The NESI Podcast

Peer review sits at the heart of academic life — but how do we learn to do it well? Most researchers receive review requests long before they receive any real guidance. And yet, thoughtful, constructive reviewing is one of the most meaningful ways we contribute to the scientific community. In this final episode of Season 1 of the NESI Podcast, we explore the craft, purpose, and practice of peer re...

Muscle loss isn’t just a normal part of ageing — it’s a major public-health challenge. Sarcopenia , the gradual loss of muscle and strength, affects millions worldwide and is a key driver of frailty, falls, and reduced independence. But research now shows it begins decades earlier than we once thought — meaning prevention has to start well before old age. In this episode of the #NESIPodcast , Stev...

In this episode of the #NESIPodcast , Steve speaks with Dr. Tepi McLaughlin , a researcher and policy leader whose work explores the intersection of physical activity, systems thinking, and political economy. Together, they unpack the evolution of the field, the importance of politically informed approaches, and the role of advocacy in navigating commercial and structural determinants of health. T...

How can policy create the conditions for people to move more in their everyday lives? In this episode of the #NESIPodcast, Steve chats with Dr. Sven Messing , a researcher based at the University of Limerick in Ireland through a Marie Sklodowska-Curie Fellowship. With a background in political science and over eight years of experience in physical activity and public health, Sven’s work explores h...

In this episode, Stephen speaks with Dr Ben Rigby from Newcastle University (United Kingdom) about his commentary, Reflections on inaction: how might we reverse continuing trends in physical inactivity , which asks why decades of physical activity promotion have failed to move the needle — and what bold ideas might finally shift the dial. Ben shares his reflections on the limitations of current po...

Exercise oncology is reshaping cancer care—proving that movement is not only safe for people with cancer but can also boost treatment outcomes, ease side effects, and enhance quality of life. As digital health grows as a tool for delivering care, eHealth offers a promising way to make exercise guidance more accessible—but how does it fit into cancer treatment? In this episode of the NESI Podcast,...

How can we create early childhood environments that truly support physical activity and active play? In this episode, Stephen chats with Dr Charla Rochella Santiago from the University of the Philippines Diliman, about her research on physical activity in early years settings — and why movement in these foundational years matters for lifelong health and development. Dr Santiago shares insights fro...

Small moves can have big impacts on our health.   We all love to unwind after a long day—whether it’s sinking into the couch to watch TV or scrolling through our phones. But what if those quiet evening hours were also the perfect time to sneak in some movement? In this episode, we explore how adding a few simple movement breaks can make a difference to our health.   In this episode, Steve is joine...

What if the secret to healthier living starts with healthier places? When we think of geography, we tend to think of maps and distances between locations, but it is more than just studying the Earth’s surface. Geography reveals how place shapes people — and how we can shape places in return. In this episode of the NESI Podcast, Emma explores how geography influences health behaviours with Dr. Alex...

Want to know how physical activity can help with anxiety and depression? In this episode of the NESI podcast, we speak with Dr. Ben Singh about his landmark research on the impact of exercise on mental health. We discuss how different types, durations, and frequencies of physical activity affect symptoms of anxiety and depression—and how these effects compare to standard treatments like medication...

We have a special episode of the NESI Podcast for you. This week, it is the ISBNPA 2025 annual meeting in Auckland, New Zealand. The ISBNPA annual meetings generate a high turnout with researchers from around the world, covering a wide variety of topics in physical activity and nutrition research. The planning committee organizes various presentation sessions, special interest group meetings and s...

How do you make your science clear, compelling, and memorable? In this episode, Stephen sits down with Dr Michael Wheeler, a leading science communicator and physical activity researcher to unpack the power of effective communication in research. From translating complex findings into accessible messages, to shaping a personal narrative as an early career researcher, Michael shares insights and pr...

In this episode, we dive into one of the most talked-about developments in research and academia today—generative AI. Our guest is Professor Melanie Hingle, a registered dietitian, behavioral nutrition expert, and academic leader; Melanie is co-editor in chief of The International Journal of Behavioural Nutrition and Physical Activity. Melanie joins Steve to explore the opportunities, challenges,...

Welcome to the first-ever episode of the NESI Podcast, brought to you by the Network of Early Career Researchers and Students of the International Society of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity (ISBNPA)! In this inaugural episode, your hosts Dr Emma Ostermeir and Dr Stephen Barrett introduce the podcast and share its purpose: to amplify the voices, stories, and work in behavioral nutrition...