Y Health

In this episode of the Y Health Podcast, Dr. Cougar Hall welcomes back one of BYU Public Health's most dynamic voices, Dr. Lori Spruance, to share insights from her recent Fulbright Fellowship in Australia, her groundbreaking work on nutrition policy, and her run for public office. Dr. Spruance dives into what it was like living in Rockhampton, the beef capital of Australia, complete with kangaroos on campus, sunburns from extreme UV levels, and a front-row seat to the unique cultural and geographic landscape of the country. Beyond the adventure, she breaks down her Fulbright research on dietary greenhouse gas emissions, explaining how our food choices—especially meat consumption—impact the environment, and how Australia compares to the U.S. in terms of school nutrition policy. The conversation shifts to the U.S., where Dr. Spruance shares updates on her latest research: A study examining carbon footprints in children's diets and how healthier meals can be more sustainable.A groundbreaking look at Pacific Islander families' perceptions of school meals, revealing key insights for improving participation and cultural sensitivity.An evaluation of Utah's alternative breakfast models, shedding light on how policy changes play out on the ground.She and Dr. Hall also discuss the importance of federally funded school meal programs, how school nutrition affects academic success, and why careful messaging matters—especially for children who rely on school meals daily. In the final segment, Dr. Spruance reflects on her experience running as an independent candidate for the Utah State Senate, sharing candid thoughts on navigating politics while staying true to BYU's politically neutral standards. She offers encouragement to anyone interested in public service and public health policy, emphasizing that change starts with showing up. From advice for parents and students to small steps you can take to make your diet more climate-friendly, this episode is packed with practical tips, personal stories, and powerful research—all grounded in Dr. Spruance's deep commitment to public health, equity, and community engagement. Tune in for an inspiring episode that blends global perspective, local policy, and personal action. Recorded, Edited & Produced by Christy Gonzalez, Harper Xinyu Zhang, Kailey Hopkins, and Tanya Gale

 In this episode of the Y Health Podcast, Dr. Cougar Hall announces two exciting new formats being added to the show: Y Health Classroom Edition – Faculty members will highlight key concepts from their courses at BYU, providing educational content that is both informative and accessible to a broad audience.Public Service Announcements (PSAs) – Short, timely episodes meant to benefit listeners, sometimes shared by Dr. Hall and other times by invited guests.To introduce the new PSA format, Dr. Hall offers the podcast's first PSA, reflecting on the unique integration of faith and education at BYU. As a faculty member, he discusses the privilege of opening each class with prayer and weaving in gospel truths—especially the teachings of Jesus Christ—when they align with course topics. In cases where professional material may not align with church teachings, Dr. Hall presents the content professionally, then reaffirms his personal testimony of gospel truths. With General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints approaching (held each April and October), Dr. Hall invites listeners—just as he does his students—to participate as much as possible and to reflect on how conference messages relate to public health themes studied in class. A strong connection is drawn between gospel teachings and public health principles. The episode includes the parable of the river, a well-known story in public health illustrating the value of prevention. In the story, two people tirelessly rescue drowning children from a river until one decides to run upstream to find out why the children are falling in. This metaphor highlights how public health focuses on addressing root causes and preventing harm, while healthcare focuses on treatment and healing. Dr. Hall draws a parallel between this idea and the role of Jesus Christ, emphasizing that He prevents, repairs, and transforms. His gospel not only protects us from harm and saves us when we're in trouble—it also changes us for the better. The episode concludes with gratitude to listeners and encouragement to join in the transformative experience of General Conference. The team looks forward to continuing engaging interviews and adding new, educational content through the Classroom Edition and PSA formats.Recorded, Edited & Produced by Christy Gonzalez, Harper Xinyu Zhang, Kailey Hopkins, and Tanya Gale

In this episode of the Y Health Podcast, host Dr. Cougar Hall interviews Rachel Higginson, the Director of Sports Nutrition for BYU Athletics, about the evolving role of nutrition in athletic performance and everyday health. Rachel shares her journey from clinical dietetics to sports nutrition, highlighting the growth of the nutrition program at BYU, particularly after joining the Big 12. Key topics discussed include: Intuitive Eating: Learning to listen to the body's natural hunger and fullness cues.Balancing Nutrition for Athletes: The importance of carbohydrates for pre-workout energy and protein for post-workout recovery.Hydration and Performance: How sweat testing informs customized hydration plans for athletes.Nutrition Myths and Social Media Influence: Addressing misinformation and the dangers of extreme dietary rules.The Mental and Emotional Side of Eating: How food choices, body image, and societal pressures impact overall well-being.Practical Tips for Parents: How to handle picky eaters and create a positive food environment for children.Rachel also discusses her upcoming book, "Pizza Boy", which explores picky eating in a fun and relatable way. The conversation wraps up with an insightful discussion on body image, self-worth, and the spiritual connection between body and soul, encouraging a balanced and compassionate approach to health. Recorded, Edited & Produced by Christy Gonzalez, Harper Xinyu Zhang, Kailey Hopkins, and Tanya Gale

Public health isn't just about policies—it's about people. Leiema Hunt, MPH, talks about her work in American Samoa, the unique health challenges her community faces, and the role of cultural traditions in promoting well-being. From leading COVID-19 response efforts to tackling non-communicable diseases, Leiema shares her insights on public health, leadership, and the importance of staying connected to one's roots. Recorded, Edited & Produced by Christy Gonzalez, Harper Xinyu Zhang, Kailey Hopkins, and Tanya Gale

In this episode of the Y Health Podcast, host Cougar Hall sits down with Dr. Randy Page, a recently retired professor from BYU's Department of Public Health, to reflect on his 40-year career in academia and global health. From his early days as a researcher to pioneering BYU's Global Health Internship Program, Dr. Page shares insights on professional pivots, the impact of international experiences, and the power of letting the world change you. He also offers advice for students and mid-career professionals navigating their own paths. Plus, hear about his exciting new adventures in retirement, including his passion for the Mediterranean diet and upcoming global experiences. Tune in for an inspiring conversation filled with wisdom, humor, and a lifetime of public health leadership. Recorded, Edited & Produced by Christy Gonzalez, Harper Xinyu Zhang, Kailey Hopkins, and Tanya Gale

 Summary: In this episode, Dr. Jim Johnston shares his powerful experiences researching occupational health in Nepal's brick kilns, where workers face constant exposure to hazardous dust and air pollution. Beyond the health risks, his research uncovered an unexpected but urgent need—access to education for workers and their children. Dr. Johnston discusses how interdisciplinary collaboration is shaping solutions, from improving air quality to creating educational opportunities. This conversation highlights the intersection of workplace safety, community-driven change, and the hope that education brings for a healthier future. Recorded, Edited & Produced by Christy Gonzalez, Harper Xinyu Zhang, and Tanya Gale

In this episode of the Y Health podcast, Dr. Cougar Hall, alongside Dr. Alisha Redelfs and Dr. Julianne Grose, explores the intersection of public health and the creation of a sense of belonging within academic communities. The conversation delves into BYU's Office of Belonging, established in 2021, and its unique gospel-centered approach to fostering inclusion and connection across campus. Through research, programs, and individual mentorship, the office is creating an environment where students, faculty, and staff can thrive—both academically and spiritually.The discussion also highlights the vital role that public health plays in addressing loneliness and its impacts on mental and physical well-being. Dr. Redelfs and Dr. Grose share their insights on how building a supportive, inclusive community is central to students' overall success and well-being. With a focus on mentorship and personal connection, the episode reflects on the profound ways in which belonging shapes individual growth and collective health in the BYU community.Recorded, Edited & Produced by Christy Gonzalez, Harper Xinyu Zhang, and Tanya Gale

 Summary:In this episode, Dr. Ricardo Noriega, a physician turned public health advocate, shares his journey from working in rural Mexican communities to his current role in Utah with Intermountain Health. He discusses how witnessing preventable health issues, such as malnutrition and limited healthcare access, motivated him to shift focus toward community health. Now, he addresses health disparities in underserved populations, focusing on social determinants like housing, education, and financial stability.Ricardo highlights initiatives led by Intermountain Health, including partnerships that bring preventive care directly to families, especially within the Hispanic community. Through programs like screenings facilitated by students and increased access to affordable housing, Intermountain Health aims to alleviate chronic and mental health issues affecting these populations. Ricardo also discusses his work on mental health and opioid use reduction, underscoring the importance of community-wide solutions and eliminating stigma.Encouraging listeners, Ricardo shares his optimism for public health's future, emphasizing the value of upstream, preventive approaches. For those interested in public health careers, he stresses that the field is full of potential, as healthcare increasingly recognizes prevention as essential to long-term health and well-being. Recorded, Edited & Produced by Jessie Carter, Harper Xinyu Zhang, and Tanya Gale

 Summary:In this episode, Dr. Marco Verdeja, a physician turned public health advocate, shares his journey from working in rural Mexican communities to his current role in Utah with Intermountain Health. He discusses how witnessing preventable health issues, such as malnutrition and limited healthcare access, motivated him to shift focus toward community health. Now, he addresses health disparities in underserved populations, focusing on social determinants like housing, education, and financial stability.Marco highlights initiatives led by Intermountain Health, including partnerships that bring preventive care directly to families, especially within the Hispanic community. Through programs like screenings facilitated by students and increased access to affordable housing, Intermountain Health aims to alleviate chronic and mental health issues affecting these populations. Marco also discusses his work on mental health and opioid use reduction, underscoring the importance of community-wide solutions and eliminating stigma.Encouraging listeners, Marco shares his optimism for public health's future, emphasizing the value of upstream, preventive approaches. For those interested in public health careers, he stresses that the field is full of potential, as healthcare increasingly recognizes prevention as essential to long-term health and well-being. Recorded, Edited & Produced by Jessie Carter, Isabella Loosle, and Tanya Gale

 Summary: In this inspiring episode, we chat with Emma Drybread, a passionate Master of Public Health student, about her journey from volunteer trips to Baja California to her vision of empowering underserved communities. Emma shares how her personal experiences with health challenges and her dedication to creating change have driven her to pursue meaningful work in public health. Join us as Emma discusses the value of chasing purpose over profit, the transformative power of education, and her hopes for the future of community health. Recorded, Edited & Produced by Jessie Carter, Isabella Loosle, and Tanya Gale

 In this insightful episode of Y Health, Dr. Cougar Hall from BYU's Public Health Department is joined by Professor Zach Aanderud from BYU's Plant and Wildlife Science to explore the fascinating world of the human microbiome. They discuss Zach's academic journey, the effects of diet on gut bacteria, and the microbiome's role in digestion, nutrient absorption, mental health, and chronic diseases. The episode emphasizes the importance of dietary diversity, highlighting the benefits of plant-based foods, probiotics, and the adverse effects of antibiotics. Listeners are encouraged to access reliable scientific information, with practical insights on optimizing gut health through food choices and understanding the profound impact of the microbiome on overall well-being.  https://pws.byu.edu/directory/zach-aanderud Recorded, Edited & Produced by Jessie Carter, Isabella Loosle, and Tanya Gale

 Gladys Lopez, a recent graduate of BYU's Master of Public Health program, is passionate about family health, women's health, and promoting public health within family systems. In this episode, she joins Cougar to share her experiences working with inmates struggling with substance use disorders. Gladys reflects on how this work taught her to look beyond outward appearances and truly connect with the individuals behind the challenges they face. Learn more about the Foundation for Family Life that Gladys has been working with by going to: https://fflut.org/Recorded, Edited & Produced by Jessie Carter, Isabella Loosle, and Tanya Gale

Bio: Chelom Leavitt teaches and researches healthy sexuality at BYU. She received her Ph.D. from Penn State. Her research specifically examines how being present, accepting, and non-judgmental is linked to improved sexual functioning and satisfaction. Dr. Leavitt's research has been published in top academic journals such as Journal of Sex Research and Archives of Sexual Behavior. She has written books and teaches seminars on sex and healthy relationships around the world. Recorded, Edited & Produced by Jessie Carter, Isabella Loosle, and Tanya Gale

In this special one-year anniversary episode of the Y Health Podcast, listeners are invited to get to know their esteemed host, Dr. Cougar Hall! He discusses mind-body health, offering valuable tips for maintaining balance in life. Join in this celebration as the Y Health Podcast reflects on its journey and Dr. Cougar Hall's unwavering commitment to empowering listeners to take charge of their well-being.Recorded, Edited & Produced by Paige Sherwood, Isabella Loosle, and Tanya Gale

If theres one thing you should know about Dr. Eik Nelson, it's that he likes to get uncomfortable (all in the name of science). This has lead him to pursue research in areas that are a bit on the messier side. Listen as he and Dr. Cougar Hall discuss the social determinants of disease, maps and spirituality.Bio:Dr. Nelson's research combines epidemiologic, statistical, and geospatial modeling techniques to identify where and why health disparities occur so that appropriate interventions can be developed to help overcome them. His research utilizes novel online recruitment techniques and Bayesian spatio-temporal models. His main areas of interest include health disparities, sexual health, screening, cancer prevention, environmental lead exposure, and social epidemiology. He has published over 50 peer-reviewed journal articles on a variety of public health issues such as human papillomavirus (HPV), HPV vaccination, lead exposure, violence, substance abuse, air pollution, and cognitive functioning.Recorded, Edited & Produced by Paige Sherwood, Isabella Loosle, and Tanya Gale

How far is too far when involving parents in the learning process? High school educator Byron Tanner takes the hot seat to share the best practices he implements in the classroom each year. Bio:With 20 years of experience at Timpanogos High School, Byron Tanner currently teaches Health, CTE Health Science Courses, and Driver Ed and has spent three years as an assistant principal during an administrative assignment. Tanner graduated from BYU with a Bachelor's degree in School Health Education and earned a Master's degree from SUU in School Administration. He is married to Niki and together they have four wonderful children.Recorded, Edited & Produced by Paige Sherwood, Isabella Loosle, and Tanya Gale

Pam Hansen–a BYU Master of Public Health (MPH) student–opens up about heartwrenching experiences that led her down the path she now walks. Returning to university after raising her children,  Pam echoes CS Lewis: “You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.”Bio:Pam Hansen is a 2nd year MPH student, about to graduate this Spring. She authored the inspirational book “Running With Angels,” in which Pam discusses her battles with the death of her children, family illness, and obesity, leading to her ultimate decision to run a marathon amid life's tragedies.Recorded, Edited & Produced by Paige Sherwood, Isabella Loosle, and Tanya Gale

Many of us take workplace safety for granted, but not Dr. Steve Thygerson. Listen as he highlights its importance and discusses the implications of its absence, particularly in developing countries. He and his students aid in “capacity building” in countries that lack the understanding of workplace safety and the resources to implement it. He then encourages listeners to shift their mindset when it comes to driving safety. BioDr. Steve Thygerson is an environmental and occupational health professor at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah. Prior to his appointment at BYU in 2008, he worked for 9 years in various occupational and environmental health settings in the public and private sector. He is a Certified Industrial Hygienist and past chair of the International Affairs Committee of the American Industrial Hygiene Association. As a Workplace Health Without Borders member, he mentors other occupational hygienists and provides occupational health training worldwide. Those countries include Nepal, Peru, South Africa, Mozambique, Ethiopia, and Pakistan. He loves taking students to these countries as well as focusing on global occupational health. For the past 20 years, he has authored first aid, CPR, and wellness textbooks.While not at work, he loves to run, mountain bike, backcountry ski, set out on family backpacking trips, and is a wanna-be overland expedition enthusiast. Click here to read about Dr. Thygerson's occupational health work in Nepal.Recorded, Edited & Produced by Paige Sherwood, Isabella Loosle, and Tanya Gale

Dr. Julianne Grose: Belonging and Be the MatchHonoring her brother-in-law's dying wish, Dr. Grose advocates for Be The Match bone marrow transplant nonprofit. She guides listeners through the simple process of becoming a “match” and outlines its lifesaving implications. Additionally, Dr. Grose discusses what it means to truly belong and how we can cultivate that kind of environment on BYU's campus.BioDr. Julianne Grose is a microbiology and molecular biology professor of 15 years at BYU. She obtained her BS in Chemistry with a math minor as well as a Ph.D. in Biology from the University of Utah where she studied the central metabolic pathways of Salmonella. Dr. Grose began BYU Be the Match on Campus in 2017, a student group to recruit potential bone marrow donors for patients with blood disorders such as lymphoma and leukemia. Together,  students have registered over 5,000 potential donors and 48 of our students have donated and saved a life! In 2022 Be the Match honored BYU by presenting Dr. Grose with the “Lives Award.”Join the registry here and you might just save someone's life.Recorded, Edited & Produced by Paige Sherwood, Isabella Loosle, and Tanya Gale

Clinging to research findings at the expense of understanding another's perspective may hinder progress in the world of policy. Dr. Jeff Glenns shares with us best practices for health policymaking, emphasizing the importance of listening to others and understanding the political climate surrounding public health.  As avid Survivor fans, Glenn and Dr. Cougar Hall also reflect on life lessons they've learned from the reality tv show. Bio Dr. Jeff Glenn is a BYU professor best known by undergraduate students for his teachings on policy. Glenn completed his Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) at the Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health where he studied health policy and systems change. Prior to his doctoral education, Glenn worked as a Presidential Management Fellow and Public Health Advisor at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta, GA where he helped establish the agency's global cancer program. He holds a Master of Public Administration (MPA) from the University of Southern California and a BA in International Relations from Brigham Young University. Glenn grew up in Salt Lake City, UT and enjoys spending time outdoors and traveling to new places with his wife, Kathryn, and their three children. Recorded, Edited & Produced by Paige Sherwood, Isabella Loosle, and Tanya Gale

Addressing misinformation and economic trade-offs only begins to detail the “complex wrestles” of a public health professional. Join Dr. Chantel Sloan-Aagard as she shares insights from her career as an epidemiologist and considers the rise of RSV and other infectious diseases.Bio:Dr. Sloan-Aagard received her Doctorate in genetics from Dartmouth College, following a Bachelor of Science in biology from BYU-Hawaii.  After completing a postdoctoral program at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, she joined the BYU Department of Public Health faculty. As a spatial epidemiologist, her research interests include patterns in pediatric respiratory infectious diseases, such as COVID-19, influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and pneumococcal pneumonia.Recorded, Edited & Produced by Paige Sherwood, Isabella Loosle, and Tanya Gale

Carl Hanson dives into mental health, distinguishing between mental health and mental illness, and discussing what overall wellness means. He also identifies perfectionism as a hindrance to emotional well-being. He acknowledges that we are not meant to be perfect in this life and suggests how we can use hardships as growth opportunities. Guest Bio:Dr. Carl Hanson is a professor of public health and former chair of the Department of Public Health at BYU.  Prior to the chair appointment, he served as director of BYU's master of public health program for six years. Prior to joining the faculty at BYU, he spent 11 years as a professor at Montana State University – Billings. He holds a bachelor's degree in psychology and a master's degree in health science from BYU.  His doctorate in community health education is from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale.Hanson has authored and co-authored numerous publications and presentations in the areas of computational health science, mental health, and substance abuse. He is the recipient of the BYU College of Life Sciences Faculty Distinguished Service Award and the Catherine Summerhays Distinguished Service Award. He and his wife Loraine reside in Spanish Fork and have four children and six grandchildren.  Listen to Hanson's recent speech at BYU titled "Something About Mental Health" for further insights on this topic.Recorded, Edited & Produced by Christy Gonzalez, Paige Sherwood, and Tanya Gale

Most US adults struggle to fit exercise into their lifestyle, while children seem to do so naturally. Dr. Keven Prusak explains why the “Western lifestyle” alters our approach to physical activity and how we can reframe our thinking. He also stresses the value of a good physical education program and the unexpected learning outcomes it provides.Guest  Bio:Dr. Keven Prusak is BYU's elementary physical education program director of 10 years and has been an associate BYU professor since 2002. After receiving his master's degree in physical education from Utah State University, he earned a PhD in Physical Education-Pedagogy from Arizona State University.  He focuses his research on motivation in physical education, video self-analysis in teaching, and systematic success in physical education programs.Click here for more on Dr. Prusak and his research.Recorded, Edited & Produced by Christy Gonzalez, Paige Sherwood, and Tanya Gale

While traveling abroad undoubtedly creates cherished memories, the rich learning experience it provides should not be overlooked.Dr. Cougar Hall joins his study abroad co-directors of 5 years, Dr. Ben Crookston and Dr. Josh West, to reminisce about their shared experience in Europe this past summer. The three strive to facilitate a life-changing program for the students. In this episode, they enlighten us on various paradigm shifts, such as views on work-life balance to new spiritual beginnings that arose from time abroad. Both Dr. Crookston and Dr. West have previously appeared on our podcast. Listen to their areas of expertise here.Learn more about BYU's Public Health study abroad in Europe here. Recorded, Edited & Produced by Christy Gonzalez, Paige Sherwood, and Tanya Gale

Recent BYU alumnus Scott Herrod shares what inspired him to study public health at BYU and how he sought out research opportunities. He describes his global health research as an undergraduate student, including a recent trip to Ghana where he participated in cataract surgery initiatives. Specifically, he collaborated with providers in Africa affiliated with the Stop Infant Blindness in Africa Task Force, Daybreak Vision Project, and Himalayan Cataract Project. Guest Bio Inspired by his church mission to Ghana, Scott Herrod chose to study public health at BYU with a minor in international development. Herrod graduated in April and started Havard medical school this fall. Passionate about global eye health, Herrod plans to earn a Master of Public Health after medical school and work with international colleagues as an academic ophthalmologist. In his free time, Herrod enjoys camping, hiking, and skiing with his wife, Madelaine.  Scott's Research:https://www.nature.com/articles/s41372-021-01040-7https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/09286586.2021.1910315 Global Eye Health Initiatives:https://cureblindness.org/https://www.daybreakvisionproject.org/https://www.childrenseyefoundation.org/webdev/what-we-do/africa-rop

Ignoring the root causes of social disparities won't solve the problem. Tune in as we analyze how these disparities affect public health. Dr. Lori Spruance joins Cougar to discuss inaccessibility to nutrition, the benefits of free school lunch, and the importance of discussing difficult topics in the classroom. Guest BioBYU Professor Dr. Lori Spruance combines her passion for nutrition and education. She earned a bachelor's of science in health and physical education from Utah State University. Knowing she wanted to do more to enact community change, Dr. Spruance completed a Master's of Education with an emphasis in public health education and promotion from the University of Nevada Las Vegas. Later, she earned a P.h.D. in global community health and behavioral science at Tulane University. She completed her dissertation on school-based salad bars and continues her research in adolescent nutrition. Additional Resources:https://ph.byu.edu/the-impact-of-covid-19-on-school-mealshttps://scholar.google.com/citations?user=wBHmJEkAAAAJ&hl=en

Sometimes breaking old habits feels near impossible, especially when we're hyperfocused on the outcome or our environment is working against us. On the other hand, community interventions,  social support, and technology can be the catalyst for a desired behavioral change. Listen to the BYU Public Health Department chair, Dr. Josh West, discuss behavioral change. Both he and Cougar emphasize that change is always possible, despite difficult circumstances. Guest BioDr. Josh West has worked at BYU for the past 15 years. He is not only a professor but also the current BYU Public Health Department chair. Dr. West earned a Master's of Public Health with an emphasis on epidemiology from San Diego State University and later his PhD in public health from the University of California, San Diego - School of Medicine. He focuses his research on behavioral change and its intersection with technology.For more insights on fitness apps and behavioral change, read this article.

With over 15 years of international residency, Mary Linehan shares her experience building self-sustainable local communities. She and Cougar discuss this “capacity building” and highlight the importance of leaving people better than we found them. Additionally, she will share her thoughts on public health's role in Covid. Was society positively or negatively affected by public health, and did Covid change public health's trajectory?Guest BioMary Linehan is a senior technical advisor of infectious diseases at IMA World Health and has also overseen global projects with USAID. She has over 20 years of international work experience in program management, technical assistance, and research for maternal and child health; nutrition; and infectious diseases, including 15 years of residence in the Philippines, Thailand, Nepal, Indonesia, and Vietnam. In the last few years, Linehan has engaged in a collaboration with researchers at BYU to document the achievements of IMA World Health's nutrition programs.

Ben Bikman returns to continue the conversation about nutrition, addressing a wide variety of subtopics from comorbidities of COVID-19 and obesity to effects of veganism. Bikman also spectualtes the word of wisdom's role in influencing diets of members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, touching on moderation, addiction, and compassion.Guest BioLabeled “the voice for insulin resistance in America” by Dr. Cougar Hall, Dr. Benjamin Bikman devotes his career to studying this disease. He began his education at BYU, receiving a Bachelor's of Exercise Science and later a Master's of Exercise Physiology. He went on to earn a PhD in bioenergetics from East Carolina University, after which he completed a postdoc fellowship in Singapore with Duke Medical School. Bikman oversees a lab at BYU, determined to identify links between metabolic health and disease with a specific focus on insulin resistance. Passionate about his work, Bikman also teaches cell biology and physiology at BYU as well as runs an Instagram page with over 100k followers.Additional Information Why We Get Sick by Ben Bikman Bikman's companyBikman's lab at BYUFacebookInstagram 

Insulin resistance affects a vast majority of adults worldwide, and Dr. Ben Bikman frames it as the culprit behind a myriad of health problems, including infertility, Alzheimer's, and type 2 diabetes. After explaining the prevalence of insulin resistance and its consequences, he briefs us on how we can combat this disease. Guest BioLabeled “the voice for insulin resistance in America” by Dr. Cougar Hall, Dr. Benjamin Bikman devotes his career to studying this disease. He began his education at BYU, receiving a Bachelor's of Exercise Science and later a Master's of Exercise Physiology. He went on to earn a PhD in bioenergetics from East Carolina University, after which he completed a postdoc fellowship in Singapore with Duke Medical School. Bikman oversees a lab at BYU, determined to identify links between metabolic health and disease with a specific focus on insulin resistance. Passionate about his work, Bikman also teaches cell biology and physiology at BYU as well as runs an Instagram page with over 100k followers.Additional Information Why We Get Sick by Ben Bikman Bikman's companyBikman's lab at BYUFacebookInstagram 

Dr. Ben Crookston addresses the impact of nutrition, especially in developing countries. He emphasizes why we should invest in nutrition and outlines the actions we can take. Crookston also discusses the overlap between culture and nutrition and how, in some cases, a change in culture may benefit nutrition. Guest BioDr. Ben Crookston serves as the research chair for BYU public health and teaches in the department. With an emphasis on international health and nutrition, Crookston has spent over 15 years conducting research in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Additionally, he works alongside various nonprofits, evaluating programs and research relating to children's nutrition, growth, and health. From BYU, Crookston earned a BS in Zoology and later a Master's in Public Health. He then went on to earn his PhD in Public Health from the University of Utah. Additional Information https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Benjamin-Crookston

Episode SummaryInspired by a 'glass half full' perspective, Dr. Ali Crandall researched the long-term health benefits of positive childhood experiences. In this episode, Crandall explains the known detrimental effects of ACEs (adverse childhood experiences), then discusses the implications of prioritizing “counter-ACEs” in children's lives.Guest BioBYU professor Dr. Ali Crandall focuses her research on family and mental health, executive functioning, and adolescent/child well-being. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Community Health Education (equivalent to the current "Public Health Promotion" degree) from Brigham Young University. Crandall went on to earn a Masters in Public Health from Loma Linda University and later a PhD in Public Health from Johns Hopkins University. Episode ResourcesResearch summary on counter-ACEs with Dr. Ali CrandallPublished scientific journal research article on ACEs and counter-ACEs with Dr. Ali CrandallBelonging by Nora Krug