Straight Talking Science

Can we slow aging? Can we prevent disease before it starts? And could simple lifestyle changes add years of healthy life? In this episode of Straight Talking Science, Barry Skillington sits down with Martin O'Dea, CEO of Applied Longevity Services and founder of the Longevity Summit Dublin, to explore the latest science of longevity, healthy aging, healthspan, and disease prevention. We discuss wh...

What if the painful periods, mood swings, and chronic fatigue you've been told to just "deal with" are actually signs of something bigger? Professor Siobhain O'Mahony returns to unpack the hidden connections between your gut microbiome, hormones, and the most misunderstood conditions in women's health. From endometriosis affecting 1 in 10 women to polycystic ovarian syndrome impacting 1 in 5, thes...

Are seed oils really toxic? Is snacking ruining your health? Should you obsess over every ingredient label? Dr. Sarah Berry, Professor of Nutritional Sciences at King's College London and Chief Scientist at Zoe, joins us to cut through the noise and tackle the biggest myths in nutrition science. With over 25 years of experience and more than 35 human clinical trials under her belt, Sarah reveals w...

Why has women's health been historically overlooked? What is FemTech, and how is it changing medicine for half the population? And what opportunities exist right now to solve problems that have been ignored for decades? Dr. Tanya Mulcahy, biochemist and expert in health innovation, joins Barry Skillington to unpack the science, the gaps, and the massive opportunity in women's health technology. Fr...

What if the health advice you're following isn't backed by science? What if the cure you saw on TikTok is actually delaying treatment for something serious? And how do you know which health claims to trust when everyone online seems to have a different answer? Dr. Nantakozal Yusef, a GP with over 15 years of experience across South Africa and Ireland, joins Barry Skillington to cut through the noi...

Why do diets fail? Why are you always hungry? And what if the secret to managing your weight isn't about eating less, but eating better? In this episode of Straight Talking Science, Barry Skillington sits down with Dr. Harriët Schellekens, senior lecturer in the Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience at UCC, funded investigator for APC Microbiome Ireland and Food for Health Ireland, and leading ex...

Intimidated by the gym? Confused about where to start? Wondering if you actually need that tub of protein powder? Dr. Ross Hamilton, sports physiologist, professional athlete, and performance coach, joins Barry Skillington to cut through the fitness noise and give you practical, no-nonsense advice on exercise, aging, and building a body that works for life. From VO2 max testing to bodyweight squat...

If you have been trying to make sense of what truly supports brain health, this episode is worth setting time aside. Barry Skillington is joined by Dr Kieran Rea, Atlantia’s Scientific Director, who brings years of experience across neuroscience, clinical trial design and the microbiota gut-brain field. Ciarán has led research teams in academia and industry, managed clinical trial portfolios in th...

Feeling overwhelmed by supplement trends? In this episode of Straight Talking Science, Barry Skillington from Atlantia Clinical Trials, sits down with nutritional expert Anneliese Dressel, founder and owner of The Health Hub store in Cork to separate fact from fiction in today’s booming supplement world.  They discuss how our health priorities evolved after Covid, why mental wellbeing and sleep ar...

Are your hormones or gut making you feel “off”? In this eye-opening episode, Professor Siobhan O’Mahony joins us to break down the science of women’s health, stress, and the gut-brain connection - in plain language. Learn how your microbiome changes during perimenopause, what foods can help balance your hormones, and why anxiety, sleep, and mood are deeply connected to your gut. Whether you’re in...

Our guest in this episode is Prof. Timothy Dinan, Emeritus Professor of Psychiatry and a Principal Investigator in the Alimentary Pharmabiotic Centre at University College Cork (UCC). Prof. Dinan has built a distinguished career in psychiatry and neuroscience, making major contributions to uncovering how gut microbiota influence mental health.  In this episode, we explore the gut–brain connection...

Gut health is everywhere - but what’s real and what’s hype?  In the first episode of Straight Talking Science, our host Barry Skillington along with Professor Paul Cotter – a leading microbiologist and expert in fermented foods, breaks down the science behind fermented foods, their growing role in mainstream health, and the future of food personalization.  Whether you're a science enthusiast, a he...