/3oAKmxi. For other podcast platforms go to https://fblm.supercast.com.

Follow me on https://www.instagram.com/drchatterjee

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

#209 BITESIZE | How to Create a Happy Life | Professor Paul Dolan

14 oktober 2021 | 15 min

Why We Age and Why We Don’t Have To, with Professor David Sinclair #208

12 oktober 2021 | 137 min

My guest today is a revolutionary thinker and ground-breaking scientist who’s on a mission to make you younger. And if that sounds promising, you’ll be pleased to know this podcast contains practical advice you can start to follow today.

He’s Australian biologist and Harvard professor David Sinclair, author of Lifespan: Why We Age – And Why We Don’t Have To. David is one of the world’s leading scientific authorities on longevity, ageing and how to slow its effects. His research interest is the epigenetics of ageing and how we can reprogramme our genes to stop and even reverse it. That’s right – reverse the ageing process. And when you listen to him explain the science, it’s not as crazy as it sounds.

The key to staying young, he explains, is inducing hormesis, a state of survival in our bodies, and you don’t need a lab to do it. Simple habits like skipping meals, eating more plants and less meat, certain types of exercise, and hot/cold therapies can create just enough adversity to switch on our bodies’ longevity genes.

David’s goal is not vanity. It’s not to make us young for the sake of it. Instead, he’s shining a spotlight on ageing as the root cause of all the major chronic diseases that ultimately kill us. Heart disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes, dementia – his research suggests they could all be eliminated if we looked at the common cause, instead of treating the end symptoms.

Of course, this would result in a population who spent significantly more time on earth, so we discuss the ethical questions this raises in the light of our climate and economic crises. Would ageing really be better described as a disease than a natural, inevitable process? This conversation contains so many thinking points and lots of practical tips that we can all start to apply immediately. Would you want to live to 150, if you could do so in full health?

CAUTION: If you have type-2 diabetes or are on any blood sugar lowering medications, talk to a healthcare professional before you go for prolonged periods without eating.

Show notes available at https://drchatterjee.com/208

Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/3oAKmxi. For other podcast platforms go to https://fblm.supercast.com.

Follow me on https://www.instagram.com/drchatterjee

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

#207 BITESIZE | Discover Your True Self for Peace and Purpose | Kilian Jornet

7 oktober 2021 | 12 min

How To Optimize Your Immune System & Fight Viruses with Dr Roger Seheult #206

5 oktober 2021 | 124 min

This week’s episode is all about the immune system and my guest is Dr Roger Seheult. He is a California based medical doctor, who practises as a critical care doctor also specialising in pulmonology and sleep.

Although you might expect an intensive care doctor to be concerned only with emergency medicine and quick fixes, Dr Seheult is really passionate about prevention. And when it comes to understanding inflammation and immunity, I can’t think of a better person to explain the science. Whether you’re worried about coronavirus, you want to avoid other winter bugs, or your goal is fending off chronic disease, I think you will find this conversation really useful.

We begin by discussing the link between inflammation and immunity. We speak in depth about the link between low vitamin D levels and coronavirus, how it might be used as both preventive and treatment, and exactly how much we should all be taking. Vitamin D is produced on exposure to sunlight, which leads us to talk about the importance of light – and dark – at the right times, for our circadian rhythms. This of course impacts on sleep and what Roger has to say about its vital role in immunity might just persuade any night owls out there to turn in early tonight.

From hot and cold therapies to nutritional supplements, food to forest bathing, stress-relief to spirituality, there’s so much useful stuff here. I hope you enjoy this conversation and can use it as a toolkit for feeling your best as we head into the colder months.

Show notes available at https://drchatterjee.com/206

Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/3oAKmxi. For other podcast platforms go to https://fblm.supercast.com.

Follow me on https://www.instagram.com/drchatterjee

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

#205 BITESIZE | The Secret to Solving the Stress Cycle | Drs Emily and Amelia Nagoski

30 september 2021 | 14 min

Why Running A Marathon Will Change Your Life with Hugh Brasher #204

28 september 2021 | 115 min

This Sunday 3rd October, I’ll be one of 40,000 people taking to the streets to run the Virgin Money London Marathon. So, in preparation for what I’m told will be a life-changing day, I spoke to its Event Director, Hugh Brasher. But this episode is more than a conversation about running. It’s about the magic that happens when hundreds of thousands of people come together and revel in what’s possible.

We begin by talking about its history, the famous atmosphere, crowd support and many other factors that make the London Marathon experience unique. We also talk about the vision behind the London Marathon, its inspirational aims and objectives that are still based around those drawn up by Hugh’s father, who co-founded the race 40 years ago. And they have more to do with social unity than sporting prowess.

If it’s running tips you’re after, there are plenty of them here. But we also discuss the importance of personal goals – how there’s more to marathon success than a certain finishing time. We talk about making mass-participation events more diverse, supporting the ‘back of the pack’ runners but also how we can use physical activity as a tool for life transformation.

Whether you run, walk, spectate, volunteer, or watch it on TV, I hope this conversation might inspire you to get involved one day with the London Marathon. Or perhaps you’ll seek out an event more local to you. The point, which Hugh makes so beautifully here, is that the sport is almost secondary. This event is about community, commitment, coming together and celebrating the human spirit. I’ll see you on the start line.

Show notes available at https://drchatterjee.com/204

Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/3oAKmxi. For other podcast platforms go to https://fblm.supercast.com.

Follow me on https://www.instagram.com/drchatterjee

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

#203 BITESIZE | The Simple Habit That Can Transform Your Life | Danny Penman

23 september 2021 | 12 min

How to Defy the Odds and Become Your Own Champion with Olympic Boxer Ramla Ali #202

21 september 2021 | 108 min

Caution: Contains themes of an adult nature.

The term ‘inspirational’ can be overused when it comes to describing public figures. But in the case of today’s guest, it couldn’t be more fitting. Ramla Ali is a professional sportswoman who became the first-ever boxer to compete for Somalia in the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. Her incredible story is told in her new book Not Without A Fight: Ten Steps To Becoming Your Own Champion, and I’m honoured to hear it from her first hand.

Ramla is a former refugee whose family fled from Somalia to Kenya after the civil war. After settling in the UK, she describes a pivotal moment in her teenage years when she was attacked by a group of boys for wearing a hijab. This, together with advice from her GP that she was obese, proved an incentive for Ramla to begin boxing. But it was a secret she kept hidden from her traditional, religious family.

We talk about the range of feelings these events gave rise to, sharing our thoughts on the immigrant experience, and on being the subject of parental disapproval as well as pride. And we discuss Ramla’s journey to the Olympics and how much the African experience differs to that of Western athletes. Until she found sponsorship, modelling helped to pay Ramla’s way in sport. Yet she talks with touching honesty about struggles with confidence, self-esteem and finding her identity as a Somali woman in the public eye.

Today, Ramla’s confidence comes from the knowledge she has achieved all this against the odds – and that her fight helps women and girls of all backgrounds, races and religions to be seen. She’s giving back not just through this platform and as a Unicef Ambassador, but through her Sisters Club, a free boxing club that provides a safe space for women in London to access the sport. Ramla is a true role model and living proof that we can all be our own champions. I really think you are going to enjoy listening.

Show notes available at https://drchatterjee.com/202

Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/3oAKmxi. For other podcast platforms go to https://fblm.supercast.com.

Follow me on https://www.instagram.com/drchatterjee

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

#201 BITESIZE | How to Live a Long, Healthy and Happy Life | Dan Buettner

16 september 2021 | 15 min

Dr Andrew Weil on How To Reduce Inflammation and Create Health #200

14 september 2021 | 112 min

I’m kicking off this season of the podcast with a very special guest. Dr Andrew Weil is a pioneer in the field of integrative health and is the founder and Director of the University of Arizona’s Center for Integrative Medicine – where he’s also Clinical Professor of Medicine and Professor of Public Health. He’s achieved global recognition as an expert on medicinal plants and alternative medicine and is blazing a trail for medical education reform in the US and around the world. Andrew has been out there for more than 50 years promoting a healing-oriented approach to healthcare, bringing together mind, body and spirit.

Andrew describes integrative medicine as the “Intelligent combination of conventional medicine with natural and preventative strategies and selective use of alternative medicine.” It puts an emphasis on lifestyle medicine, mind-body interactions and the patient-practitioner relationship.

We discuss this relationship and the lost art of listening. We talk about the shortcomings of modern, Western medicine – how being a doctor today can mean simply giving out drugs to mask symptoms (which can ultimately prolong and even worsen them). It’s this frustration at being unable to truly help that drives most medics to study Andrew’s revolutionary course.

We delve into the topic of chronic inflammation – now a widely accepted cause of many serious health conditions, thanks in no small part to Andrew’s instincts and research. He shares some practical suggestion from his own anti-inflammatory eating plan, as well as the importance of mitigating stress. Breathwork, he says, is the game-changer here. Stress is a clear example of the mind-body connection at work, yet it remains a link modern medicine fails to address. We talk about how terms like psychosomatic or ‘all in your head’ have negative connotations, when the placebo effect is in fact proof of our mind’s healing power. When it comes to research and treatments, it’s a result scientists should be ruling in, not out.

This is a whistle-stop tour of wellbeing, from the healing potential of psychedelics and the benefits of matcha tea, to the future of national healthcare systems, the value of sacred rituals, and some good news about dark chocolate. So much of my approach to health is aligned with Dr Weil’s and it was a joy to discuss our common ground and goals. This is a positive and practical conversation that I hope will inspire you.

Show notes available at https://drchatterjee.com/200

Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/3oAKmxi. For other podcast platforms go to https://fblm.supercast.com.

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

How To Design Your Perfect Life with Peter Crone #199

13 juli 2021 | 101 min

CAUTION: This podcast episode contains mild swearing.

Today’s guest believes that the only thing separating you from living your perfect life, is the dialogue that exists within your subconscious mind. This philosophy is very much in alignment with my own and so I was delighted to welcome Peter Crone, a.k.a ‘the mind architect’ back onto the podcast for the third time. Peter is a writer, speaker and thought leader in human potential and has worked with world-famous actors, athletes and the business elite yet the lessons he teaches are universal truths that apply to each and every one of us.

We begin the conversation discussing how the biggest illusion that humans have is believing that their experience is generated from circumstance – that they only feel the way they feel because of what is going on around them. This makes us a victim of circumstance. Peter explains that in fact, the suffering we feel is caused and created by ourselves and we have the power to choose how we respond to any situation. This he says, is true freedom.

This way of thinking applies to all areas of our life, including our relationships. Our primal desire to be loved and accepted often means that we put the onus on the people around us to provide security and our sense of worth. We expect others to behave a certain way towards us and when they don’t, we feel hurt and sometimes rejected. Peter explains what is really going on in these situations and what we can do to start changing them.

We also talk about how holding onto a sense of identity can be problematic, the role emotions play in disease and how parents can help their children reduce the likelihood of developing negative thought patterns.

If you heard my last conversations with Peter, you’ll know how life-changing this way of thinking can be. This conversation has even more anecdotes and I think it will leave you with lots of ideas to reflect on in your own life.

Show notes available at https://drchatterjee.com/199

Follow me on https://www.instagram.com/drchatterjee

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

BONUS | Gareth Southgate: Anything is Possible

9 juli 2021 | 99 min

RE-RELEASE: This episode first aired in December 2020.

Today’s guest joins me fresh from a run of autumn camps with the England football team. He’s their manager, Gareth Southgate OBE, and I speak to him about his new book, Anything Is Possible. It’s not really a football memoir, but more a guide to life and there are brilliant lessons for all of us in there – non-football fans included!

Gareth had an illustrious career as a professional football player in the 1990s and as England manager, took the England team to the semi-finals of the 2018 FIFA World Cup for the first time in 28 years. We discuss how Gareth achieved this by employing psychologists (such as my former guest Pippa Grange), modelling emotional intelligence and communicating with each player as an individual. He promotes a mindset of positive drivers not negative drivers: focusing on what players might achieve, rather than what might go wrong. Most importantly, he reinstated a sense of fun. I love his humble, warm, inclusive approach. Under his watch, footballers have started to look more like role models again.

Gareth explains how he used to be a shy teenage player and with his book, he aims to help youngsters get over self-limiting beliefs, nerves and anxieties and learn to be brave – and he shares some great dressing-room stories with me as examples. It may be written for children and young people, with Gareth’s role as ambassador for The Prince’s Trust in mind, but it contains universal wisdom for all ages.

I had so much to ask him, and we managed to cover topics from how players cope without a crowd, to how he breaks the news when someone’s not made the team and the real meaning of bravery. We talk about the pressures on players from social media but also how it can be a force for good, helping Raheem Stirling and Marcus Rashford change attitudes and lives through their respective campaigns against racism and childhood hunger.

I can’t emphasize enough that you don’t need to be into football to appreciate this conversation. It’s about having confidence, working hard, taking responsibility and being authentic. It was such an honour to speak with Gareth and he’s certainly reignited my love of the beautiful game. I can’t help but agree with him that when we come together in a positive way over sport, it has the potential to change the world. I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did.

Show notes available at https://drchatterjee.com/140

Follow me on https://www.instagram.com/drchatterjee

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

#198 BITESIZE | Why We Need Friends to Thrive | Dhru Purohit

8 juli 2021 | 17 min

How To Transform Your Health Through Your Breath with James Nestor #197

6 juli 2021 | 147 min

CAUTION: This episode contains mild swearing.

I’m delighted to welcome James Nestor, the brilliant science journalist and author of Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art back to the podcast. James and I first spoke last September on episode 124. It was such a popular episode – in fact the YouTube version is my most-watched show! And I knew there was so much more I wanted to talk about with this inspiring guest, who’s such a wealth of knowledge on the untapped potential of breathwork.

Since its publication last spring, James’s book has become an international bestseller, translated into 30 languages. Much of its appeal, I believe, comes from the author’s easy-to-read yet rigorous, objective approach. James isn’t trying to convince us that any one technique is better than another, or to push his opinion. He writes as an enquiring journalist, looking for the science to support effects that have been celebrated for thousands of years.

It doesn’t matter if you missed last year’s conversation or you’re new to the concept of breathwork, as this episode is a handy recap. We cover all the basics of nasal breathing, the science of carbon dioxide tolerance, and the benefits of harnessing our breath for conditions ranging from asthma to anxiety, emphysema to scoliosis. And if you did catch our previous chat? Rest assured we go way deeper in this one! We delve into some of the super-breathing techniques like Tummo breathing (as popularised by Wim Hof), Holotropic Breathwork and Sudarshan Kriya. James shares his own experience of each, as well as the evidence behind them.

Not only has James spent years researching and collating his work, he’s been talking about his findings non-stop to a fascinated audience for the past year. And yet his enthusiasm shows no sign of waning. That, he says, is because he has first-hand knowledge of how life-changing breathwork can be. It’s free, it’s easy, it doesn’t require much of your time, and the results can be instantaneous. I think you’ll be motivated and inspired to try some of the tips that James shares as you listen. So why is it that we have come so far from what should come naturally to us? Answers to all this, and more, in today’s episode. I hope you enjoy listening.

Show notes available at https://drchatterjee.com/197

Follow me on https://www.instagram.com/drchatterjee

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

#196 BITESIZE | Why We Were Born to Run | Vassos Alexander

1 juli 2021 | 15 min

How To Find Inspiration Everywhere You Look with Light Watkins #195

29 juni 2021 | 100 min

CAUTION: This episode contains mild swearing.

My guest today is internationally acclaimed meditation teacher, speaker and author, Light Watkins. I first spoke to him back on episode 23 of the podcast, when I know he inspired many of you to start a practice of meditation by breaking down common misconceptions and stripping away some of the rules and rigidity around meditation. So we begin this episode by talking about how our own approaches to meditation have evolved. We discuss the importance of consistency and how meditation is a catalyst for change even when you’re not meditating.

Light explains how he committed to sending out a Daily Dose of Inspiration – a positive story, anecdote, or learning - to his email list back in 2016. Now, some of these emails have come together in Light’s latest book, Knowing Where To Look: 108 Daily Doses Of Inspiration. We talk about how he managed this huge undertaking – by approaching writing in the same way he meditates: consistently. The process quickly showed him that it’s possible to find inspiration everywhere you look. It trained him to look at life through a different lens and find life’s silver linings. In this conversation, Light shares how we can all find the inspiration that is all around us by training ourselves to look for it.

We talk about how you can learn to trust your inner guide by starting small - Light calls it his ‘divine GPS’, a power greater than himself that’s showing him the way to go. Whether you believe in a higher power or not, just being open to the idea that there’s a different way to view every situation is a powerful skill to cultivate. Think, ‘Why is this happening for me’ not ‘Why is it happening to me’, he advises.

This conversation is full of inspiring anecdotes and advice that I hope will give you a new perspective.

Show notes available at https://drchatterjee.com/195

Follow me on https://www.instagram.com/drchatterjee

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

#194 BITESIZE | Why Sleep Matters (and How to Get More) | Matthew Walker

24 juni 2021 | 15 min

How Admitting Powerlessness Can Change Your Life with Benjamin Francis Leftwich #193

22 juni 2021 | 116 min

CAUTION: Contains themes of an adult nature.

I believe that we can all learn something about ourselves from every single person we interact with and that it is through hearing other people’s stories that we can learn the most. Today’s guest has a really powerful story to share – he is the singer-songwriter, Benjamin Francis Leftwich. I’ve been a huge fan of his work since his 2011 debut album and I think his music connects with people in an incredible way. Ben’s fourth studio album, To Carry a Whale, has just been released – the first that he has recorded in sobriety.

Ben and I begin by talking about the disconnect between success and happiness. At the peak of his early fame a decade ago, he confesses that contentment still eluded him. He had success, fame, opportunities, riches – Ben acknowledges all his privileges. But he could not shake feeling uncomfortable in his own skin, like there was a hole in his heart that he could not fill.

In Benjamin’s case, it was drink and drugs he tried to fill the hole with. But as we discuss, addiction comes in many guises. I think to some degree we’re all seeking to fill that hole in our souls, to ‘fix’ whatever we feel is wrong or missing in our lives. We can all feel an emptiness at times. And whether it’s alcohol, sugar, caffeine, gambling, sex, shopping or something else we choose to fill it with, few of us are strangers to that feeling.

That’s not to diminish what, for Ben, has clearly been a long and traumatic journey. It’s a privilege to hear him share so honestly about his experience – and what he’s learned in recovery over the past three years.

There’s so much in what Ben does in recovery, one day at a time, that I feel could be helpful to each and every one of us. For example, we discuss the difference between saying sorry and really making amends – how the latter means being accountable, asking for forgiveness, while not trying to manipulate the other person’s response. And we talk about the importance of connection and community. How the regular meetings Benjamin and other recovering addicts attend have adapted online during the pandemic and retained their power.

We cover so much in this conversation – including, of course, plenty about the music. We talk spirituality, the inherent goodness in people and his goal of progress not perfection. I’m struck by Ben’s gratitude and energy and grateful for his authentic and touching words. This is a powerful conversation and I really think you are going to enjoy listening.

If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction and would like help, here are some sites that you/they may find helpful:

Alcoholics Anonymous (UK) https://www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk/

Alcoholics Anonymous (US & Canada) https://aa.org/

Alcoholics Anonymous (Australia) https://aa.org.au/

Narcotics Anonymous (UK) https://ukna.org/

Narcotics Anonymous (Worldwide) https://na.org/

Help Me Stop (UK) https://www.na.org/meetingsearch/

Help For Families (UK) https://adfam.org.uk/help-for-families/useful-organisations

Show notes available at https://drchatterjee.com/193

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