Did you know about 80% of taste comes from smell, and your eyes can nudge your brain toward “sweet” or “salty” before you even bite?

I sit down with Dr. Riccardo Acolla, a world famous neuroscientist who has spent his career decoding how our brains make sense of flavor. From mapping how sweetness lights up the brain to advising companies that shape the taste of everything from chocolate to plant-based burgers, Riccardo’s journey shows how deeply food connects to who we are.

Here are some snackable truths woven through the episode:

• Chip crunch is engineered to signal “fresh” and “flavor,” so sound literally seasons your food.​
• Change plate color and you can make dessert taste sweeter without adding sugar.​
• Hold your nose and apple juice becomes “orange”—your brain fills in flavor from aroma.​
• Chili heat and mint cool rely heavily on nerve sparks on the trigeminal nerve system that rewrite perception of taste.​
• Push sodium down in a food recipe, and sweetness or fat often creeps up, nutrients act like a seesaw unless you design around it.​
• Kids eat more vegetables when they help prep; participation flips curiosity into liking.​
• In the GLP‑1 Ozempic era, brain reward signals from food dim down, protein and fiber carry the day, and taste has to work smarter, not louder.

Listen in, and you may never taste the same way again.

http://www.thimus.com/

#FlavorScience​#SensoryNeuroscience​#FoodDesign​#ConsumerBehavior​#TasteAndSmell​#FoodInnovation​#BehaviorChange​#GLP1​#PublicHealth​#FoodTech​#NutritionScience

I am excited to share my latest episode featuring the incredible Louise Agersnap, Head of the World Health Organization{s Innovation Hub.

In this episode, we dive deep into the world of social innovation, design thinking, and the future of health. Here are some highlights:

1. Journey of Innovation: Louise talks about her fascinating career path from the Danish government to the UN and now at WHO. Her work focuses on systems change and human behavior, leveraging design thinking to drive impactful solutions.
2. Collaborative Ecosystems: Discover how the WHO Innovation Hub is transforming the landscape by fostering collaborative learning and building a global ecosystem for health innovation. Louise emphasizes the importance of engaging diverse stakeholders to create sustainable and equitable health outcomes.
3. The Power of Design Thinking: Louise shares insights on how design thinking can revolutionize health policies and practices. She discusses practical examples like the WHO's NCD labs, promoting physical activity and health literacy in schools, and innovative approaches like the Human Library.
4. Innovation in Action: From global programs like WHO's internal entrepreneurship challenge to the innovative Eureka space, Louise reveals how WHO is empowering its workforce to think creatively and solve complex health challenges.
5. Creating Impact: The conversation touches on the importance of community engagement, multidisciplinary approaches, and the need for public sector leadership to ensure innovations serve the public good and promote equity.

https://www.who.int/teams/digital-health-and-innovation/who-innovation-hub

https://humanlibrary.org/

#Innovation #DesignThinking #GlobalHealth #WHO #SocialInnovation #HealthEquity #Collaboration #CommunityEngagement

In the latest episode of The Rodcast Podcast, I had the privilege of speaking with Carmen Alvarez, a distinguished leader at Mass General Brigham and Harvard Medical School. Carmen has spent her career at the forefront of healthcare innovation, combining mindfulness and integrative medicine to improve lives. Her journey from personal grief to professional purpose is nothing short of inspiring.

Here’s what we discussed:

1. Purpose Born from Loss Carmen shared how losing her brother, a heroic first responder, reshaped her outlook on life and sparked her mission to help others navigate challenges like grief and burnout.
2. Breathwork and the Nervous System She explained how something as simple as intentional breathing can activate the parasympathetic nervous system—reducing stress and improving resilience.
3. Reiki in Top-Tier Healthcare At one of the world’s leading hospitals, Carmen integrates Reiki to help patients manage pain, anxiety, and chronic conditions. Her work bridges traditional and holistic medicine.
4. Happiness by Choice Drawing from her chapter in the book Happiness by Choice, Carmen emphasized the power of self-compassion and curiosity in transforming life’s toughest moments.

A Thought to Leave You With:

"Healing isn’t about pretending you’re okay. It’s about feeling everything and letting it guide your transformation."

Carmen’s approach proves that blending science with mindfulness can lead to profound changes—both for individuals and organizations. If you’re curious about practical ways to bring well-being into your life or workplace, this episode is for you.

More about Carmen:

Contact:

X: @CarmenTAlvarez | @CAYAWellness

IG: @CarmenAlvarezWellness

Fostering a Culture of Well-Being in Healthcare Organizations: https://medium.com/@CarmenAlvarezWellness/fostering-a-culture-of-wellbeing-in-healthcare-organizations-d03ebdd61b7e

The Integration of Wellness Practices in Medicine and Impact on Patient Outcomes: https://medium.com/@CarmenAlvarezWellness/the-integration-of-wellness-practices-in-medicine-impact-on-patient-outcomes-4537b0ab4f72

In the latest episode of The Dr. Rodcast Podcast, I had the honor of speaking with Dr. Edward Griffor, a mathematician and visionary whose career spans decades, disciplines, and continents. From Harvard to MIT, from a NATO postdoctoral fellowship in Norway to groundbreaking work in Sweden, Dr. Griffor has dedicated his life to addressing some of the world’s most complex challenges.

In this episode, we explored: The evolution of mathematics from philosophy to practical applications .How his work shaped the development of driverless cars and robotic surgery . The intersection of healthcare, AI, and engineering—including efforts to 3D-print human tissue Insights from his time working in Europe, the Soviet Union, South America, and beyond.

Dr. Griffor also shared thought-provoking ideas about trust in technology, the role of mental models, and how global collaboration is key to solving problems in healthcare and beyond.

This is a conversation for anyone passionate about innovation, the power of interdisciplinary work, and the future of humanity.

In this episode, we dive deep into the complex dynamics of inequality in organizations, focusing on body, gender, race, and sexuality. Professor Boncori's research sheds light on the often overlooked experiences of early pregnancy endings and their profound impact on individuals and workplaces.

Here are some key takeaways:

1. Intersection of Personal and Professional Lives: We discuss how old school management practices that separate personal life from work are outdated. Personal experiences, including pregnancy endings, significantly impact professional life.
2. Arbitrary Legal Boundaries: The conversation highlights the stark differences in legal entitlements based on pregnancy timelines, and how these arbitrary boundaries affect support and rights.
3. Emotional and Physical Recovery: Professor Boncori emphasizes the need for compassionate workplace policies that consider both emotional and physical recovery, as well as the importance of offering flexible leave options.
4. Stigma and Disclosure: We explore the stigma around pregnancy loss, particularly with abortion and termination, and the challenges of disclosing such experiences in the workplace.
5. Supportive Work Environments: The episode underscores the importance of creating supportive and inclusive work environments that recognize the holistic experiences of employees.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in organizational behavior, HR management, and creating inclusive workplaces. Tune in to gain valuable insights and learn how we can better support our colleagues through challenging personal experiences.

Prof Ilaria Boncori: personal web page https://www.essex.ac.uk/people/BONCO04906/Ilaria-Boncori

Email: iboncori@essex.ac.uk

X: @BoncoriIlaria

Linkedin: Ilaria Boncori https://www.linkedin.com/in/ilaria-boncori-phd-pfhea-fcipd-518537/?trk=public_post_main-feed-card_reshare-text&originalSubdomain=uk

Project website: https://www.essex.ac.uk/research-projects/supporting-early-pregnancy-endings-in-the-workplace/resources

#Rodcast #Podcast #WorkplaceInequality #Inclusion #HRManagement #PregnancyLoss #MentalHealth #WorkplaceSupport #UniversityOfEssex

I'm thrilled to share our latest episode of the The Dr Rodcast, featuring the incredible Dr. Francesca Farina, a pioneering neuroscientist dedicated to early detection of dementia and reducing its stigma. 🌐🧠

From her groundbreaking research at the Pritzker School of Medicine, University of Chicago, to her advocacy for women's brain health, Dr. Farina's work is shaping the future of dementia research. In this episode, we dive deep into:

🧠 Her journey in neuroscience - Discover what sparked her passion for studying cognition and memory, and how real-life conversations with research participants shifted her focus to the fear and stigma surrounding dementia.

📰 Evolving perceptions - Learn how media portrayals and increased awareness have influenced public understanding of dementia, and the delicate balance between raising awareness and managing fear.

🧬 Risk factors and prevention - From midlife hearing loss to the importance of cognitive reserve, Dr. Farina sheds light on surprising factors that influence dementia risk and how lifestyle changes can make a difference at any age.

💡 Empowering the next generation - We discuss the critical need to educate young people about brain health and modifiable risk factors, ensuring lifelong habits that promote cognitive well-being.

👩‍⚕️ Advocacy and lived experiences - Hear inspiring stories of individuals living with dementia who defy stereotypes and lead fulfilling lives, championing their cause on global platforms.

🎵 The power of music - Explore the fascinating connection between music, memory, and the brain's resilience in dementia patients.

Join us for an enlightening conversation that not only delves into the science of dementia but also emphasizes the human side of this condition. Whether you're interested in brain health, neuroscience, or simply want to hear from a leading expert in the field, this episode is for you!

🎧 Listen now and let's continue the conversation about brain health and dementia. It's never too early, and it's never too late to make a difference. 🌟

https://www.gbhi.org/profiles/francesca-farina

Brain health in young adults:

https://www.bmj.com/content/378/bmj.o2311

#Podcast #Neuroscience #DementiaResearch #BrainHealth #MentalHealth #HealthcareInnovation #WomenInScience #Rodcast

Ever wondered who's behind some of the biggest shifts in global health? From executive Director of the World Health Organisation to leading roles at Yale University and PepsiCo Dr Derek Yach has never shied away from challenging the status quo. With roles like Chief Health Officer at Vitality and President of the Smoke-Free World, Derek offers rare insights into the interplay between corporate influence and global health strategies.

Episode Highlights:

• Breaking Barriers: Hear about the wild story from Derek's time at WHO that reshaped global tobacco control and how he then set his sights on the food industry—challenging giants in the pursuit of public health.
• From Controversy to Clarity: Dive into Derek's controversial move to the Foundation for a Smoke-Free World and discover his perspective on navigating the tricky waters of public and private sector interests.
• A Look Ahead: Derek shares his insights on future health trends and the innovative technologies that could revolutionize how we address chronic diseases and public health.

Joined by the brilliant Professor Jo Brewis, we unravel the tangled web of challenges surrounding menopause in the workplace. Evidence suggests that organizations embracing menopause-friendly policies witness a surge in employee morale and productivity. Studies indicate that 50% of employers in the UK have already implemented supportive measures. Yet, there's still much work to be done.

The financial and operational implications of neglecting menopause in the workplace are profound. Research reveals that 40% of employees report negative impacts on work due to menopausal symptoms, with 12% taking time off as a result. In the US, untreated hot flushes result in 57% more indirect work productivity loss days, leading to significant financial repercussions. Moreover, the estimated costs of work impairment related to vasomotor symptoms (VMS) can range from US$1100 to US$6500 per woman, depending on symptom severity.

As women aged 45-55 represent a growing portion of the global workforce, employers must address the challenges and opportunities presented by menopausal transition. For More facts and figure tune into the podcast below!

https://www.menopauseatwork.org/free-resources

https://menopausefriendly.co.uk/

https://menopauseintheworkplace.co.uk/

#MenopauseAwareness #WorkplaceHealth #Podcast #Mentalhealth #Leadership #Empowerment