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People & Planet

People & Planet

Written by: Alya Alhamad
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About this listen

 The People & Planet Podcast: A show all about human health, planetary health, and the links between them. Hosted by Alya Alhamad, an Integrative Nutrition Health Coach with a Master’s Degree in Environmental Sustainability. Through this podcast, it is her mission to collect and deliver information from experts to improve the quality of your life and that of our planet. Follow Alya on Instagram: @wholesome_practice *DISCLAIMER* This podcast is for educational purposes only and should never replace the advice of your doctor or physician. Always consult a medical professional before making any changes or adding anything new to your diet, lifestyle, or medication protocol.Copyright 2024 All rights reserved. Alternative & Complementary Medicine Hygiene & Healthy Living
Episodes
  • 28: Why Human Behaviour Is the Key to Solving the Environmental Crisis With Dr. Brock Bergseth

    28: Why Human Behaviour Is the Key to Solving the Environmental Crisis With Dr. Brock Bergseth
    Jan 23 2026

    Episode Description

    In this episode, Conservation Psychologist and Marine Biologist, Dr. Brock Bergseth explores how human behaviour — not just environmental science — sits at the heart of today’s ecological challenges. Dr. Brock breaks down how social norms influence science and subconscious decision-making shape everything from illegal fishing and poaching to everyday consumer habits, and why understanding people is key to protecting the planet. We discuss how tools borrowed from criminology, behavioural economics, and advertising can be used to shift behaviour toward conservation, the role of cultural norms in shaping compliance, and why modern life has disconnected us from nature in ways that impact both planetary health and mental health. Through real-world research, compelling stories, and a hopeful look at social tipping points, this conversation highlights how small individual actions can scale into meaningful collective change.

    Key Themes & Takeaways
    • Human Behaviour & Conservation Why the environmental crisis is driven as much by human psychology and social behaviour as by science or policy.
    • Social Norms, Conformity & Group Influence How humans are wired to follow the crowd — and how this shapes everyday environmental decisions.
    • Behavioural Science as a Tool for Change How insights from psychology, behavioural economics, and advertising can encourage pro-environmental behaviour at scale.
    • Culture & Environmental Action Why different cultures respond differently to rules, norms, and conservation strategies.
    • Social Tipping Points & Collective Momentum How small behavioural shifts can trigger rapid, large-scale change once they become socially normal.
    • Individual Actions & Ripple Effects Why personal choices matter more than we realise by influencing others around us.
    • Hope, Resilience & Real-World Success Stories What past environmental wins reveal about humanity’s ability to adapt and reverse damage.

    Timestamps

    00:00 — Intro

    00:58 — What Is a Conservation Psychologist?

    1:43 — Why Study Criminology to Protect the Environment?

    4:50 — How Do You Change Human Behaviour for Environmental Action?

    11:06 — Do People Behave Differently Across Cultures?

    13:52 — Applying Behavioural Science to Ocean Conservation

    18:32 — Are Humans Hardwired to Follow the Crowd?

    19:01 — Is Human Conformity Driving the Environmental Crisis?

    22:21 — How Do We Get People to Care About the Planet?

    24:05 — What Actually Motivates Environmental Action?

    26:36 — Do Small Individual Actions Really Matter?

    29:31 — How to Connect With Nature Without Living Near It

    34:55 — How Nature Improves Mental Health and Wellbeing

    39:07 — Why Your Actions Influence Other People

    42:31 — Real Examples of Environmental Change That Give Hope

    48:39 — How to Stay Hopeful While Working on Climate Change

    55:03 — Final Thoughts & Outro

    Connect with Dr. Brock Bergseth
    • Website: www.brockbergseth.com
    • Instagram: @doc.brock_
    • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brock-bergseth-12a07131/

    Connect with Me

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wholesome_practice/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100049758914001 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PeopleAndPlanetPodcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alya-alhamad Website: https://alyaalhamad.com/

    Disclaimer

    This podcast is for educational purposes only and should not replace the advice of your doctor or physician. Always consult a medical professional before making changes to your diet, lifestyle, or medication protocol.
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    56 mins
  • 27: How Ecological Medicine Can Help Us Heal in A Modern Toxic World with Dr. Jenny Goodman

    27: How Ecological Medicine Can Help Us Heal in A Modern Toxic World with Dr. Jenny Goodman
    Nov 23 2025
    Episode Description In this episode, Dr. Jenny Goodman — physician, author, and Ecological Medicine doctor — joins us to unpack the deep connection between environmental toxins, chronic illness, fertility, and mental health. Drawing on decades of clinical experience, Dr. Goodman explains how everyday exposure to chemicals found in our food, homes, and products contributes to fatigue, hormonal imbalances, and disease — and, most importantly, explains what we can do about it. We explore practical, evidence-based ways to reduce our toxic load, from simple dietary shifts and detox practices to choosing safe mattresses, beauty products, and cleaning supplies. Dr. Goodman also sheds light on the impact of plastics, glyphosate, and radiation on reproductive health, and why preconception detox may be the key to protecting future generations. You’ll hear guidance for pregnant women, insight into the link between pollution and mental health, and Dr. Goodman’s empowering reminder that healing doesn’t require perfection — just small, consistent changes. Whether you’re just starting your wellness journey or looking to take your health to the next level, this episode is packed with practical wisdom and hope for a healthier body and planet. Key Themes & Takeaways Ecological Medicine & Root-Cause Healing Understanding the principles of ecological medicine — how it unites nutrition, detoxification, and environmental awareness to restore whole-body health.Environmental Toxins & Modern Disease How chemicals, plastics, pesticides, and pollutants contribute to fatigue, hormonal disruption, and chronic illness.Nutrition & The Missing Minerals Why depleted soil leads to nutrient deficiencies — and how this impacts immune function, fertility, and mental health.Gut-Brain Axis & Mental Health The scientific link between gut bacteria and mood disorders like depression and anxiety. How stress and the vagus nerve affect digestion, inflammation, and overall well-being.Toxins, Fertility & Future Generations How plastics, glyphosate, and heavy metals impact sperm, egg quality, and fetal development.Detoxing Your Home & Environment Practical, low-cost swaps for safer cleaning products, beauty routines, and non-toxic bedding.Pollution, Obesity & the Brain The overlooked role of toxins in weight gain, metabolic issues, and cognitive decline. How environmental pollution affects behavior, attention, and emotional health.Hope, Healing & Practical Change Why perfection isn’t required to heal — small, consistent changes add up. How reconnecting with nature and community restores balance to both body and planet. Timestamps 00:00 – Intro02:10 – What is Ecological Medicine?08:30 –Connecting The Gut and The Brain15:13 – Studying Ecological Medicine17:20 – Environmental Toxins and Chronic Illness20:30 – Heavy Metal Toxicity21:00 – How Antibiotics Impact The Mitochondria and the Gut Microbiome22:50 – Overview of Human Health Connected to Planetary Health27:50 – Farming is a Fundamental Activity For Human And Planetary Health33:00 – Different Ways For Detoxing The Body44:30 – The Role of Iodine and Breast Cancer Prevention46:00 – How Plastics Affect Hormones and the Brain47:00 – Detoxing Your Home: Bedroom, Bathroom, and Kitchen51:00 – Safer Alternatives for Cosmetics and Cleaning Products55:40 – EMF Exposure and Protecting Your Home Environment1:00:15 – Pollution, Mental Health, and Cognitive Decline1:01:35 – The Link Between Obesity, Toxins, and the Brain1:03:30 – Fertility, Glyphosate, and Protecting Future Generations1:06:10 – Preconception Detox and Male Fertility1:09:35 – Safe Detoxing During Pregnancy1:12:00 – Final Takeaways: Healing, Hope, and Grounding with Nature1:12:45 – Outro Connect with Dr. Jenny Goodman Website: https://drjennygoodman.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_jenny_goodman/?hl=enHer books: Staying Alive in Toxic Times and Getting Healthy in Toxic Times Books Mentioned in the Episode: How to Give Up Plastic How to Save the World for FreeToxic Legacy Connect with Me Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wholesome_practice/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100049758914001 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PeopleAndPlanetPodcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alya-alhamad Website: https://alyaalhamad.com/ Disclaimer This podcast is for educational purposes only and should not replace the advice of your doctor or physician. Always consult a medical professional before making changes to your diet, lifestyle, or medication protocol.
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    1 hr and 13 mins
  • 26: Peptides, Bioregulators & Beyond: Healing, Longevity, and Brain Health with Dean Henry

    26: Peptides, Bioregulators & Beyond: Healing, Longevity, and Brain Health with Dean Henry
    Sep 1 2025

    Episode Description In this episode, peptide researcher and specialist Dean Henry dives into the fascinating and fast-growing world of peptides and bioregulators. Dean explains how these compounds are being used to support thyroid health, reduce inflammation, and aid in chronic conditions like endometriosis and autoimmune diseases. He also shares insights into groundbreaking applications for brain health, including cognitive enhancement and protocols for Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.

    We discuss the rise of GLP-1 peptides for obesity and weight loss, why microdosing may be the safest and most effective approach, and how to avoid common misconceptions about these compounds. From mitochondrial support with SS-31 to recovery peptides like BPC-157, Dean provides both a scientific and practical lens on how these therapies can enhance longevity and well-being.

    This conversation is packed with both cutting-edge science and down-to-earth wisdom, giving listeners a clear understanding of where peptides could fit into the bigger picture of their health optimization routine.

    Key Themes & Takeaways

    Peptides & Bioregulators Explained

    • What they are, how they work, and why they’re becoming such an important tool in modern medicine.

    Thyroid Health & Autoimmune Conditions

    • How bioregulators may help reduce reliance on thyroid medication.
    • The potential role of LDN in managing conditions like endometriosis.

    Brain Health & Cognitive Optimization

    • Dean’s personal experience with cognitive peptides like Cerebrolysin, C-Max, and Selank.
    • Preventative protocols for Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.

    GLP-1 Peptides & Obesity

    • Microdosing vs standard dosing.
    • The real mechanism: reducing cravings and food noise, not just suppressing appetite.
    • Why lifestyle changes are still essential.

    Performance, Recovery & Longevity

    • Key peptides for healing and recovery: BPC-157, SS-31, and NAD+.
    • The importance of mitochondrial health for energy and aging.

    The Future of Peptides

    • The compounds Dean is most excited about and why prevention is just as important as treatment.

    Timestamps

    00:00 Intro to Episode & Dean Henry 03:15 What are peptides and bioregulators? 08:40 Supporting thyroid health with bioregulators 14:05 Endometriosis, autoimmune conditions & the role of LDN 20:45 Peptides for brain health, Alzheimer’s & Parkinson’s 28:30 Dean’s personal cognitive peptide experiences (Cerebrolysin, C-Max, Selank) 36:55 GLP-1 peptides for obesity, cravings & misconceptions 44:20 Performance and recovery peptides (BPC-157, SS-31, NAD+) 52:10 The future of peptides & what excites Dean most 57:45 Outro, resources & where to connect with Dean

    Resources Mentioned Throughout the Episode

    Central Peptide Hub: https://peptidesociety.org

    DN Lab Research: dnlabresearch.com

    UAE Peptides website: uaepeptidesresearch.com

    UAE Peptides Instagram: @uaepeptides

    Facebook Groups:

    • https://www.facebook.com/groups/112973189333911/
    • https://www.facebook.com/groups/biohackingsuperhumanperformance/

    Connect with Dean

    Instagram: @dean.e.henry

    Connect with me

    Instagram: @wholesome_practice

    TikTok: @wholesome_planet Facebook: Wholesome Practice YouTube: People and Planet Podcast LinkedIn: Alya Alhamad Website: alyaalhamad.com

    Disclaimer

    This podcast is for educational purposes only and should not replace the advice of your doctor or physician. Always consult a medical professional before making changes to your diet, lifestyle, or medication protocol.
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    1 hr and 2 mins
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