Best Two Alpha Gals Podcasts (2025)

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Training GPs to diagnose and treat ADHD 13:33

Play Pause

3d ago13:33

13:33

GPs in NSW will soon be able to undertake further training to diagnose and treat kids and adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Western Australia and Queensland have already implemented similar reforms to address the barriers to seeing a paediatrician or a psychiatrist. Also, fears the collapse of Australia's second-largest p…

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Your cognitive skills at age two might predict your ability in adulthood 8:42

3d ago8:42

8:42

We’ve known for some time that the first few years of childhood are critical when it comes to development. But a new study has highlighted just how critical the early years are for cognitive ability. It found cognitive ability at age 29 can be predicted by the genetic and environmental influences on you at age two, and even more so at age seven. Gu…

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An update on osteoporosis care 9:55

3d ago9:55

9:55

Many people don’t find out they have osteoporosis until they suffer a fracture from a small fall. However of those aged 50 years and over, 66 per cent do have osteopenia or osteoporosis, where bones become less dense and more fragile. An updated guideline has been published, including new information about drugs used to treat the condition. Guest/s…

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Scanxiety: Could scans in cancer remission do more harm than good? 5:44

3d ago5:44

5:44

People who are in remission from cancer have regular scans and tests as part of surveillance. It’s a period of huge anxiety for many – but is surveillance overdone and does it make a difference to how well you fare? Guest/s Professor Katy Bell, clinical epidemiologist in the University of Sydney’s School of Public Health References Routine Surveill…

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Mailbag: More complexity in prostate cancer testing 4:44

3d ago4:44

4:44

A look at some of the Health Report correspondence this week. You can email us at [email protected] Australian Broadcasting Corporation

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Cinnamon Bacon, Bear Battles, and Beefed-Up Prices 54:44

3d ago54:44

54:44

This week on the Meatgistics Podcast, we're talking cinnamon toast bacon, getting way too close to bears with bows, and breaking down the jaw-dropping prices at your local grocery store. We’ll also dive into the most expensive food items in the world and ask: is any cut of meat really worth that price tag? Pack your appetite and your bear spray—thi…

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Donanemab approved to treat Alzheimer's disease 8:26

10d ago8:26

8:26

The TGA has approved a drug — donanemab — to treat Alzheimer's disease in its early stages. The drug has a small effect in slowing cognitive decline, however it isn't a cure and can have significant side effects. Also, the World Health Assembly adopts historic Pandemic Agreement with zero objections.…

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Real Norman vs deepfake Norman 3:24

10d ago3:24

3:24

For months, the Health Report has been getting emails about ads where 'Norman' was promoting unproven supplements. Scammers have been using Norman's voice and face to create AI videos to sell hundreds of dollars worth of supplements to trusting listeners. References The growing impact of deepfake health scams | 7.30 Deepfake videos of Norman Swan a…

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Why wasn't Joe Biden's aggressive prostate cancer detected? 6:39

10d ago6:39

6:39

Former US President Joe Biden has been diagnosed with an ‘aggressive’ form of prostate cancer. It follows the diagnosis of one of our own prominent politicians, Barnaby Joyce. There’s been a lot of changes lately in the guidelines for detecting and treating prostate cancer, but gaps remain. Guest/s Associate Professor Jeremy Grummet, director of ur…

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There's been a big CRISPR breakthrough. What does the future hold? 12:23

10d ago12:23

12:23

In a world first, a baby has been treated with a personalised gene-editing technique. KJ’s parents were given the choice of a liver transplant or a CRISPR therapy that nobody had ever received. The journey isn’t over, but KJ has improved. So what’s on the horizon for CRISPR therapies – will we continue to see personalised applications? Guest/s Prof…

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How much does sleep duration really matter? 7:14

10d ago7:14

7:14

The amount of sleep people get varies across cultures, but does that mean their health differs too? Researchers looked at countries with shorter average sleep durations to find out whether they suffered negative health outcomes – but they didn’t. Instead, people who stuck closer to their cultural norms around sleep – independent of sleep duration –…

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Mailbag: Getting enough iron 3:44

10d ago3:44

3:44

A look at some of the Health Report correspondence this week. You can email us at [email protected] Australian Broadcasting Corporation

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Public Lands, Flying 2x4s, and Bear-Proof Battlesuits 46:47

10d ago46:47

46:47

This week on the Meatgistics podcast, Jon and Austin dive into a wild mix of headlines and personal misadventures. They discuss the new BHA bill that could impact the future of public lands and access for hunters and outdoorsmen. Things get bizarre with the story of a Wisconsin cow that was impaled by a 2x4, and Jon shares his own streak of bad luc…

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Open Arms: A Conversation with Eleanor Garrow-Holding, President and CEO of FAACT 48:32

10d ago48:32

48:32

Meet Eleanor, a mom on a mission. When her son was diagnosed with severe food allergies in 2004, Eleanor was launched into a whirlwind of support and advocacy for the food allergy community, eventually leading her to found and lead the Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Connection Team (FAACT). Alongside the FAACT leadership team, she provides the educat…

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OCD genes uncovered — what does it change? 12:10

17d ago12:10

12:10

Australian researchers say they've identified about 250 genes linked to OCD, including 25 they believe to be causal. We take a look at how this study was conducted, and whether it means anything in the short-term for sufferers. Also, two new papers published in time for a major obesity conference. But can we trust the results?…

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The mystery surrounding irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) 9:47

17d ago9:47

9:47

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) might affect up to 30 per cent of Australians. But it’s unlikely IBS is one condition with a single cause. In some cases the strong gut-brain connection might be the culprit. One researcher has been on a mission to find out more about what causes IBS, and what can be done about it. Guest/s Distinguished Laureate Profe…

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What a tick, a meat allergy and heart disease have in common 8:22

17d ago8:22

8:22

Imagine waking up one day and being allergic to meat. That’s a reality for some people who are unlucky enough to get bitten by a particular tick. Alpha-gal syndrome, otherwise known as a mammalian meat allergy, is not well known. However as research advances, a tricky connection between this allergy and heart disease is starting to emerge. Guest/s …

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Taking iron deficiency seriously 7:34

17d ago7:34

7:34

Iron deficiency can cause fatigue, dizziness, headaches and difficulty concentrating. But despite these worrying symptoms, it’s common for young menstruating women to be iron deficient. There are treatments available to fill back up iron stores, however they can be expensive and therefore inaccessible to those who need them most. Guest/s Professor …

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Mailbag: So ... which arm?! 2:34

17d ago2:34

2:34

A look at some of the Health Report correspondence this week. You can email us at [email protected] Australian Broadcasting Corporation

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Lights, Bacon, and the Chicken That Changed America 56:12

17d ago56:12

56:12

We upgraded the lights, broke in a new couch, cooked up pancakes and bacon — and somehow ended up deep in the origins of the broiler chicken industry. From breakfast banter to big agriculture, this episode covers everything from the cozy to the curious. Pull up a seat, grab a fork, and get ready for a conversation that’s equal parts syrupy, savory,…

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Exploring wildHERness: An Interview with Jess Rice 1:02:29

24d ago1:02:29

1:02:29

In this episode of the Meatgistics podcast, hosts Jon and Ali sit down with Jess Rice, the innovative creator of wildHERness. Jess shares her inspiring journey and the mission behind wildHERness, a platform dedicated to connecting people with nature and promoting sustainable outdoor adventures. Tune in to hear about her passion for wildlife conserv…

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A deep dive on Labor's health promises 11:38

24d ago11:38

11:38

With Labor winning another term — and a larger majority — their health promises have gone from election pledges to government mandate. They've promised big boosts to Medicare and to cut costs for certain treatments and medications. But not everyone is happy with what has been promised — because of what wasn't given a spotlight during the campaign.…

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The difficulty of deprescribing antidepressants 9:32

24d ago9:32

9:32

About one in seven Australians take an antidepressant, and many people are taking them long-term. However there isn’t much evidence for the effectiveness of antidepressants long-term. But getting off these drugs can be tough, because withdrawal symptoms can be severe and can mimic a relapse. Guest/s Professor Katharine Wallis, lead of the RELEASE (…

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New national guidelines for miscarriage 11:29

24d ago11:29

11:29

Early pregnancy loss, including miscarriage, is widespread. Up to one in five women will have a miscarriage before 20 weeks. The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists has put out clinical guidelines for the treatment of miscarriage. Advocates are hoping to improves care for women, and draws attention to an imp…

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What women should know about sleep apnea 8:05

24d ago8:05

8:05

Sleep apnea is a condition that affects your breathing when you sleep, and can have serious consequences. There are some hallmark symptoms like snoring, but that’s not always how it presents – particularly in women. Sleep apnea is also linked to a host of metabolic conditions, like insulin resistance, diabetes and fatty liver disease. Guest/s Dr Pe…

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Mailbag: Knees and ALTs 2:49

24d ago2:49

2:49

A look at some of the Health Report correspondence this week. You can email us at [email protected] Australian Broadcasting Corporation

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Let’s be Brave Together: A Conversation with Robyn Lao, the Food Allergy Mom Behind the ADDE Act 33:02

24d ago33:02

33:02

Robyn Lao knows first hand how challenging it can be to eat at restaurants when living with food allergies. Since her nine-year-old daughter Addie was diagnosed with several life-threatening food allergies as an infant, the family has generally avoided eating out. So when the family recently ventured out to a local restaurant for a meal, they were …

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24/7 healthcare hotline to bolster triage 7:26

1M ago7:26

7:26

Services are already available intended to triage patients dealing with health complaints, to avoid clogging up emergency rooms. An expansion of Healthdirect is on the cards, but what impact would it have? Also, an ongoing outbreak of melioidosis in northern Australia linked to wet weather and floods.…

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Should we be paying more attention to this marker of liver function? 13:13

1M ago13:13

13:13

Liver disease is becoming more common, in particular fatty liver disease. It affects up to 1 in 3 Australian adults. A common test – ALT or alanine transaminase – is used as a measure of liver health. However there’s huge variation in what different labs considered concerning, meaning some people are being missed. Guest/s Professor Simone Strasser,…

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This could change the arm you get vaccinated 9:11

1M ago9:11

9:11

When going to get vaccinated, you're often asked which arm you'd prefer to be jabbed. Most people pick their least dominant arm so the pain from the injection site bothers them less. A new finding from a study on the immune system suggests that might give you a faster, and better, immune response. Guest/s Professor Tri Phan, the Garvan Institute of…

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Using metformin to treat knee osteoarthritis 7:20

1M ago7:20

7:20

It has been a struggle to find drugs that slow the progression of osteoarthritis, rather than just manage the symptoms. But a common drug used to treat type 2 diabetes, metformin, is showing promise, not just in pain reduction but in improving knee cartilage. Guest/s Professor Flavia Cicuttini, Head of Rheumatology at Alfred Hospital and Musculoske…

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Mailbag: AI diagnoses 2:05

1M ago2:05

2:05

A look at some of the Health Report correspondence this week. You can email us at [email protected] Australian Broadcasting Corporation

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New Studio, Warehouse Shuffle, Dry Cure Taste Test 29:16

1M ago29:16

29:16

Join Austin and Jon as they share what’s new behind the scenes at Walton’s, from our slowly shifting warehouse and brand-new studio to taste-testing dry-cured sausages and surviving the chaos of ongoing renovations. Get industry insights, equipment updates, and plenty of unfiltered banter (usually at Jon’s expense — especially now that he’s stuck i…

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White House website pushes lab leak COVID theory 5:46

1M ago5:46

5:46

The Trump administration has published the 'true origins' of COVID-19 on a government website, pushing an unproven theory on how the pandemic started. That's despite there being no conclusive evidence that the coronavirus emerged from a lab in Wuhan — it is a theory, but it remains a theory. References White House website on COVID-19…

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How Australia's measles vaccine coverage compares to the US 7:16

1M ago7:16

7:16

To avoid measles outbreaks, it's recommended 95 per cent of the population is vaccinated against the highly infectious disease. But it can be difficult to reach and maintain such a high number, and since the COVID-19 pandemic rates have been falling. Guest/s Professor Peter McIntyre, former director of National Centre of Immunisation Research and S…

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Tracking the long-term effects of cancer treatment 8:27

1M ago8:27

8:27

As we get better at treating certain cancers, attention turns to survivorship and the ongoing support a person might need. In Hodgkin Lymphoma, over 80 per cent of patients are declared cured after treatment. But this doesn’t mean they’re out of the wood, because they’re at a higher risk of long-term side effects because of the toxicity of treatmen…

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How AI could predict your preferences at the end of life 14:31

1M ago14:31

14:31

Only about 14 per cent of older Australians have an Advance Care Directive, which outlines their wishes for the end of life. In most cases these decisions come down to a family member, or sometimes a doctor needs to make a quick call in the emergency room. Some experts are exploring whether artificial intelligence (AI) could be used to make those d…

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Mailbag: PSA testing 4:19

1M ago4:19

4:19

A look at some of the Health Report correspondence this week. You can email us at [email protected] Australian Broadcasting Corporation

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A Trusted Messenger: A Conversation with Sherrina Gibson about Bridging Research and Community 41:49

1M ago41:49

41:49

Driven by her own daughter’s diagnosis of 33 food allergies, Sherrina Gibson is passionate about food allergy inclusion. Founder and CEO of Carter Consulting, Sherrina brings a community-first, evidence-based approach to everything she does whether she's helping clinics tell their story through data or advancing food allergy awareness at the system…

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Why there's no prostate cancer screening program 12:14

1M ago12:14

12:14

Draft guidelines have been published to account for the changing world of prostate cancer screening. But a full screening program hasn't been established, because of flaws in the PSA test, and the risk of causing more harm than good. References Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia - draft guidelines…

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Why the US measles outbreak is so concerning 10:53

1M ago10:53

10:53

As the US deals with a worsening measles outbreak, we’re also grappling with a rise in cases here. While travellers have been put on alert, not all cases are from people returning from overseas. People are contracting measles here as well. There has been a decline in the number of children getting immunised against the virus since 2020. What’s behi…

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What is a 'mini stroke' and what are the long-term risks? 9:43

1M ago9:43

9:43

New research is revealing that what is sometimes known as a 'mini' or 'minor' stroke is not minor at all. A study has found after one of these attacks, your risk of a regular stroke and further harm is much higher. It highlights the need for more support for patients after they've had an attack, which could warn of more to come. Guest/s Professor S…

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Ruling out metabolic changes after COVID-19 vaccination 4:57

1M ago4:57

4:57

Contracting COVID-19 can cause metabolic abnormalities, which may contribute to things like insulin resistance and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. So a team of researchers wanted to find out whether vaccination against COVID-19 could have the same effect. They tracked a small group of people as they received up to four vaccinations, comparing th…

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Mailbag: Soft plaque and alpha-gal 5:42

1M ago5:42

5:42

A look at some of the Health Report correspondence this week. You can email us at [email protected] References: This under-tested type of blood fat could be driving heart diseaseBy Australian Broadcasting Corporation

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Farewell Studio: Bunny Tales, Top Podcast Honors, and Walton's New Home 54:07

2M ago54:07

54:07

In this special episode of the Meatgistics podcast, Jon and Austin bid farewell to their beloved studio as they prepare to move to a new location. Austin shares a bunny story that will warm your heart. The team celebrates being ranked among the top 3 processing podcasts in the United States, a testament to their hard work and dedication. They also …

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Doctors strike in NSW not just about pay 8:28

2M ago8:28

8:28

Thousands of doctors in New South Wales have gone on strike demanding better working conditions. They're demanding an end to long shifts which put patient safety at risk, and pay parity with other states. Also, the TGA updates its safety warnings for acne medication isotretinoin. However questions remain about how the changes can be implemented. Re…

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How diet can boost your mental health 11:18

2M ago11:18

11:18

Through the gut microbiome, we're learning about how important what we eat can be for our mood and mental health. But there are many ways our diet can affect our brain, and there are still connections yet to be uncovered. A study has looked into how changing the food on your plate can even help treat depression, alongside psychotherapy and sometime…

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Should you be worried about the metal in joint replacements? 10:23

2M ago10:23

10:23

Joint replacements are life-changing for many people who’ve been dealing with chronic pain and disability. However the materials used for these replacements are subject to wear and tear. More attention is being paid to the potential toxic effects of metal joint replacements when they start to break down. Also, Professor Smith talks about his decisi…

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Finding out your risk of heart attack (and what to do about it) 6:57

2M ago6:57

6:57

It’s not always simple to find out your risk of cardiovascular disease. Not everyone needs to – or should – undergo tests like coronary artery calcium scoring. How do you determine what your risk is, what tests might benefit you, and importantly, when it’s best to do nothing? Guest/s Professor David Peiris, chief scientist at the George Institute f…

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Mailbag: Vocal cords and shingles vaccination 3:14

2M ago3:14

3:14

A look at some of the Health Report correspondence this week. You can email us at [email protected] Australian Broadcasting Corporation