The EMJ Podcast: Insights For Healthcare Professionals

What causes kidney stones to form, and why are they becoming increasingly common? In Part 1, David S. Goldfarb explores the physiological mechanisms behind kidney stone disease, the evolving roles of diet, metabolism, and hydration, and the links between kidney stones and broader metabolic conditions, including metabolic syndrome and fatty liver disease. He also reflects on how advances in research have transformed our understanding of risk factors, genetics, and disease prevention.

In this quickfire episode, David S. Goldfarb answers key questions about kidney stone disease, from common misconceptions and risk factors to the roles of genetics, lifestyle, hydration, and prevention. He also discusses changing prevalence trends, and the steps clinicians and patients can take to reduce the burden of this increasingly common condition.

In the final episode, Salvatore Brugaletta explores the future of percutaneous coronary intervention, including AI-assisted decision-making, personalised device selection, and next-generation coronary therapies. Discover how innovation could further improve outcomes for patients with coronary artery disease.  Timestamps:  0:50 – 10 years from now  2:17 – AI  3:47 – Personalised medicine  5:34 – Breakthroughs   7:02 – Salvatore's vision

In Part 2, Salvatore Brugaletta discusses the rise, challenges, and future potential of bioresorbable vascular scaffolds. Learn how advances in material science are improving device performance, which patients may benefit most, and what emerging technologies could redefine coronary intervention.  Timestamps:  0:52 – Bioresorbable scaffold enthusiasm  3:16 – Which patients will benefit?  4:40 – Material Science Advancements  5:48 – Device Innovations  7:02 – Translational Hurdles 

Salvatore Brugaletta joins host Catherine Glass to explore how intracoronary imaging has transformed modern percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). From intravascular ultrasound and optical CT to stent optimisation, vascular dysfunction, and AI-enhanced image interpretation, this episode examines the technologies improving procedural precision and patient outcomes.  Timestamps:  0:55 – IVUS and OCT  2:58 – Endothelial recovery  4:55 – Stent failure mechanisms  6:19 – Barriers to adoption  8:18 – Innovations in imaging 

In this rapid-fire episode, Salvatore Brugaletta answers key questions on interventional cardiology, coronary imaging, bioresorbable scaffolds, vascular healing, and the future of percutaneous coronary intervention. From AI-assisted procedures to device innovation and career advice, this concise episode offers expert insight into the evolving world of coronary intervention.   

How does scientific evidence become public policy? In the final episode, Christopher Cogle discusses the challenges of translating healthcare innovation into large-scale policy change. Topics include housing policy and mortality, youth tobacco use, vaping regulation, and how the COVID-19 pandemic reshaped public health decision-making.  Timestamps:  00:49 – Public Startup  07:08 - Challenges  15:01 – Housing policy  16:28 – Tobacco policy  19:05 – COVID-19

In Part 2, Christopher Cogle examines the long-term realities facing cancer survivors. From vaccine hesitancy and quality-of-life disparities to healthcare access and survivorship policy, this episode explores how systems can better support patients beyond active treatment.  Timestamps:  00:50 – Vaccine hesitancy  04:33 – QoL after cancer  07:30 – Policy support   11:10 – Survivorship care 

In this first deep dive, Christopher Cogle explores the evolving landscape of acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). He discusses the challenge of translating research into real-world outcomes, emerging immunotherapies, precision diagnostics, and how innovations such as the Acute Leukemia Methylome Atlas may reshape AML management in the future.  Timestamps:  00:55 – Research Gaps  03:50 – Biologics  05:46 – AML Atlas  09:15 – Immunotherapy 

Christopher Cogle joins the EMJ Podcast for a quickfire discussion on oncology, innovation, and public health policy. From personalised cancer care and AI in medicine to AML challenges and healthcare reform, he shares concise insights from across clinical medicine and policy leadership.

In the final episode, Sharonne N. Hayes discusses how structural inequities and unconscious bias continue to affect cardiovascular outcomes for women and minority patients. From improving diversity in research to leveraging social media responsibly, this episode explores what the future of equitable cardiovascular care could look like. Timestamps: 0:58 – Health equity 4:02 – Improving representation 7:10 – Role of social media 9:54 – 10-year prediction 11:08 – Sharonne's wish

In Part 2, Sharonne N. Hayes explores spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) and how it challenges traditional assumptions about heart attacks. Learn how SCAD differs from atherosclerotic disease, what recent research has uncovered, and how clinicians can navigate complex management decisions. Timestamps: 1:06 – What is SCAD? 2:47 – Practice-changing insights 6:35 – Hormonal influences 8:20 – Therapeutic ambiguity

 In this episode of Onc Now, Stephen Chan, Clinical Professor in the Department of Clinical Oncology at The Chinese University of Hong Kong, explores the evolving landscape of hepatobiliary and pancreatic cancers. From advances in translational science and precision therapies to the challenges of neuroendocrine tumour care, Chan reflects on the progress made in oncology and the breakthroughs still needed. He also discusses his work with the Hand-in-Hand Cancer Foundation, highlighting the importance of education, compassion, and holistic support for patients and their families.  Timestamps:    00:00 – Introduction    01:18 - Current Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Landscape   03:23 - Translational Science and Patient Outcomes   05:06 - Founding the Hand-in-Hand Cancer Foundation   06:53 - Advances in Precision Cancer Therapies   08:54 – Rising Incidence of Pancreatic Cancer Post COVID-19  10:45 - President of the International Liver Cancer Association  12:46 - Challenges in Neuroendocrine Tumour Care   14:32 - Future Breakthroughs in Cancer Care   16:02 - Three Wishes for Oncology's Future 

This podcast was developed by AMJ in collaboration with GSK and is sponsored by GSK. This information is scientific and non-promotional in nature, and intended for US audiences.   Less than 20% of biologic-eligible patients with GINA Step 5 asthma receive biologic therapy.1,2 In this AMJ podcast, experts discuss how real-world gaps in initiation, access, and adherence can affect whether patients start, stay on, and sustain benefit from biologic therapy over time.   Listen to the full episode to explore: Key real-world data on biologic initiation and adherence in severe asthma Patient cases showing common barriers across the care pathway Practical ways to uncover the burden of severe asthma The Start, Stay, Sustain framework for patient-centered care   Speakers: Justin Kwiatek, US Medical Affairs Lead, Respiratory Biologics, GSK Tom Corbridge, US Senior Medical Director, Respiratory Biologics, GSK   References Park J et al. Biologic underutilization and healthcare burden in US patients with Type 2 severe asthma. J Asthma Allergy. 2026;19:580937. Maselli DJ et al. Patient characteristics and social determinants of health influence adherence to biologic therapy for asthma. SEAAIS 80th Annual Meeting, October 23-26, 2025.

Sharonne N. Hayes joins host Saranya Ravindran to discuss how cardiovascular disease presents differently in women. From pregnancy-related complications and menopause to microvascular disease and gaps in clinician education, this episode explores the importance of sex-specific cardiovascular care. Timestamps: 1:04 – Sex-specific differences 2:43 – Pregnancy and preeclampsia 4:38 – Historic underdiagnosis 7:00 – Menopause and hormones 10:04 – Education and training 

In this rapid-fire episode, Sharonne N. Hayes answers key questions on women's cardiovascular health, SCAD, unconscious bias, prevention, and the future of equitable heart care. A concise, expert-led overview of the field.

In the final episode, Bryan Tucker explores the future of kidney stone prevention and treatment. From genetics and microbiome research to wearable hydration technology and AI-driven risk prediction, this episode examines how personalised medicine could transform nephrolithiasis care over the next decade. Timestamps: 01:01 – Future changes in kidney stone care 04:21 – Microbiome and stone risk 05:34 – AI-driven risk prediction 07:02 – Ideal future of care

In Part 2, Bryan Tucker discusses the balance between acute intervention and long-term prevention in kidney stone care. Learn why many patients never receive comprehensive metabolic evaluation, how healthcare systems prioritise procedures over prevention, and what changes are needed to improve recurrence prevention. Timestamps: 01:05 – Intervention and long-term prevention 04:01 – Gaps in follow-up evaluations 06:57 – Care changes for better prevention

This podcast has been funded by an educational grant from Viatris. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a complex, heterogeneous disease shaped by dysregulated immune pathways, variable organ involvement, and substantial patient burden. In this educational podcast, Anca Askanase explores how a deeper understanding of SLE immunology can help rheumatologists contextualize disease activity, evolving research, and guideline-based care. Topics covered: Key immune pathways involved in SLE pathophysiology, including innate and adaptive immune dysregulation  How pathway biology may help explain clinical heterogeneity and differences in disease activity between patients  What rheumatologists should consider when interpreting emerging pathway-based research and cross-disease immunology concepts  How current guideline-based care frames treatment goals, patient burden, and the evolving focus on remission in SLE  Speakers Anca D. Askanase, Chair, Department of Medicine, and Chief, Division of Rheumatology, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, USA

Bryan Tucker joins host Catherine Glass to explore why kidney stone disease is becoming increasingly common worldwide. From dietary and metabolic drivers to male predominance and prevention strategies, this episode examines how nephrolithiasis reflects broader shifts in metabolic health and lifestyle. Timestamps: 01:13 – Increased prevalence 03:19 – Metabolic issues 04:30 – Increased prevalence in men 06:50 – Population-level prevention strategies 08:24 – Cardiometabolic syndrome

In this rapid-fire episode, Bryan Tucker answers key questions about kidney stone disease, from common myths and overlooked risk factors to hydration, prevention, and emerging technologies. Perfect for listeners short on time but looking for expert insights into the future of nephrolithiasis care.

In the final episode, Naveed Sattar explores the future of cardiometabolic medicine, from novel therapies and AI-driven risk prediction to integrated care pathways and the next generation of preventative strategies for diabetes and cardiovascular disease.  Timestamps:  0:56 – Novel interventions  2:10 – Digital health and AI  4:17 – Integrated care  5:26 – Future directions  7:11 – Naveed's prediction 

In Part 2, Naveed Sattar discusses obesity, ectopic fat, and cardiovascular risk. Learn how imaging and biomarkers are improving risk identification, why metabolic dysfunction matters beyond BMI, and how GLP-1 therapies are reshaping obesity and cardiovascular care.  Timestamps:  0:56 – Ectopic fat  11:44 – Metabolic dysfunction  13:42 – GLP-1 receptor agonists  19:05 – Mechanistic insights  21:31 – Societal issues 

Naveed Sattar joins host Catherine Glass to explore the complex relationship between diabetes and cardiovascular disease. From hyperglycaemia and inflammation to diabetes onset age and risk prediction, this episode examines the mechanisms and evidence shaping cardiometabolic care today.  Timestamps:  0:55 – Diabetes to heart disease  4:35 – Age of onset  6:21 – Statins  09:01 – Epidemiological insights  12:29 – Improving risk prediction 

In this rapid-fire episode, Naveed Sattar answers key questions on diabetes, cardiovascular disease, obesity, prevention, and emerging therapies. From precision medicine and GLP-1 receptor agonists to lifestyle interventions and research advice, this concise episode provides expert insight into the future of cardiometabolic medicine. 

In the final episode, the focus turns to prevention. Rachel Buckley examines whether Alzheimer's strategies should be sex-specific, the timing of interventions, and how lifestyle factors like physical activity contribute to brain resilience. The discussion also highlights gaps in research and the need for better integration of women's health data. Timestamps: 00:00:45:13 – Sex-disaggregated data for prevention 00:03:26:15 – Sex-specific timing for therapeutics 00:05:07:20 – Non-pharmacological interventions 00:07:58:02 – Gaps in reproductive data

This episode explores how reproductive ageing and biological sex influence Alzheimer's disease risk. Rachel Buckley discusses menopause, hormonal changes, genetic factors such as the X chromosome, and emerging evidence showing differences in tau accumulation between women and men. Timestamps: 00:00:55:03 – Menopause and Alzheimer's disease 00:04:51:11 – X chromosome in Alzheimer's disease 00:08:29:01 – Tau accumulation in women 00:10:43:09 – Hormone replacement therapy 00:14:22:24 – The sweet spot with hormone therapy

In this first deep dive, Rachel Buckley joins host Catherine Glass to explore how Alzheimer's disease risk can be detected before symptoms appear. From blood-based biomarkers like p-tau217, to AI-driven models of cognitive resilience, the episode examines how risk, progression, and protection can be better understood and predicted over time. Timestamps: 00:00:57:11 – Phosphorylated tau and amyloid-PET 00:08:15:05 – Biomarkers, risk, and progression 00:11:18:04 – Brain resistance and cognitive resilience 00:15:23:23 – AI biases

In this rapid-fire episode, Rachel Buckley answers key questions on Alzheimer's disease, covering sex differences in risk, early predictors of progression, brain resilience, and the most actionable prevention strategies. A concise overview of the evolving science behind personalised Alzheimer's care.

In the final episode, host Saranya and Helen Brough examine the key gaps in allergy care across prevention, diagnosis, and long-term management, and how these challenges impact families in practice. It explores barriers to early peanut introduction, highlights inequalities in allergy care and the populations most affected, and looks at how digital tools, education, and outreach could help improve access to evidence-based care.  Timestamps:  00:43 – Gaps in allergy care  04:07 –  Early peanut introduction  06:39 - Disparities in diagnosis  08:12 – Improve access to care 

In Part 2, we explore the role of the skin barrier in food allergy development, from how environmental allergen exposure can drive sensitisation to whether early skincare can help prevent disease. Drawing on studies such as SEAL and recent European eczema guidelines, it also tackles common misconceptions and parental concerns, including topical steroid withdrawal and how best to provide reassurance.  Timestamps:  00:54:02 – Skin allergen exposure  03:50 – Optimising the skin barrier   06:46 – Proactive treatment of atopic eczema  08:17 – Applying treatments  11:41 – Topical steroid withdrawal 

Helen Brough joins the Saranya to reflect on her work in paediatric food allergy, from personal experiences that shaped her career to landmark studies like LEAP, EAT, and ProNuts that transformed prevention and management. This episode explores early allergen introduction, evolving approaches to treatment, and what's driving the rise in food allergies in children.  Timestamps:   00:53 –  Raising children with atopy  02:18 – Antibiotic exposure at birth  03:08 – Prevention of peanut allergies   05:22 – Introducing other allergens 08:09 – Multi-nut/sesame allergy  10:41 – Immunotherapy for severe allergies  13:36 – Prevalence of food allergies 

 In this short rapid-fire episode, Helen Brough answers key questions on food allergy, covering common triggers, peanut allergy myths, early allergen introduction, and whether allergies can be outgrown. It also touches on immune development, common mistakes, biomarkers, and future breakthroughs.

Description: Meghan Azad discusses the challenges of translating microbiome science into public health strategies. From policy gaps to social inequalities, this episode explores how evidence can be turned into meaningful support for families.  Timestamps:  02:20 – Critical windows 04:50 – Health inequalities 07:30 – Policy interventions 10:10 – Future directions 

This episode examines how infant nutrition influences microbiome development and links to asthma risk. Azad discusses key discoveries from cohort studies and the role of early-life exposures in shaping disease trajectories.  Timestamps:  02:40 – Microbiome development 05:10 – Asthma risk link 07:50 – Feeding transitions 10:20 – Clinical counselling

Azad explores the biological complexity of human milk and its role in shaping infant immunity. From immune-active components to variation in milk composition, this episode examines how early nutrition programs long-term health outcomes.  Timestamps:  02:30 – Milk composition explained 05:20 – Immune components role 08:10 – Variation in milk 10:40 – Growth and outcomes

In this rapid-fire episode, Azad addresses common myths around breastfeeding, microbiome development, and infant feeding practices. A concise overview of the key factors shaping early immune health.

In the final episode, Pranav Garimella explores glomerular and cystic kidney diseases, including IgA nephropathy and autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease. Discover how personalised medicine, biomarkers, and earlier diagnosis are shaping the future of care in these complex conditions. Timestamps: 01:11 – Current treatment for IgA nephropathy 02:24 – SGLT2 inhibitors 03:38 – Cystic kidney disease diagnosis

In Part 2, Pranav Garimella discusses major advances in diabetic kidney disease management. Learn how sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors and novel therapies are reshaping disease progression, and why early intervention is critical to improving long-term outcomes. Timestamps: 01:07 – Practice-changing developments 05:10 – GLP-1 agonists 07:00 – Early intervention 08:43 – Unmet needs

Pranav Garimella joins host Catherine Glass to explore why early detection of chronic kidney disease remains challenging. From high-risk populations to emerging plasma and urine biomarkers, this episode examines how earlier diagnosis and improved risk stratification can transform patient outcomes. Timestamps: 00:59 – Challenges of early detection 05:12 – Populations for intensive screening 09:08 – Plasma and urine biomarkers 13:45 – Biomarker-driven risk stratification

In this rapid-fire episode, Pranav Garimella answers key questions on chronic kidney disease, from early detection and screening challenges to future innovations in nephrology. A concise overview for clinicians and curious listeners alike.

In the final episode, Nanette K. Wenger discusses the ongoing challenges in awareness and access to cardiovascular care for women. From public health campaigns to mentorship and community initiatives, discover what's needed to close the gap.  Timestamps:  1:02 – Barriers in care  2:54 – Future directions  6:11 – Atlanta Women's Network 

In Part 2, Nanette K. Wenger examines how underrepresentation in research shaped cardiovascular epidemiology in women. Learn about the impact of key guideline developments, and where critical data gaps remain.  Timestamps:  1:09 – Historical underrepresentation  5:05 – Evidence gaps 

Nanette K. Wenger joins host Saranya Ravindran to reflect on her pioneering work in women's cardiovascular health. From challenging early misconceptions to advocating for inclusion in research, this episode explores how the field began to shift.  Timestamps:  0:58 – Nanette's inspiration  5:21 – Dismantling misconceptions  8:12 – Research obstacles  14:20 – Risk factors 

In this rapid-fire episode, Nanette K. Wenger answers key questions on women's heart health - from prevention and lifestyle to mentorship, research gaps, and the future of cardiology. A concise, expert-led overview of the field. 

In this episode of Onc Now, Christopher Wolfgang shares insights into the evolving landscape of pancreatic cancer research and treatment. From his early inspiration in oncology to pioneering surgical approaches and tackling tumour recurrence, Wolfgang discusses the challenges that persist in this complex disease space and the innovations shaping its future. Timestamps:   00:00 – Introduction  01:28 - Career inspiration   03:24 – Impact of early training   05:00 - Advances in treatment  09:20 - Tumour recurrence research  11:25 - Surgical innovation impact  17:00 - Barriers to progress  20:24 - Future priorities   26:40 - Three healthcare wishes 

Gupta examines disparities in food allergy and asthma outcomes, highlighting barriers to care and the role of policy, research, and innovation in improving health equity. Timestamps: 01:00 – Racial and socioeconomic barriers 03:37 – Collaborations to reduce disparities 05:05 – Emerging therapies 10:08 – Future care

From early allergen introduction to digital health tools, Gupta discusses modern prevention strategies and how clinicians balance prevention with long-term management in food allergy care. Timestamps: 00:51 – Key messages for families and clinicians 02:56 – Allergies and breast milk 04:17 – Ongoing allergies 06:50 – Allergy education 10:34 – Telemedicine and digital tools 11:45 – Mentoring  

In this rapid-fire episode, Ruchi S. Gupta answers key questions about food allergy misconceptions, prevention strategies, and asthma care. A concise overview for clinicians looking to stay updated in minutes.

Ruchi S. Gupta explores how food allergy and asthma care have evolved over the past 2 decades, from guideline development to school-based programmes and early prevention strategies shaping paediatric care. Timestamps: 00: 55 – Recent care evolution 04:12 – Primary care management 06:00 – Schools and community programmes 09:13 – Prevention strategies

In the final episode, Majid Fotuhi explores how purpose, social connection, and brain networks influence longevity and dementia risk. Learn how cultivating meaning in life can support cognitive health and long-term brain resilience.  Timestamps:  01:03 – Brain regions   02:19 – Dementia risk  02:42 – Role of clinicians  04:42 – Social connection  07:00 – Dr Fotuhi's book