What's That Rash?

Last year Norman made the shocking statement that people shouldn’t retire because it’ll be bad for their brains. After an influx of requests, we’ve looked at the evidence not only when it comes to brain health, but heart health, metabolic health and mental wellbeing. Norman and Tegan unpack the complex story of what happens to your brain and body when you retire – depending on the job you had. Ref...

A few weeks into the new year you might be reassessing your resolutions and wondering where to put your energy.  Is it possible to choose between diet or exercise? Or are the two inherently intertwined? Norman and Tegan try to untangle the untangleable, pitting diet and exercise against one another in different arenas.  References: The history of nutritional sciences   Casimir Funk: The scientist...

It can be hard to keep up with food fads and diet trends (and spoiler: you don’t need to). But an intriguing assumption that has gained traction recently is that seed oils – think canola, sunflower, grapeseed – are terrible for you. Norman and Tegan unpack how that assumption has spread, and whether there’s any solid evidence to back it up. References: Biomarkers of Dietary Omega-6 Fatty Acids and...

We haven’t always suppressed our sweat or our natural body odour, but in many cultures now it’s expected we’ll all try to smell our best. You might be seeing more ads for ‘natural’ deodorants that promise to keep you fresh without any harmful ingredients. Norman and Tegan talk through those ingredients, and whether they carry any risks. This episode first aired on March 19, 2025.  References: The...

Do you find yourself complaining that you've got a small bladder, as you run to the toilet for the third time in an hour? There are many reasons a person might pee more than others, including some scary medical conditions.  But as Norman and Tegan explain, in most cases your bladder is just deconditioned and you need to get your urinary tract into shape.  This episode first aired on April 15, 2025...

There have been many discussions this year about sunscreen, its effectiveness and its ingredients. While there are some unknowns, what we’re sure of is sunscreen’s ability to protect us from the sun’s ageing and cancer-causing rays. Norman and Tegan slip, slop, slap some questions about sunscreen: SPF scandal, endocrine disruptors and vitamin D concerns. References: How does sunscreen work? - Canc...

Creatine is getting a lot of hype lately, at least according to our listeners. It’s being pushed for everything from menopause to dementia for its supposed energy-boosting, brain-boosting benefits. Norman and Tegan explore what is really going on with creatine outside of its muscle-building potential. References: Common questions and misconceptions about creatine supplementation: what does the sci...

Whether or not we remember our dreams, we all have them. But the answer to why we dream is complicated. There's a lot going on in our brains during sleep, especially during the rapid eye movement (REM) phase when most dreams go down. Norman and Tegan talk through the purpose of dreams, how time warps as we snooze and whether there are any downsides to these nightly hallucinations. References: Drea...

When you’ve got a busy schedule, it’s important to just exercise when you can. But if you have the luxury of choice, is there an optimal one? You might’ve even heard that exercising at certain times of day can lead to harm. Norman and Tegan run through the evidence around heart attacks, workouts and what happens when you’re a morning or a night person. References: Association of the time of day of...

Humans are slightly alkaline – your blood should be a pH between 7.35 to 7.45. Anything outside that range can be life-threatening. So why are you being told to follow an alkaline diet? Proponents of the diet claim it can tackle everything from osteoporosis to cancer. Norman and Tegan do a litmus test on the alkaline-acid balance and whether it’s a driver of chronic disease. References: Physiology...

You’re settling into the couch after a long day, ready to relax with your favourite show … next thing you know, you’re asleep. What is it about the TV that puts people to sleep, and what can you do to avoid dozing off? Norman and Tegan explore comfort watching, binge-watching and blue light exposure. References: Exploring the Bob Ross effect: A psychophysiological investigation Binge Viewing, Slee...

If you've seen a physiotherapist, you might’ve undergone needling with the promise it will reduce your pain. Did you receive dry needling or acupuncture? How can you tell the difference between the two? Norman and Tegan poke through the evidence to find out how effective these techniques can be. References: Similarities between Ashi acupoints and myofascial trigger points: Exploring the relationsh...

You might’ve seen headlines about high levels of lead being found in common protein supplements. With these products becoming more popular, the news has some eager gym-goers concerned about what they’re consuming. Norman and Tegan discuss how these results compare to our historical exposure – from Ancient Rome to Australia in the 1960s. References: Protein Powders and Shakes Contain High Levels of...

Once you go looking, you realise there are scents in everything – from skincare to cleaning supplies to candles. And of course, perfume. Are there any implications to our health from taking in natural and synthetic fragrances from all these products? Norman and Tegan sniff out the evidence when it comes to scent, and whether we should be worried. References: The first chemist in history may have b...

Whether you can or not, it feels like a sign of fitness to be able to reach down and touch your toes. But how important is flexibility when it comes to your physical fitness? Is it a necessary part of healthy ageing? Norman and Tegan stretch through the evidence on flexibility – when does it count, and how can you achieve it? References: Genetics of Muscle Stiffness, Muscle Elasticity and Explosiv...

The battle between butter and margarine has been happening since margarine was invented in the 19th century. So have we figured out which one is better for your health – butter with its high saturated fat content, or margarine which is an ultra-processed food? Norman and Tegan unpack the winding history of this debate from its inception to the present day. References: The Butter Wars: When Margari...

Do you ever wonder while you’re shampooing and conditioning – is this really necessary? The no-poo movement encourages people to ditch their products and turn to homemade concoctions, or nothing at all. Norman and Tegan rinse out the evidence for and against hair care, and how we got here in the first place. References: Clean: A History of Personal Hygiene and Purity Shampoo and Conditioners: What...

It’s marathon season, but whether you’re running 40 kilometres or four you might’ve wondered what it’s doing to your joints. It used to be thought things like osteoarthritis of the knee or the hip were caused by wear and tear, and running made things worse. Norman and Tegan jog through how the evidence has evolved, and answer the question: should you be hopping on the run club trend? References: ...

A post from Queensland Health has been ridiculed after for urging people not to kiss their pets or let them sleep in the same bed. So how do the risks of pet ownership stack up to the presumed benefits of having a furry (feathery or scaly) friend? Norman and Tegan take a look at the evidence – and some of its flaws – and reignite the age-old cat vs dog debate. References: If you have a pet as a ki...

It’s hay fever season, and as you sniffle away next to an air purifier, you might be wondering why we haven’t cured such a common allergy. Allergic rhinitis, as it’s scientifically known, has plagued people for generations. It's thought up to 24 per cent of Australians suffer from it. Norman and Tegan run through what hay fever is, how we identified it and what can be done to treat it.  This episo...

It’s a tale as old as air travel … you’re off on a whirlwind holiday but spend the first week suffering from fatigue. If you ask anyone about jet lag they’ll have their own tips, but what are some evidence-based ways to reset your body clock? Norman and Tegan talk through some of the ways you can adjust to a totally different timezone. References: Time-zone effects on the long-distance air travele...

If you haven’t heard of the Don’t Die movement or Bryan Johnson’s Blueprint Protocol, then buckle in. Johnson is a millionaire who is pouring his money into a massive effort to stay as young as possible, for as long as possible. Norman and Tegan unpack the basics of his routine, and some of his whackier attempts to turn back the biological clock. References: DunedinPACE, a DNA methylation biomarke...

You go to make a sandwich and notice mould on the corner of a single slice of bread — we've all been there.  So what do you do? Chop off the affected corner? Ditch the single slice and choose bread from further down in the bag? Or chuck the entire bag? Norman and Tegan take on this controversial topic at the World Science Festival in Brisbane.  References: Mycotoxin contamination in moldy slices o...

It might be the last thing on your mind when you’re congested and miserable, but we swear it’s a genuine question we get asked. When you’ve got exercise baked into your routine, do you have to take a break when you’re unwell? Norman and Tegan unpack the nuance of exercising when you’re sick – when you can, and when you can’t. References: The compelling link between physical activity and the body's...

It has become pretty common to send off a saliva sample or a cheek swab to find out more about yourself. At-home DNA testing kits offer insights into ancestry, but also claim to be able to tell you your risk of certain diseases, or even give you unique diet advice. Norman and Tegan explore the limits of these kits, and some things you should consider before potentially buying one. References: Unde...